Puglia has always had strategic importance because of its location, so succeeding civilisations that occupied the area always left their mark in the shape of interesting and unique buildings and landmarks.

Generally, the architecture is simple but very striking, and the impact of the different civilisations can be seen in the old quarters of the towns and villages. Messapian, Greco and Roman features co-exist, and in the town of Cisternino in Brindisi province, which is situated in the Itria Valley in a historic zone, there are famous creations known as ‘trulli’. These are ancient conical, dry limestone buildings with conical roofs and they are considered as being of great cultural significance, dating from prehistoric times, and so protected by UNESCO legislation.

Puglia also favours dry stone walls so that when approaching a town or village it can have the appearance of being encircled in stone. Many Puglia villas and houses are painted white to reflect the sunlight and between Brindisi and Bari, the ancient city of Ostuni, inhabited since the Stone Age, shines so brightly in the hot summer sun that it is known as the White City.

The protected environment of the Garajonay National Park is well worth a visit, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 30 years. Useful starting points for hikes include Hermigua and Vallehermoso in the north and Valle Gran Rey in the southwest. Those relatively new to hiking are advised to enlist the services of a guide, who can ensure safe routes are chosen and who will be able to pinpoint interesting features, plants, and animals along the way.

Be prepared
Casual holiday gear is not suitable clothing for a serious hike; stout shoes and warm, waterproof clothes will be needed for walks that involve climbing and sunscreen – water and a hat are advisable. Although a relatively small island, there are microclimates in La Gomera that mean walkers can travel fairly quickly from sun-baked cliffs at sea level to a dense jungle environment in the mountains at the centre.

With a great variety of vegetation and volcanic outcrops of rock, La Gomera is always interesting at any time of the year.

Europe is packed with great outdoor markets, some of the best of which can be found in France’s Provence region. Not only are these markets memorable for their dazzling colour and local produce; they are also a memorable way to immerse yourself in the local culture For those enjoying a self-catering villa holiday in Provence these markets will provide a source of delicious food to be eaten al fresco back at your holiday home.

For the outdoor market enthusiast it is easy enough to travel from one town to another to take in endless days of market shopping. A quick visit to a local tourist office will often provide you with a schedule of the local market venues. Around Provence, Monday markets are held in Bedoin while on Tuesdays you should head to Vaison-la-Romaine and during mid-week, you will need to get yourself to Sault.

The normal opening time for Provence’s markets is 8:00 am and they are often closed by 1:00 pm. It is advisable to get there early, not just to search out the best products, but also to find a parking space, as these outdoor markets are incredibly popular.

If you are wondering what to buy at these street markets, the answer will be anything that suits your fancy. Food is, of course, a main feature at all French markets. During the summer months you can choose from an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. These Provencal markets also offer other local products, such as soap, fabric, pastis glasses, bric-a-brac and collectibles.

What they have in common
Whether they are heading to the Pacific coast or the Caribbean coast, travellers are in for some hot weather. This is true, no matter what time of year they make the trip.

Another common characteristic of both the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast is their striking scenery, a combination of lovely beaches and impressive peaks. Horseback riding amid this scenery has become a popular activity for Costa Rica tourists, and there are facilities on both coasts that offer this.

How they differ
Of the two, the Caribbean coast is more rustic, in terms of being very developed. There are few resorts in this area, a factor that will appeal to travellers looking for a more authentic island experience. Similarly, those travellers who want to be shown a resort-style good time will find more for them in the Pacific coast area. With that being said, there are also rustic areas of the Pacific coast, such as the Uvita area.

Because the Caribbean coast is largely undeveloped, another major difference between it and the Pacific coast is that there is more natural wildlife to be seen on the Caribbean coast. More of the traditional Costa Rican culture can also be gleaned on the Caribbean coast.

First up is Arienzo Beach. This popular beach lies just a short distance from Amalfi itself and very close to Positano. The beach can be reached very easily by using the local bus service, this will deliver visitors very close to the beach. Alternatively the beach is also easy to reach on foot, which can make for a great opportunity to enjoy the coastal views as you descend to the beach from higher ground. The beach is sandy and pure, with an option to visit a private part where you may rent umbrellas and loungers, or to enjoy the free part. Both parts meet with the ocean with a stunning shore of crystal clear waters.

Next is Marina de Praia Beach. This is a dramatic natural beauty, with towering rocky cliffs overlooking it and making for an awesome backdrop. The beach can be a launch pad for activities such as boat excursions, meaning that tourists will be able to take some wonderful pictures of the cliffs and enjoy the calm waters. The beach can be reached via bus or by walking, and both offer the chance to sample stunning views.

These kinds of temperatures are not much fun, however, if you prefer to spend your holiday exploring historic towns and picturesque Provençal villages.  Visit the region either in June or September, and the average temperature drops by a couple of degrees, which is enough to make walking round mountain villages much more comfortable.

Many people choose to visit the South of France to explore the area’s natural scenery, either on foot or by bicycle.  Although you will see many cyclists on the road in the height of summer, if you are not used to exercising in those kinds of temperatures, the heat can be unpleasant.
April and May have average temperatures of between 19 and 21 degrees centigrade and are still quite dry, while October’s average is a cooler, but still mild, 17 degrees centigrade, although you can expect a few more rainy days once the days start to get shorter.

With a climate that seems at times to have been made specifically for walking through these wonderful mountains, activity holidays in the Pyrenees is not only a great way to stay fit but also a splendid way to explore this unspoilt part of the world.

Many routes exists across the Pyrenees, from the high-level route for the experienced which takes 45 days to cross and ranges from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, to the gentle routes which take only an hour or two to complete.  There are routes suitable here for everyone.  Spend days exploring the mountain ranges and camp beside streams and brooks, awaking to the beautiful sight of nature as it was meant to be experienced.  If that isn’t your sort of thing, rent one of the many cottages that are located throughout the region.  The choice is yours.

With many starting points and places offering access to the Pyrenees, it is up to you where you begin.  One thing is for sure, no matter how long you spend hiking in the Pyrenees, the memories will last forever.

It  is  important  to make a camping list equipment check list whether you are a starter or you have been camping for years. Outdoor vocational trip required a strict routine of making sure that all your equipments are packed as the area is usual isolated from the city and there can be no room for leaving important items behind. The following items are necessary to take and obviously depending on your personal circumstances and destination, you may add other items:

Personal
Soap and soap dish, toilet tissue, towels, insect repellent, sunscreen, cleaning, detergent, sponges/dishcloth/scouring pads, cleanser, dishtowels, dish rack, hot pads

Kitchen Supplies
Can opener, measuring cup, spatula, tongs, skillets, grill, charcoal/lighter fluid, liquid propane, matches, long-handled fork & spoon, mixing bowls, coffee pot, dutch oven, plastic containers/lids, eating utensils, paper cups, plates and napkins, paper towels, aluminum foil, tablecloth, saucepans, hot pads or mitts, litterbags, ice

Bedding
Pillows, plastic cover for pillow, sleeping bag(s)

Recreation
Binoculars, camera/batteries, film/flashbulbs, cards, fishing tackle, games, swimsuit, portable radio/batteries, stamps & stationery, notebooks & pencils, daypack or backpack, life preservers

Camp Tools

Broom/brush/dustpan, clothesline, clothespins, basic tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, pliers), knife, lanterns, shovel.

Basic First  Aid Kit

personal medication. Sterile gauze pads, roll bandages, adhesive bandages,  antiseptic wipes, cotton swaps, scissors, first aid manual, latex gloves

Camping lighting

flashlight, gas lantern, headlamps, matches, BIC lighter, extra bulbs/batteries, glow sticks, solar panel, solar powered battery charger, and propane heater.

Miscellaneous

yoys,books,games,radio,backpack,foldaway chairs/table,safety pins, sewing kid,trowel,spare rope,spare tarp.

Travel luggage is an important criterion while traveling, for all people, men, woman or travelers. Carrying excess luggage may always give pain, so make sure you carry an appropriate travel bag according to the quantity you are going to carry. A backpack is the most expedient as it has different loading methods and designs. Before you plan to purchase a knapsack, first decide the price range and also the size. The major area of the bag should be sufficient enough to carry the toiletries, clothes, and other necessary items. It should contain a lot of zippers and pouches to carry your camera, mp3 player, books, and even water bottle. It is advisable to pack the lighter things at the bottom and the heavy things on the top. This will aid you carry your bag with ease. Pack your bag according to your travel duration, short or aboard trip. Two pairs of good quality shoes are more sufficient to wander and tour around. When it comes to outfit take a few pairs of pants, pajamas, and some extra tops to be worn if any occasion. Two or three pairs of socks are must, and see to that they keep you moisture free. Other than clothes take a water proof coat, hat, and roll on to cover your eyes. A safety travel always includes a first aid kid and security documents in the backpack. A digital camera can make your travel still more delightful. And do not carry money in your bags. Use atm machines and credit cards. Carry torches and few more extra things like garbage bags, eye glasses which may be useful in travel. Pack your things according to the restriction of the airlines and make sure you keep your luggage as small as possible. You can also prepare a checklist and arrange you things which will make travel even more relaxed. For the ninety-eight percent of the population that did not come from money, travel meant bouncing along in a buckboard, sweltering and vomiting in the smelly, overcrowded hold of a ship for months on end, or flinging yourself onto a moving boxcar and praying you did not end up under the iron wheels.

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Backpack the easy way

HAVE you ever set out to buy a backpack only to return home empty-handed?

Yes, buying a backpack can be a headache. There are so many aspects involved and it can get pretty technical too.

In the shops, the variety of designs, sizes, brands, models and colours doesn’t make it any easier. How do we know what will be suitable for our needs?

“The one that fits our travelling purposes and needs and which we are comfortable with,” says UFL Outdoor senior sales manager Muhd Syafiq Loke. The company is the sole distributor for Deuter backpacks.

The two most important questions customers need to ask themselves first are: What’s the mode of travelling (i.e. trekking, hiking, etc) and how long you plan to be travelling.

“You can decide on backpack size and type based on these two factors,” says Muhd Syafiq. However, the size also depends on your body built.

Petite customers are not advised to carry a big 40-50-litre bag. This is why women are usually recommended a 30-litre bag.

A backpack with lower zip is recommended for a long trip, while alpine or hiking trip requires backpacks made of light-weight materials.

“Once you have identified which bag is suitable, other features will add more values to the purchase,” he adds.

Other features to look out for are the type of material (water-resistant, light-weight and durable), shape (narrow and back-hugging shape, special design for women) and heat/air ventilating system.

Packing A Backpack Right

Properly packed, a backpack will not compromise the well-being of our body, especially the back. Heavy items like a toiletry bag or canned food should be placed at the bag’s body, near the shoulder height.

Since the top lid or the head of the bag allows easy access, it is suitable for small items like a first-aid kit and small gadgets.

The bottom part is where we put light items like sleeping bags and down clothing.

An important point to remember is that all heavy items should be placed nearer the back to keep the bag’s centre of gravity closer to our body.

Backpack Proper Fit

Backpacks that are adjusted to properly fit the back will allow the body to go further. It will be easier to carry and is easier on our backs too. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fit and carry a backpack:

Neutralise the bag’s fitting. Loosen all straps – shoulders, hip and sternum straps, to make it easier to shoulder the bag.

Lift the bag off the floor either by the shoulder straps or the head handle.

Shoulder straps (see pictures): (1) Cross your hands to firmly hold the shoulder straps and then (2) lift it up on air before slipping the straps down to the shoulders.

Head handle: (3) Hold the handle and lift the bag up onto a bent knee before (4) shouldering the bag.

Fitting the bag. (5) Position the hip belt and tighten it. The belt should be over the hip bones, not above for it will restrict the stomach. Then (6) pull the shoulder straps to tighten them, not too tight though as the weight should lie on the hip belt. Finally, (7) pull the sternum straps to further fit the shoulder straps.

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