Make sure you pick your activity operator with care, stick to safety guidelines and know in advance what to do in an accident. From which operator to choose, to claiming holiday accident compensation, read our comprehensive guide and enjoy extreme sports safely.

Travel insurance

If you want to try out sporting activities whilst on holiday make sure you get choose a travel insurance policy which covers you fully for this. Most standard policies do not include cover for extreme sports, so read the small print carefully before splashing out on cover. If you are trying out winter sports like snowboarding and skiing you may need to opt for specialist winter sports cover, available from most travel insurance companies. Make sure you take a copy of your policy, with all relevant contact numbers, on holiday with you.

Choosing a sports provider

Although it may be tempting, do not automatically choose the cheapest extreme sports provider, as there may be valid reasons why one company is cheaper than others – poorly maintained equipment and inadequate training could be real concerns. Make sure the employees working for the company you choose have a good understanding of English, and ask for a printed copy of the company’s terms and conditions before parting with your cash. For sound advice, ask at the local tourist information office, which should have details of registered and approved companies. Large holiday companies should also hold these details and if you’re on a package holiday, ask your rep for guidance.

If things go wrong

The best time to visit Los Angeles solely depends on how you intend to spend your time there. There are different places to visit and an endless list of activities you can go on to suit your holiday needs. Most people however prefer visiting LA during the months of March, May, September and November when the weather is a lot friendlier. This is not to say that visits during other months of the year will be any less fun. This article provides you with information that will help you determine the best time and places to visit on your next trip.

Is LA an ideal tourist destination? Well, last year alone, Los Angeles hosted over 40 million visitors which is a slightly higher number than that seen the previous year and the years before that. People come from all walks of life to enjoy the many fun scenery and activities the city has to offer. Summer is a great time to visit Los Angeles. With temperatures rising up to 90 degrees, you and your friends and family are sure to enjoy your time at the beach.

Spring is another great season to visit Los Angeles for holidays. The weather is usually warm but you might need a jacket during the night. This will be a great time to visit some of the marvelous museums located in different parts of this city or simply go for a shopping spree in one of the many shopping malls around.
Venice Beach

While there are many beaches to visit in Los Angeles, Venice beach seems to be the most popular amongst tourists. Whether you enjoy lying down on the beach or playing games with friends, Venice Beach will cater for all your needs. To make the most of your holiday and to avoid problems getting accommodation, you’d be better off making reservation early.

LA Brea Tar Pits
When selecting the best places to visit during your next trip to LA, you will definitely be lost for choice. The LA Brea Tar Pits is one of the most popular museums in Los Angeles where you are offered the chance to travel back in time and check out bones from millions of animals. This museum is popular with students who come here to learn more about nature and what it has to offer.
Hollywood
Some people say that a Los Angeles holiday is not complete until you have visited Hollywood. Here you get the chance to take pictures of the famous Hollywood sign, walk around taking in the ambiance or visit Ripley’s Museum for some of the most unbelievable artifacts from early life. While it might not be as glamorous as what you see on TV, Hollywood is sure to offer lasting memories for you and your family.
Walking Tours

To learn more about Los Angeles and its history, be sure to book a tour of the city during your next visit. Walking tours are popular among visitors as they offer people the chance to learn first-hand about the city’s heritage. The urban architecture is breath taking and you will definitely enjoy the experience.

Author Bio:

Biljana is an online writer and blogger always on a look out for affordable ways to see the world. Many of the LA travel tours have been possible only with cheap flights to LA.

Malta has a beautiful, green country side that is rugged and boasts rolling hills. Among the trees and streams there are wine farms which one can visit, do wine tasting at and even tour the cellar. In this interesting and informative article, we look at some of the prominent wine farms and wine tours that one can enjoy while visiting the island of Malta.

Valley, Wine Tasting and Cellar Tours

Emmanuel Delicata wine tours

Emmanuel Delicata is Malta’s oldest and most well known producer of fine wines and a viable option for any lover of wine. Wine tours for Emmanuel Delicata can be organised for groups of twelve or more and can even be customised to suit the needs and wants of the group. One of the main elements that will be covered in the wine tour is the history of the wine farms and production. One is able to request wine tasting and a cellar tour which takes place in their historic tasting vaults located underground near the Paola Waterfront. Among the many wine tasting and cellar tours in Malta, Emmanuel Delicata is definitely one of the best due to its popularity, the accolades it has received and the history surrounding it.

Montekristo Estate wine tours

Situated in the beautiful country side, among green trees and ripe vines is Montekristo Estate, one of Malta’s newest wine farms that offer enjoyable and memorable tours. The centre point of the huge estate is the ‘Chateau’ which is beautifully built. One is able to enjoy a wine tour of the whole farm, tasting in the cellar and an in-depth explanation of how the wine is made. One of the most knowledgeable wine tours in Malta.

Marsovin wine tours

Another one of the top wine tours that offer cellar tours and wine tasting is the wine producer Marsovin. They offer comprehensive and interesting wine tours that will cover all facets pertaining to the culture and history of wine making. Groups on the wine tour will be introduced to a full historical introduction among the old artefacts, then a full tour of the wine cellars which are 400-years-old and are also totally unique to Maltese heritage and culture. One can also enjoy wine tasting and it has been said that the Marsovin wine tours are one of the best on the island.

Jemma Scott is an avid freelance writer that has stayed in many a hotel in Malta such as Bugibba hotel and has enjoyed wine tours on the island.

Until just last year, your travel options for going from London to Paris were limited to two-and-a-bit choices: either fly there or go on the Eurostar (seated) or Eurotunnel (with your car or on a coach). These options are not cheap, and of course if you were to take your car you would have to get it through London, usually in rush-hour, to make your connection.  If you were to travel by coach you often had to catch a national line that would be already fairly full by the time it arrived in London, and those coaches were either expensive or cheap and cramped.

Thankfully there is now another option which is much cheaper yet still comfortable: coach travel from the heart of London to Paris (Charles de Gaulle or Paris Bercy).  The iDBUS will take you from London to Paris (Paris- Amsterdam, or Paris-Brussels) for £35.  The price depends on when you travel, not when you book, so you don’t need to feel put off by complex booking arrangements and discounts or premiums for booking too early or too late.  Simply book your tickets, head for the Victoria Coach Station (accessible by tube or bus) and relax.

The journey by coach will naturally take longer than by aeroplane.  Expect to spend just short of eight hours on board, but during that time you will be facing forwards the whole way and able to make use of the on-board free Wi-Fi.  Choose to travel throughout the night or throughout the day, whichever suits you best.  And if you have more than three people in your party, the last ticket you buy will be free.

Unlike flying to Paris, you don’t need to worry about luggage weight: included in the price is one piece of luggage per person plus a piece of hand luggage each.

So, once you’ve booked and set off, relax and enjoy the fact that someone else is doing the driving and navigating Paris’s famously-tricky ring road, and using their own petrol.  Sit back and take in the sights of the French countryside and towns you pass through on your way to your final destination.

Byline: This is a guest post by Claire Chat a new Londoner, travel passionate and animal lover. She blogs about Pets and Travelling in Europe. If you want Claire to write you specific content, you can find email her here or contact her on Twitter (@Claire_Chat).

Top Malta Tourist Attractions

Sun, beach and sea

One of the best tourist attractions of Malta is its beaches. Sun, beach and sea are many people’s dream of a holiday and Malta offers this in abundance. Malta has many differs beaches from long, sandy ones to the more rocky few. Some of the more popular beaches are great for children and have stunning restaurants alongside. Others are more secluded; it’s up to you what you would like.

Hagar Qim

Malta is known to have an immense amount of history and culture and offers some of the most interesting attractions. Hagar Qim is one of Malta’s most popular and top tourist destinations. Hagar Qim is one of Malta’s oldest, ancient temples made out of limestone and featuring 5 domes. This Neolithic temple is located 2 kilometres from the characteristic village of Qrendi, another great tourist attraction of Malta.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Malta and is iconic to the island. The azure sea that surrounds the island is lined with interesting and sharp rock formations which often create grottos and cave type structures. The Blue Grotto is exactly this and boasts deep waters showing beautiful bright colours, from turquoise into blue. One is able to snorkel or kayak to the Blue grotto and explore this beautiful cave with its translucent waters and shining corals- definitely one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Malta.

Mdina

Many famous films such as ‘Troy’ have been filmed in the historic areas of Malta and one of these iconic tourist attractions is the ancient and walled city of Mdina. Enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the small, characteristic restaurants, browse the narrow, cobbled streets or enjoy a snack in one of the historic squares.

Jemma Scott is a freelance writer with an interest in Malta holidays and other locations worldwide.

For many people, all those activities go best with a cold brew. San Diego is also home to more than 25 local micro and craft breweries. Many of these operations offer tours for visitors looking to enjoy the best beers of San Diego. Below are some of the interesting brewery options available in and around San Diego.  You can find out more about the San Diego Brew Project here.

Latitude 33 Brewery

Latitude 33 offers its own tasting room allowing visitors to sample a short beer of about 4 ounces for $1. The brewery offers a number of ales in a variety of styles as standard fare. Specialty beers are offered throughout the year and vary with the season.

Lightning Brewery

Lightning brewery offers ales and lagers in a variety of traditional German styles. This brewery also offers tips for the home brewer as well as some equipment and supplies. The brewery offers group tours that include a traditional tasting room that also offers bottled products for sale. Because of the size of the operation, tours are limited to six people at a time.

Wet ‘N Reckless Brewing

Wet ‘N Reckless claims to offer beer with an attitude. The companies shark logo would seem to indicate they are true to their word. Their tasting room offers a variety of ales some with added fruit flavors. They also brew Beowulf’s Mead offering a sweet variation to the beer. Wet ‘N Reckless beers are not marketed outside the brewery.

Stumblefoot Brewing Company

Stumblefoot, according to the good folks at the brewery, means gaining knowledge through happenstance. Their beers offers a number of beer styles including the classic India Pale Ale along with the darker German lagers. Some of the other beers include an interesting stout with the added twist of chipotle pepper. Stumblefoot beers are available in a number of lounges in the San Diego area and at the tasting room located at the brewery.

Coronado Brewing Company

The logo of the Coronado Brewing Company is a red-haired mermaid carrying a frosty pitcher of beer. Coronado offers a number of pilsner, ale and stout beers. The beers range from about 5 percent alcohol to an amazing 10 percent. The company offers a tasting room along with a line of gift products carrying the Coronado logo. You can even pick up a dog treat for your best friend while you get a beer for yourself.

Green Flash Brewing

Green Flash Brewing claims their beers are a “flash of genius.” They offer a full variety of beers for the enlightened beer enthusiast. Some of the more interesting standards include a barleywine and double stout black ale. Many of the beers offered by Green Flash have received regional and national awards within its style. The company offers tours and tasting room on a public schedule but also offers private tours and parties.

Iron Fist Brewing Company

The beers offered by Iron Fist range from traditional European farmhouse ales to some rather unique brews. The Renegade Blonde, for example, has traits of both ales and lagers in a light colored brew. The Velvet Glove stout offers a nearly 10 percent alcohol content. Iron Fist beers are available at the tasting room and in fine restaurants around the region.

Kevin Caldwell is an avid traveler who built the website Hotel Circle Hotels. Kevin strives to help people with their travel planning and accommodations. Kevin writes about places he’s visited and tips for other travelers.

This UN agency is a market leader in the promotion of tourism as a driver of environmental sustainability, economic growth and also inclusive development. With the help of this organization countries can generate market knowledge of the tourism sector, promote sustainable and competitive tourism policies and also implement educational training to assist with a wide range of projects. All of this can help drive the tourism sector and create stability which will have a benefit towards the local economy.

Ethics of Tourism

The organization also has in place a code of ethics which it refers members to so that they can create a sustainable and responsible tourism industry. These guiding principles are put in place to help make sure that each country can get the maximum benefit out of tourism, whilst having the least impact on the environment and cultural heritage of the country. It is not only about making the destination country aware of various factors in order to create sustainable tourism, but also educating tourists as well so that their money goes to the places in the economy which needs it, but at the same time they have as little negative impact as possible. Some of the principles embraced are as follows;

• Enabling a mutual respect and understanding between societies and peoples
• Backing the rights of people and companies working within the tourism sector
• Using tourism to enhance the cultural heritage and contribution of mankind
• Using tourism as a vehicle for collective and also individual fulfillment

There are 10 guiding principles in total, and you will be able to find these listed out in detail on the UNWTO website. This code is not legally binding or enforced by law, but it is encouraged that each country adopts the principles of this within its own tourism sectors. It was first implemented in 1999 at the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization and then two years later was acknowledged by the United Nations itself.

The type of events that are held

The UNWTO holds various events throughout the world to help create awareness regards different social aspects of tourism. High on the agenda is the protection of children within the tourism industry. On the 8th of March 2013, the 28th meeting of the WTO child protection was held in Berlin at the Berlin International Tourism Fair. The meeting is a good way for various countries to exchange ideas and practical knowledge to help protect children from the tourism sector in their native country. By protection, they mean preventing child abuse and child prostitution, preventing underage workers in the production of tourist related products and materials, also preventing children being used to self products and services to tourists. There are lots of other events and meetings held throughout the year which touch on all aspects of tourism and their impact on the local population and culture as well. These events are not only a good way to make sure all countries look after their indigenous population as well as attracting tourists, but also a good way of sharing and exchanging ideas in an ever changing world.

Increasing Tourism

As populations grow and more people have enough disposable income to afford holidays abroad, so too is the amount of people travelling to foreign countries. In 1950, the amount of International Tourist Arrivals was 25 Million. In 2011, this number jumped up to 980 million and the figure projected for 2030 are 1.8 Billion arrivals. This means that the tourism sector is huge and can have a very big effect on local economies. This is why it s important to encourage tourism that is sustainable and has as little negative impact on the cultural heritage of the local population as possible. So the next time you look to book a cheap holiday abroad, think about what you can do for the local population while you are there and try not to partake in events and practices which can have a negative effect on the country such as purchasing souvenirs made from banned substances. Everybody needs to work together to make sure that both the tourists centres and also the tourists themselves, do not ruin the environment for generations to come. Making sure that your children and their children as well can appreciate everything that is on offer from the local population to the environment and wildlife as well.

Ted Hunter wrote this article for Travel Republic. Travel Republic has cheap holidays abroad to 100’s of different countries around the world. Ted is a keen environmentalist who likes to travel the world enjoying all of the cultures that he encounters.

This photo was used under the Creative Commons license curtsey of Flickr.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisd2006/6202990883/

If you’re considering an active and exhilarating vacation in the near future then yacht charters may just be what you’re after. The chance to sail under the hawk-eyed diligence of a professional skipper or to bareboat charter your own craft and develop your skills, often presents an extremely enjoyable alternative to ‘yet another’ beach resort break.

Below are some awesome examples of where you can rent a yacht and from the Olympic sites of the UK to more exotic locations, further afield, you may begin to wonder why you’ve never thought about bareboat charter vacations before.

Isle of Wight, UK

Renowned the world over for the prestigious Cowes week regatta, the Isle of Wight is the home of UK yachting. The whole island is dotted with hidden coves and sandy beaches and towns like Shanklin, Newport and Ryde, make the IOW irresistible to sailors and landlubbers alike. If you’re looking for safe moorings then the marina in Cowes is unsurpassable and land-based activities, such as trips to Osborne House, maritime museums and a nine-hole golf course, make the island an ideal location for rich and varied yacht charter itineraries.

San Francisco, North America

Imagine cruising under the jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge just as the sun sets or participating in a local regatta that will pit your crew against some of the west coast’s finest sailors. Sailing and San Fran go together like syrup and pancakes. Aside from those all-important Pacific blues you’ll soon discover a whole plethora of famous landmarks and neighborhoods that present infinite options whilst ashore. From Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz to more than 200 well-kept parks and gardens, there’s so much to tempt you from the ocean that you may have to consider taking another week to fit it all in.

Bodrum, Turkey

Ancient ruins, buzzing nightlife and outstanding sailing, the historic town of Bodrum offers an eclectic blend of recreational and cultural delights to enthral even the gnarliest of sailors. This is your chance to make the most of remote, clear-water anchorages as you enjoy the warm breeze of the Mediterranean. Thanks to Turkey’s location, next to Greece, a two-centre sailing tour is easily achievable and comparing the islands, beaches and food of two of Europe’s classic civilisations is an awesome option for experienced crews and newbies alike.

Phuket, Thailand

Regarded as one of Thailand’s most contemporary yachting locations, Phuket, in the southwest of the country, is all about the white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Of course, the sailing’s not bad either and from tranquil waters framed by gigantic limestone rocks to sheltered inlets which are perfect for learning how to sail, Phuket is an excellent exotic option for yacht charters. Thanks to the gorgeous climate, southern Thailand is also a great choice for winter sailing tours and if you’re tired of the cold winds and rough seas back home then remember that you’re never far away from Thailand’s exotic warmth.

Port Solent, UK

If you’re interested in British naval heritage then a trip to Portsmouth, Hampshire, will undoubtedly fulfil all of your wildest dreams. The home of the Royal Navy is also the final resting place of Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory that was commissioned for the Battle of Trafalgar. Aside from the historic dockyards you’ll find Porchester Castle, Gunwharf Keys and the contemporary design of the Spinniker Tower as well as excellent mooring facilities inside the lock at Port Solent. Opportunities for sailing are superb and from navigating the Needles, to open water racing, challenges and sea-air can be enjoyed in bucket loads.

Biog: Chris has experienced all of the locations above and has to commit to Thailand as the best of the bunch purely based on sticky rice and coconut lassies.

Home Exchange

This may not appeal to everyone but there is a growing trend for people to swap houses for their holidays, similar to what they did in the movie ‘The Holiday’ starring Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. For example, a luxurious house in Los Angeles could be yours for the duration of your holiday if you are prepared to offer your home in return. If you’re a home exchanger, you’ll also get to use everything that your homeowner has and this could include: cars, pets, bicycles and even friends. Many are invited around for coffee to meet the neighbours and find out more about the local area discovering the must-see’s and do’s whilst you’re holidaying there. It is thought that the majority of people who home-exchange for their holidays have a fabulous experience with many developing a relationship with their home-exchanger via email before it all begins!

Work for your keep

Many of you are probably shouting out at us right now saying that ‘if you have to work then it’s not really a holiday’ and you would be right but if a few hours work meant that you could earn food & a place to kip for the night somewhere off the beaten track – are you telling us that you wouldn’t be tempted? It opens up a variety of doors for you if you wish to see experience a different angle to the place that you are visiting and perhaps give something back to them such as teaching English to a local tribe in Panama, picking lavender to be used in essential oils in Southern France, looking after children for a family based in Marseille, tending to livestock in Australia and so much more.

Couch Surfing

Something else that is increasingly popular especially among  those who are taking part in a Gap Year and travelling the world before they hit the study books. Couch surfing basically means that someone somewhere across the world has a couch or spare room that they are willing to give free of charge so you can explore the area where they live. In some cases, people who are using the couch/spare rooms develop some great friendships with their hosts that they end up going out for meals together or being shown around the area which is great if you wish to escape from the usual tourist haunts. An option to consider the next time you are looking for a break with a difference.

CC Flickr

Take a walk on the wild side

It would appear that ‘glamping’ has had its day with more & more people opting to experience the wild side of life, pitching up a tent away from the tourist crowds and getting close to nature. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fall asleep gazing up at the stars and waking up to discover nature at it’s very best without the constant interruption of other people spoiling your moment with all things flora and fauna? If this is something that appeals, fill your backpack, grab your tent and head out on the open road to discover the very best of what nature has to offer. Be careful though because in some cases, the law of the land will not allow you to camp just anywhere. For example, every bit of land in England and Wales is privately owned and unfortunately, wild camping is banned in all UK National Parks. However, there are areas of Dartmoor where it is permitted as well as in the Brecon Beacons where they can provide a list of farms that will accept campers. Just be mindful of where you pitch your tent and leave no trace of your visit when you leave.

In fine weather, locals make the most of outdoor London, whether it’s a visit to one of the many parks and gardens or a stroll in the city itself.  For visitors, guided tours can be one of the best introductions to London sightseeing.  Bus tours are a convenient way to access the city’s key attractions, while walking tours cater to all tastes from Harry Potter film locations to East End Street Art.  When it’s time to head for cover, London is full of interesting options, at prices to suit all budgets.  World-famous attractions such as Madame Tussauds mingle with quirky museums and art galleries.  There’s never a reason to be bored.

London is a city for all seasons

Now is always the perfect time to visit London.  Whatever the time of year there is sure to be a celebration somewhere in the city.  In addition to the well-known festivals such as the Notting Hill Carnival, Bonfire Night and the Lord Mayor’s Show, there are always local street parties, exhibitions, events and shows.  While London may be notorious for periods of rain in summer, it can also enjoy beautiful weather in other seasons.  Even when the weather is at its worst, visitors can still take in spectacular views of the city from the iconic London eye or on a cruise down the river Thames.

London has outstanding transport connections

There are a variety of interesting destinations within easy reach of London.  Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge and even Bath (the gateway to Stonehenge) can all be tasted on a short visit, or enjoyed at greater leisure.  Those willing to travel a little further, have even more options.  Fans of the Beatles can visit the Cavern Club in Liverpool to see where the magic began, while children of all ages can recreate the enchantment of the tales of Beatrix Potter through a visit to the Lake District.  It’s even possible to take a day trip to the continent, with Paris being a particularly popular destination.

London welcomes visitors

Perhaps the most endearing thing about London sightseeing is the city’s willingness to accept people as individuals and to accommodate individual needs wherever possible.  Single travellers and couples can easily make new friends, while families travelling with young children will appreciate dedicated baby-changing facilities, bus ramps, and spaces for prams and pushchairs.  People with special dietary requirements such as diabetics and vegetarians are spoiled for choice in London, where even steakhouses can provide vegetarian options.

Thomas Edwards has been an international traveller since the early ‘80s and has widely covered Europe, the USA and as far afield as Thailand, Hong Kong and China.  He has written as both a business, individual and family traveller and a language or two has given him the opportunity to engage with people to a greater degree.