From desert dunes to flamingos in the ocean, Namibia is an interesting and unusual country in which to bird, an example of unspoiled nature.

Flying into Namibia, you may arrive at Windhoek, the capital, located near the center of the country amongst the rolling hills.  Daan Viljoen Game Park, in the Khomas-Hochland Mountains, is only a short drive from the capital and has gravel roads and hiking trails to see the abundant wildlife, especially birds. Look for the Rockrunner, Cape Shoveler, and the Barred Wren-Warbler.

Traveling to the northeastern panhandle area of Namibia, make a stop in Okavango and Caprivi. A densely wooded wilderness makes birding interesting, with over 420 bird species reported. Pririt Batis, Pied Barbet, Black Korhaan, Blackcheeked Waxbill and Titbabbler are among the birds you might spy among the leaves.

In the northern central section of the country, Etosha is Namibia’s premier game park, the world’s largest national park covering over  13,670 square miles. Created in 1907, it is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa. Dense brush alternates with open arid salt plains, offering a wide variety of bird habitats and viewing opportunities. Watering holes act as magnets, drawing animals and birdlife around the clock. [Read more…]

A gap year isn’t the sole right of students. Older people can take a year out too. Here are five reasons for taking a break:

1 – The state of the economy

Let’s face it, the economy is in a pretty poor state right now, and we’re all growing tired of waiting for things to improve. If you’ve just finished your studies, the chances of finding a job are looking pretty grim, so you might just as well take the time to travel, learn a new language, volunteer for work and gain a real life experience while others are scouring the job market without much success. [Read more…]

Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and the world’s most northerly capital. It is the perfect place for anyone looking to explore the surrounding geothermal hotspots, to take some scenic drives, eat some interesting food and generally see how life is lived in the Arctic.

Despite the relative coolness of the climate (highs of 13 degrees centigrade in summer and lows of -3 centigrade in winter), Reykjavik is hugely popular year round with tourists seeking a more unusual break within easy reach of the rest of Europe. There is a wide range of activities in and around the city, as well as plenty of shopping, culture and nightlife – if you are planning a trip to the frozen north, here are some of the highlights of Reykjavik that you just can’t miss. [Read more…]

For some, taking a holiday isn’t all about lounging pool side or sun bathing on the beach. Vacations can take place anywhere, and if it’s a dreamy, powdery, winter destination you’re in the market for, there are a few you just can’t miss.

Whether it’s the winter sports that attracts you or just the thought of a cozy cabin, winter holidays can offer a broad range of experiences. No matter what time of year it is, there’s somewhere in the world where it’s snowing!

Here are five of the world’s best winter vacation destinations:

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We’ve all been in the situation of traveling abroad and not being sure of what places are safe and what are not. You may feel pretty confident about yourself and your handling of bad situations in your own town, but once you’re abroad everything changes and you’re just a tourist with no connections and you probably don’t even speak the language. Knowing that something like this can really hurt your holiday experience we’ve put together a few tips to help you feel safer and minimize the risk of being robbed while traveling.

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