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Friday, Jul 4th, 2008

Taupo, New Zealand

written by Teresa Nielsen

Welcome to Taupo, New Zealand, a place to escape the ordinary and enjoy the outdoors. Taking you away from the city, this destination has a plethora of activities for the whole family!

With a variety of parks to visit, there are several places in particular for the kids to enjoy. Just ten minutes north of Taupo, the Huka Prawn Park raises over one billion prawns per year! Located on a geothermal spring, here visitors will take the tour, also dubbed “Shawn’s Walk,” in which they stop at the prawn hatchery and nursery. Visitors will also be treated to a foot bath in the springs after embarking on a nature walk. Another stop the kids will surely love is the Lilliput Farm Fun and Animal Park that houses over twenty different species of animals!

For those who are more adventurous, the world-famous Tongariro Crossing provides a challenging trek. All volcanic terrain, Tongariro National Park offers spectacular vistas and scenic crater lakes. Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete this strenuous hike and arrange transportation to and from the location. Real traveler Vincentvega explains:

“Tongariro Crossing is rated as New Zealand’s finest one day trek. After myself, Kev & Barbara trekked it (our longest one to date at 17km, approx 6-8 hours it takes) we can definitely see why. Amazing landscape combining volcanoes, mountains and national parks. It was pretty tough in some parts (steep inclines taking about an hour) but at the end very rewarding. It took us about 5.30 hours. The weather turned out to be perfect; which was a very good thing considering our ‘walking shoes’ and hiking ‘gear’ :o) They highly recommend proper trekking gear for this one as the weather can change rapidly. Overall, an excellent trek well worth doing.”


Thursday, Jul 3rd, 2008

Jackson Hole

written by Teresa Nielsen

In need of an outdoor adventure? Why not set up camp in charming Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Surrounded by nature and located near two of the nation’s greatest national parks, Jackson Hole is the perfect place for an exciting summer expedition!

With an array of activities, Jackson Hole offers something for everyone, from the single traveler to the entire family. If you are looking for outdoor adventure, there are endless opportunities in and around the area! From white water rafting to mountain biking and horseback riding, you are sure to have a trip filled with excitement! Realtraveler Kvans enjoyed this quaint destination:

“We had a great time relaxing in Jackson Hole. The weather did not fully cooperate, but we were able to still enjoy the town’s shopping and great restaurants. The ambience of the town is great - very western and updated with modern restaurants.” (more…)


Hoping to plan a day trip? Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are all within driving distance from Jackson Hole. There you will have the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful natural resources, including the famous geyser, Old Faithful! Lost in amazement, RealTraveler Little Haxby paused to watch the wildlife:

“The road turned, carving through a hillside opposite a narrow river, and on my left were a dozen elk slowly descending the hill towards the road. I found a pullout and parked. To my right, two dozen more were separated, half crossing the icy waters one by one, the other half ascending a game trail up the opposite bank.” (more…)

With so much to see and do, hurry and visit Jackson Hole Wyoming while the summer sun is still shining!


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