Joining a Travel Group - Is it For You?

Belonging to a travel group may not be for everyone. But it may also be the only way you feel comfortable traveling if you do not wish to travel on your own.

Most people who join a travel group are single or their spouses do not enjoy traveling for whatever reason. Or it could be that most of their friends are married and their single friends may not be able to afford to travel. This was the situation for me.

When you travel to different locations, you may not be going with the same people each time. The group I belong to is quite large and usually there are about a dozen trips available to choose from each year.

But people are friendly when traveling and once you share a room (if that is what you choose to do), eat meals together and go on various sightseeing expeditions together, you get to know them and often build friendships in the process. You will find very few that you don't want to spend your time with.

From the last trip I took, there are seven of us that get together occasionally and one in particular I keep in touch with by monthly luncheons. However, we may or may not go on the same trips together again. Most of the people I met this time have done more traveling than I have so may not want to go where I would like to go. But that is fine because there are many other great people in the group. And traveling together is definitely a way to get to know your traveling group better.

When you travel as a group, you fly together, stay at the same hotels, many of your meals are provided so you eat together and when you explore, you travel together by coach bus with an explanation of the landmarks you are visiting. Some share rooms to save on costs while others prefer to get their own rooms. And there is always ample free time where you can do something on your own if you need some alone time or go with one or two others if you are like me and are afraid of getting lost. I have been lost in a foreign city before and I didn't like it.

There's no doubt that traveling with a spouse, a family member or a very close friend is the most ideal way to travel but group travel can include comaderie, hilarity, fun and the chance to make new and perhaps lasting friendships. If a spouse or a close friend doesn't enjoy all of the things you do, when traveling in a group. there's probably someone who will.

So if you are in a position where you want to travel but have no one to travel with, joining a group might be just what you're looking for.

Finding Safe, Appropriate and Convenient Places to Stay When Traveling

The surest way to be confident that you are staying in the safest, best and most convenient accommodations is to have them recommended to you by a friend or someone you trust. But there are other ways of being sure also.

When I have traveled, I have used TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet as well as using referrals when arranging accommodations. But it's also important to talk to everyone who does a lot of traveling and definitely read the reviews before booking. Although with reviews, there are many varied opinions so it is best to go with the opinion of the majority. As in everything, some people are just naturally more critical than others.

When I travel, I don't expect five star accommodations if I'm only prepared to pay for three or four star. For myself, three or four star is quite sufficient. However, my main requirements are safety, cleanliness and convenience, first and foremost. Other things factor in as well but they are secondary.

When we were booking accommodations for traveling in Europe, we were going the hostel route and so our secondary requirements were slightly different. But whether staying in hostels or hotels, top of the list of my secondary requirements is whether there is wireless internet connections available. In Europe and Korea, it seemed to be everywhere. In Australia and New Zealand this wasn't always the case.

Other things to consider (which may or may not be important to you) are: is a breakfast included; how central is it to the attractions you most want to see; is there parking provided and if so, do hotel guests have to pay for it; if you happen to be on the fourth floor or higher, is there an elevator; is there a restaurant in the hotel; is there a pool; is the hotel in a quiet area and, is there a staff member available twenty four hours a day.

When staying in hostels another concern was whether bedding and towels were included; if the rooms were mixed gender or single; if three people, for example, were traveling together, were there three beds in a room and, were the rooms ensuite or were bathroom facilities in the corridor. When staying in a hostel, we thought that the inclusion of bedding and breakfast were important requirements.

So before booking, it is important to ask all these questions to ensure that you get what you want. Nothing would spoil a trip faster than arriving and finding that the things you feel are most important are not available. You can get answers to these questions by either asking someone you know who may be familiar with the hotel, checking online, asking a travel agent or telephoning or emailing the hotel directly.

By being prepared when you travel, you will be more assured of a happy and successful vacation.

Brackendale, British Columbia - Eagle Capital of the World

The 2014 eagle count in Brackendale, British Columbia, done on January 5th, logged 1,617 eagles, almost double that of the 2013 count. The count is done each year in the month of January to coincide with the Annual Winter Eagle Festival.

The Brackendale area is the largest gathering for wintering bald eagles in all of North America. The annual return of spawning salmon heralds the eagles return to the Squamish Valley area where the salmon, many lying on the banks of the river, make the availability of food easily accessible to them. Besides the Squamish River providing the eagles with ample food, security is also assured. The numerous trees available for them to perch on makes this area very advantageous for them as well.

The bald eagles of North America generally gather near bodies of water that have an abundant food supply and sufficient, mature trees for nesting. The trees must be large enough to accommodate their nests which are usually built between 52 and 125 feet above the ground affording them good visibility and in relative proximity to their prey. Their nests are the largest of any other bird. They can be up to thirteen feet deep, eight feet wide and weigh as much as one metric ton. They begin laying their eggs in late February, earlier than other birds.

From mid-December to mid-January is the most ideal time to view these majestic birds of prey but can also be viewed while they are nesting and tending their young, They play a crucial part in the natural health of our environment. Not only eagles can be seen on a visit to Brackendale, but other wild life as well. Some of these are the black bear, gray wolf, bobcat, mink and the northern flying squirrel.

Eagles are considered to be mature at five years when the feathers on their heads become white. They will begin to breed at this time often returning to the area where they were born. Eagles generally mate for life. Bald eagles have a wing span of between 5.9 and 7.5 feet when fully mature and weigh between 6.6 and 13.9 pounds. The females are 25% larger than the males. Eagles can fly at between 35 - 40 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour when carrying fish. Their dive speed is between 75 to 100 miles per hour.

Besides their main diet of fish, eagles do eat some birds, even ones as large as ducks and geese and some mammals. And many of the smaller animals such as rabbits, even cats and small dogs can be consumed by the bald eagle.

There is an interpretive display explaining the life cycle of the eagles and salmon available at the viewing center in Brackendale. The volunteers who do the count also take note of the overall general health of these birds of prey. Besides viewing the birds from the main viewing area, there are walking tours and boat tours available.

The Brackendale Art Gallery is a must to visit while there. They offer exhibits, information on the lives of the eagles and will answer any questions you have relating to them, the salmon and about the area in general. There is also a small licensed cafe so it's an ideal spot to enjoy lunch or just to warm up with a drink.

Brackendale is located 70 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia in the Squamish Valley. It is easily accessed by taking Government Road which runs parallel to the highway and terminates in Brackendale. The main viewing area is located on the municipal dyke across from the Easter Seal Camp on Government Road.

Bringing binoculars is definitely a must when planning a trip to view the eagles. It is a wonderful experience watching the flight of these majestic birds as they soar gracefully through the sky forever on the lookout for their next tasty meal. They can spot a fish in the water from several hundred feet above and identify a rabbit moving almost a mile away.

Visiting the Eagle Capital of the World is well worth the trip.

Terror and Carnage in Christchurch, New Zealand

On a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand, we arrived to witness the horrific carnage created by two major earthquakes and the thirty-one major aftershocks felt between February 22, 2011 and January 15, 2012. Each of those aftershocks registered between 5.0 and 6.3 on the richter scale. Plus there have been numerous other minor aftershocks felt by the people of this earthquake prone country.

The first earthquake in September, 2010 measured 7.1 on the richter scale with the second large earthquake in February, 2011 measuring 6,3. Besides the damage done during the two large earthquakes, additional carnage resulted from the aftershocks.

The center part of the city continued to be cordoned off even by Spring of 2013 when we made our trip there. It resembled what I would imagine a war zone to look like. The hotel we stayed in, although the kitchen and dining room had been renovated, was still in the process of being repaired. There was scaffolding erected around the exterior walls where cracks could still be seen. In many places inside the floors were down to concrete and many small and a few larger cracks could be seen in the interior walls as well.

Our room, however, was in good condition, as were the rest of our group's rooms. Initially only those hotels at the airport were relatively unscathed with others receiving varying degrees of damage. These were assessed for safety and had since either been repaired or were in the process of being done. Most damaged was the Hotel Grand Chancellor, standing twenty-six stories tall, which collapsed.

Inner city attractions, such as Cathedral Square, were hard hit by the quakes. As we walked around the city, in the areas we could go, we found many closed and damaged stores, restaurants and attractions as well as cracked sidewalks. We had to watch where we walked as some of the roads and sidewalks had lifted or were sunken. Workers rebuilding Christchurch were evident everywhere.

When visiting the Botanical Gardens, we saw no damage and nor did we when visiting the Canterbury Museum. However, we were told there had been some damage done to the facade of the building. On a visit to one of the families in the area, we were shown some of the damage they had sustained and heard harrowing stories that they, as well as others, experienced. They did escape the worst of it, they said, because their location was somewhat outside of the main earthquake zone.

We visited other homes as well, most with damage to walls and surrounding sidewalks. Many were without electricity for a while following the earthquakes. One of the oldest homes in Christchurch was severely damaged. It was obvious that it had previously been a beautiful home but when we saw it it was covered in tarps and was enclosed in a safety fence because repairs had not yet been completed.

It was heartbreaking to not only see the damage two years later but to hear the stories about people returning to their homes to find that the earth surrounding them had become liquified. With the earthquakes there was estimated to be 400,000 tonnes of silt because of the liquifaction. Many were unable to enter their homes, thousands were without power, but most horrific was the loss of 185 lives.

But when those we met talked about their experiences during this time, they neither complained nor felt sorry for themselves. All had a very stoic attitude towards their situation. Since the last two major earthquakes, Christchurch has become better prepared for any future catastrophes. Since we were there in early 2013, there have been other, although minor, earthquakes. It is a fact of life in this earthquake zone area.

In spite of the earthquake risk in New Zealand, there have been many years without even the slightest tremor so one should not hesitate to go there because of a 'what if'. New Zealand is a lovely place to visit and I would not hesitate to go back again.

Vancouver, British Columbia - A Popular Destination for Tourists

Vancouver, British Columbia is a coastal seaport with a population, in 2011, of 603,502 people. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in all of Canada with 52% of the population having English as their second language. Because of this diversity, there is a vast assortment of ethnic restaurants making eating out a taster's delight and with a meal to tantalize every appetite.

Vancouver is the fourth most densely populated city in North America behind New York City, San Francisco and Mexico City. As of 2009, Vancouver has been considered to have the busiest and largest port in Canada and the most diversified in North America. Forestry is the province's largest industry with tourism coming in second place. In recent years, Vancouver has become known as Hollywood North becoming one of the largest film production centers in North America.

Tourists visiting the city will enjoy its mild weather, lush, green beauty and mountain and ocean vistas. There are many attractions and activities that make Vancouver popular with tourists. Besides the opportunity to enjoy an ethnic food experience, there are many fine dining restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters and wine tours that can be taken. Because of the proximity to several mountains there is the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike at Grouse or Mount Seymour Mountains, Cypress Provincial Park and Whistler, a relatively short drive away.

Also because of the ocean and many lakes there is an opportunity for swimming, boating, or spending time relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches in the area after a busy day of shopping. There are many parks in Vancouver and the outlying district which include Stanley Park with a chance to walk or bike along the Sea Wall. (There is a bike rental shop at the entrance to Stanley Park).

Among the many attractions available there is the Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Lonsdale Quay Market; the Aquarium at Stanley Park; a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge; Granville Island Market; a visit to Canada Place with a view of Stanley Park across the water and an enjoyable experience on 'Fly Over Canada'; MacMillan Space Center; Science World; Playland; the Vancouver Game Farm; Chinatown; Museum of Anthropology; U.B.C. Botanical Garden; Vancouver Art Gallery; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden; Nitobe Memorial Garden; Van Duesen Gardens, and Burnaby Village Museum.

Besides this smorgasbord of attractions, a visitor can take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, go to a casino or a sporting event, go camping, caving or play golf at any of the many golf courses in the Vancouver and outlying areas. Available also is skydiving, gliding, bungee jumping, a chance to go on a wildlife exploration or enjoy Vancouver's night life.

Occasionally there are concerts, if your timing is right, or you might even catch the Bard on the Beach Festival. Hotels and B & B's are plentiful and are situated making the many attractions easily accessible.

No one could be bored on a visit to Vancouver and the variety of attractions and activities would keep any visitor busy, only wishing they had more time. I have lived in the Vancouver area almost all my life and still have not tired of seeing what Vancouver has to offer. Although Vancouver has much to offer its visitors in the way of entertainment and enjoyment, these probably will take second place to its beauty.

As a Vancouverite, and on behalf of other Vancouverites, we welcome you to visit our city. There are many who come, and many who stay.

Whistler, British Columbia - A Year-Round Playground

Whistler, where you can ski, snowboard and toboggan in the winter and bike, hike and golf in the summer; where the village welcomes visitors with its arms outstretched while you enjoy the restaurants, boutiques and entertainment. Whistler is the place to go all year round.

Whistler is in the southern Pacific ranges of the Coastal Mountains and is 125 km north of Vancouver. We recently enjoyed a visit to this all-year playground while the snow lay light on the ground in the Village, Christmas lights twinkled and music set the ambiance for an enjoyable weekend getaway.

This mountain village is known world-wide for its skiing and snowboarding with more than 200 marked runs, 37 lifts, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tobogganing can also be enjoyed.

There is also the heart-stopping Peak-to-Peak gondola ride that can be taken during both the summer and winter between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. On the Peak-to-Peak there are stunning views of Blackcomb's alpine, the surrounding peaks, Whistler Village and all the ski fields. For the price of one fare, unlimited crossings can be enjoyed between the two mountains. There is a distance of 1.88 miles between each tower and in most places it is about 436 meters above the ground. And once on top of the mountain, you can enjoy the vistas while you dine.

In the summer months there is hiking, mountain biking, walking, various day trips, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting and fishing. There are also numerous lakes where one can swim and windsurf. There is the opportunity to go ATVing, ziplining and bungee jumping. And for those who are interested, there are treetop adventures and ecotours. Many people will also be happy to know that Whistler is a golfer's haven with several courses in the area.

Whistler is relatively new, not opening to the public until 1966. In recent years the area has become very popular and there have been many upgrades including on the Sea-to-Sky Highway which was completed for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village offering fine dining, night life, boutiques, spas, entertainment and luxurious hotels.

While we were there we stayed in a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom suite at the edge of the village but there are accommodations right in the village, even ones close to the ski lifts. Most hotels have swimming pools and hot tubs and many have complimentary coffee which one can partake of while sitting in the lobby in front of a roaring fireplace.

Whistler also hosts many events throughout the year, both winter and summer. This mountain community is not only very popular with tourists but also for those of us who live in the province of British Columbia. As a result there are times when accommodations must be booked considerably prior to the date you plan to be there.

Begin now to plan your trip to this incredible place. You will be glad you checked it out.