The mountains around Innsbruck

Hiking for young and old! That is our motto. From an easy going, meandering hike all the way to demanding climbing routes - the spectacular mountain world of Innsbruck beck-one everyone to come and take part.

Nordpark - Seegrube - Hafelakar
The Hunberbrugbahn, one of the last remaining funiculars in Europe, connects the city with the scenically beautiful high plateau of the Hungerburg. Then, with the Nordkettenbahn cableway up to the Nordpark-Seegrube (1905 m.), the departure point for hikes to the Panoramic Climbing Path and serveral other destinations. Trial Track for extreme bikers between Seegrube and Hungerburg, Biker's fun terrain. Magnificent panoramic views out over the Inn Valley and the city of Innsbruck.

The final link of the cable-way takes you up to the Hafelekar (2334 m.) with its breath taking alpine panorama to the south: the Zillertal, Stubaital and ��tztal Alps. To the north lies the largest nature preserve of the Eastern Alps, the Karwendel. Form the Hafelekar mountain via the Goetheweg path across genitle, open alpine meadows and stands of mountain pine to the mountain refuge Pfeishutte. In winter, this is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders, carvers and firn gliders.

Patscherkofel
Take the lants. Open from June to September. Informative nature trail around the mountain with 15 stops. Whereas in witner the Patscherkofel Olympic mountain offers a challenge to skiers, in summer it becomes a paradise for mountain bikers.

Glungezer - Zirbenweg
With the Glungezer chairlift from Tulfes, you can quickly and comfortably reach the mountain promenade called "Zirbenweg", which is a fairly easy, 3-hour, high-altitude hike to the Patscherkofel, perfect for young and old.

Splendid views over the Inn valley and the Nordkette mountain range on the opposite side of the valley. A popular alpine skiing and ski touring region in the winter.

Mutterer Alm
A gently sloping hiking and skiing paradise for the entire family (950 1,800 m.) An ideal point of departure for many picturesque excursions on foot or by mountain bike across idyllic mountain pastures into the Stubai valley.

Axamer Lizum - Hoadl - Birgitzk��pfl
Easily accessible hiking region, just 25 km from Innsbruck. Untouched natural landscape with typical alpien flora and fauna. Marvellous views over the Inn valley and the Kalkkogel peaks. The Olympic Games ski pistes have made Axamer Lizum a popular ski area for young and old. Planned for the beginning of winter link with Skipark Mutters ski area.

Stubai Glacier
World famous glacier ski area at the far end of the Stubai valley at an altitude of 3,200 m, only 40 km away from Innsbruck. Perfect point of departure for numerous mountain, glacier and ski tours in high alpine terain. Ice climbing tower.
Awe-inspiring views out over the summits. In July and August guided glacier hikes (free of charge) along an education

Innsbruck's Golden Roof.. a must see.

Amidst the charming Old Town, a classic Austrian hybrid of Gothic and Baroque, you will find Innsbruck's greatest tourist attraction and certainly its most characteristic landmark: The Golden Roof. Innsbruck's Old Town is a small area of sturdy medieval houses, many attractively painted in pastel colors and supported by sloping earthquake buttresses. The main thoroughfare of the Old Town is the broad strip of Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, which eventually opens out into a central plaza lined with arcades. Beyond, a labyrinth of alleyways invites aimless strolling.

The Golden Roof was built by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the Tirolean sovereigns. The Golden Roof actually is the three-story balcony on the central plaza at the heart of the Old Town. The late Gothic oriels are capped with 2,738 gold-plated copper tiles. It was constructed for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box where he could sit in luxury and enjoy tournaments in the square below.

Completed at the dawn of the 16th century, the Golden Roof was built in honor of Maximilian's second marriage, to Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan (Maximilian was a ruler who expanded his territory through marriage, not conquest). Not wishing to alienate the allies gained by his first marriage, to Maria of Burgundy, he had an image of himself between the two women painted on his balcony.

The balustrade on the first floor is adorned with carved coats of arms, representing Austria, Hungary, the double-headed eagle of the Empire, Burgundy and Milan, as well as Tirol and Styria. The mural paintings show two standard-bearers with the flags of the Empire and the Province of Tirol.
Since January 2003, the Golden Roof has been housing the ��International Alpine Convention's Office". The Alpine Convention is a coalition of eight Alpine Countries united by a shared commitment to sustainable development in the European Alps.

Galapagos Tours Recharge Sense Of Adventure

Galapagos tours reveal many things to the discerning traveler on the Explorer II; science, ecology, adventure, and history. While certainly the Galapagos are known for the birthplace of Darwin's theory of evolution, their overall historical relevance to South America and Spain is also quite unique. Families seeking historical sagas are bound to be intrigued by some of the little known facts the Islands reveal when on a Galapagos island tour.

Before the birds, the turtles, the iguanas were ever discovered by Darwin, lies a rich past of pre-Columbian adventure. Artifacts from the Montenos, the very early settlers of Ecuador and other areas of Latin America, have been uncovered on the Islands, although it was likely they never settled there. Known for their voracious appetite for sea travel, the indigenous Montenos built rafts and discovered the Galapagos by accidentally drifting south.

Yet, the crew on the Explorer II, along with the interpretation center will tell you of yet another accident that occurred when Thomas de Berlanga, a Bishop from Panama, apparently drifted to the Galapagos as well. This accident went on to share the discovery of the Islands with the Western World in 1535, however. Berlanga's crew was near starvation but upon their arrival, found ponds filled with food along with the rich vegetation that saved their lives. He and his crew discovered animals, cactus, and tide pools filled with marine and animal wonders that kept them from perishing.

The first formal expedition came after a series of pirates and swashbucklers had visited the Galapagos. In 1684, Captain John Cook from Bachelor's Delight, the ship that had also attacked ships in Peruvian waters, made their way to the Galapagos and much more was discovered and written about by two crew members, William Dampier and Ambrose, as they described the rich flora and fauna of the area.

In subsequent expeditions to the Islands, some giant tortoises were absconded from the Galapagos, among other wildlife, and slowly a steady but identifiable stream of information and science was shared with the world. Ecuador went on to claim on the Islands in 1832, making it first a penal colony and later settling the Galapagos more formally by developing civil, governmental, and educational structures.

While the Islands are known widely for Darwin's evolutionary theories, the facts remain that several hundred years prior, accidental adventurers drifting south on their rafts, followed by Captain Cook's first visit on his small flotilla. This historical record reveals a richness of nature discovered by others and undoubtedly led further discovery of this most unusual biological paradise on earth.

There is much more intrigue about the settling of the Islands that family history buffs can enjoy when on a Galapagos tour. It is quite possible that without some of these early forays word about animal, bird, and topographical qualities might have taken far longer to reach the rest of the world. The library onboard the Explorer II, it's well-versed crew, as well as trips to various islands' information centers, reveals much history about men who first discovered the Islands, which led to Darwin's later adventure on the Beagle.

Families who love history and nature will love the opportunity to gain even more in-depth knowledge about the humans who discovered this magical place. The historical backdrop provides dimension to the richness of the wildlife you'll see when taking a Galapagos tour.

Innsbruck Is Heaven On Earth For Tourists

The capital city of Tyrol, Innsbruck is situated in the western portion of Austria and is one of Europe's finest cities. Innsbruck faces two main roads through the Alps and is therefore an important commercial centre. From the eastern Alps to reach the Innsbruck you need about half an hour from the border of Italy and 45 minutes from the Border of the Germany.

The beauty of the city of Innsbruck is being protected from architects, to ensure that new structures built on the city consistent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings. To preserve the city's historic places, developmental work is confined to the east and west coast of the river Inn. Innsbruck's name is linked to its river, which means "Bridge Inn". The city has hosted the winter Olympics twice and attracts a large number of skiers, mountaineers and other winter sports lovers. The colorful alpine flowers, animals and the snow covered mountain peaks makes it a place to rejoice. You can begin your skiing holidays at Innsbruck. Near the sites of the winter holiday resorts a number of Innsbruck hotels are located.

Other than winter sports, Innsbruck is also famous for museums, churches, parks and other historical places. Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Crystal Worlds), Tirol, museums, Schloss, Hungersburg, the golden roof, Hofburg, the Alpine Zoo etc are some of the major attractions in Innsbruck.

A number of well equipped luxury hotels are available at Innsbruck. Wireless Internet access, hair dryer, and beds are some of the common facilities provided by the hotels.. Other than the basic amenities, luxury hotels offer access to spa and massage parlors. Some of the high class restaurants are located in the luxury hotels. The local departmental stores are easily accessible from the hotels as they are very nearby. Travel to the various tourist spots is made easy by the nearby location of public transport system.

Other than the high end hotels, budget hotels like pensions, hostels etc are also available suiting your budget. Pensions are rooms that are quite similar to youth hostels. Pensions are 1-5 stars in terms of investment, like Innsbruck hotels Comfortable rooms which are preferred by budget travelers, are on offer at three star pensions In most pensions, there is a bathroom along with each bedroom Most of the nursing home connected to the Internet wirelessly, and luggage storage for guests. Here are some pensions and hostels in Innsbruck. Many of the Innsbruck castles have been converted into hotels.Castle hotels offer a dream like stay for their patrons It is a combination of vintage charm and modern interiors. TV, bathroom and personal hygiene products are available in castle hotel rooms.

The adventurous among us prefer skiing in Austria Many travelers spend their annual holiday in Innsbruck It is a great place to spend your holidays, whether you are alone or accompanied by your family The Innsbruck hotels are also very useful for those who come here for enjoying Austria Ski. So why don't you make this Christmas holiday memorable by enjoying the adventure of Austrian Skiing at Innsbruck?

Get cheap holidays to Egypt

Egypt, home to some of the best preserved antiquities and monuments in the world is a fascinating destination. Cairo, the capital city is your gateway to the past as well as a starting point for most Egypt holidays. Cairo is located along the Nile and is a beautiful blend of modern life and ancient traditions, also home to the friendliest people in the region.The Giza Plateau is located approximately 30 minutes south of Cairo city centre, is perhaps, the main attraction for tourism. Visit the Great Pyramid of Cheops, sphinx and Solar Boat Museum for a half-day excursion during daylight, and return for an evening sound and light performance after dark. The Egyptian museum, conveniently located in the central metro are of Cairo is home to priceless art and antiquities dating back to the early pharaohs through the height of Egyptian civilization during the 18th and 19th dynasties. The Mummy Room located upstairs to the right, displays with reverence the remains of Ramses II, Amenhotep II, Thuthmosis IV and more. Board the Nile cruise ship in Aswan or Luxor for the next leg of the well rounded Egypt holiday. This cruise is a three to seven night journey through the Upper Egypt monuments. A full day is devoted to the city of Luxor for the Valley of the Kings, the Ramusseum, Luxor and Karnak Temples, and the Luxor Museum. Early risers may opt for a 6am hot air balloon ride over the valley for a bird's eye view of the rugged terrain and all that is built upon it. Additional tour options include a Lake Nassar cruise or a one hour flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel for a self-guided walk through of the mammoth mortuary temples built by Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great. Additional stops on the Nile cruise include the Ptolemy city of Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo for visits to the remains of the crocodile worship temple and the picture perfect beauty of Aswan to the south. The perfect culmination to an adventure through antiquity is a trip to the Red Sea with its crystal clean waters and powder white sands. Some of the most popular destinations on the Red Sea include Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam for the best diving in the world, water sports, dining, shopping and beautiful natural surroundings where the desert meets the sea. Cheap all inclusive holidays to Egypt are highly recommended as it leaves out the hassles of having to plan every aspect of your holiday. This kind of trip is a truly unforgettable experience that relaxes you leaving you with complete peace of mind.

Volunteer Abroad Travel insurance

You will need travel insurance when you plan to volunteer abroad. Most companies that organize travel trips insist or recommend you having travel insurance. Travel insurance is an insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial and other losses incurred while travelling. Travel insurance can be gotten directly from insurance companies, travel agents and travel suppliers. The insurance covers student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel and international travel. Buying travel insurance is tricky especially when finding the right plan for you that will cover you extensively. Travel insurance covers you against risks such as severe weather, last minute cancellations, terrorist attacks, emergency/accidental care, and travel delays, missed connections, lost baggage etc. Most people buy travel insurance so that they are medically covered when they are abroad; they don't want to lose money due to cancellations and others want to prevent losing their luggage and travel documents. There are various companies to buy travel insurance from depending on your location, price and what you want. Some insurance companies provide travel insurance which is niche specific where they specialize in student travel; others offer simple policies for everyday travelers, some offer just medical insurance or evacuation plans. Depending on what plan you want there are generally two types of plans which are package plans and travel medical plans. When planning to buy travel insurance consider the following: Trip Cancellation insurance Trip cancellation coverage provides reimbursement for lost travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip. Unexpected events like sickness, death, severe weather, industrial strike, terrorist incidents, something happens to your destination residence, theft of travel documents like passports, financial default by tour operator, and you may be needed back at work. Trip cancellation insurance is important because some volunteer abroad fees are expensive which can go up to $ 5,000. With some organizations you are asked to plan early in advance in order to confirm a place with them. In such a situation during the period of waiting a lot can happen and you may need to cancel your trip. Also volunteer abroad programs involve a lot of several stops and connections and they have a higher risk of problems and things to go wrong. Trip cancellation is important as you may choose to volunteer as a group or as a family and you may need to cancel because one of you may fall sick. This will save the money that could have been lost. Depending on the insurance company you use, they each have a number of reasons for you to cancel and they will reimburse you. Trip cancellation coverage should be bought early in advance to make sure you get the full benefits. Medical insurance Health insurance from your country only covers you while you are at home. When you decide to volunteer abroad you will need travel insurance. Travel insurance takes care of medical coverage while you are volunteering abroad. When you are abroad despite of the vaccinations you are given you are still prone to be infected by indigenous diseases. The coverage includes being taken to hospital, being treated, charges for hospital stays, the cost of drugs, and evacuation back to your home country. Medical insurance is important since when you are in a foreign country and you might know where the hospital is. Also they may be speaking in a foreign language and getting help might be a bit difficult. When you are evacuated back to your home country, they will take you straight to hospital for further treatment. When buying medical insurance, inform them of your preexisting conditions to make sure you are fully covered. Other advantages Travel insurance covers against lost or damage baggage. This happens a lot due to connecting many different flights. It also protects against your property being stolen. There are some occasions when you arrive at your destination and your baggage is delayed. The cover includes reimbursement of essential items like toiletries, and basic clothing. Some companies offer extra coverage on car rental damage protection, identity theft, and adventure travel coverage. Consult your travel agent on which is the best insurance company to use and what exactly they cover Examples of travel insurance companies There are many companies, travel agents and specialty travel companies that provide travel insurance. They vary greatly on price and what they offer or cover. Many travelers use the following Cultural Insurance Services International, CMI Insurance Specialists, iNext Travel Card and International Student Insurance. There are many more companies choose wisely.

How to Find Affordable Car Rental in Seychelles

If you are planning your next holiday to Seychelles, you have probably already started to search for the best car rental facilities in Seychelles. Having a car with you while in Seychelles is only in your advantage, you will be able to visit places you might not have visited if you go with public transport. To find one of the best car rental companies available in Seychelles, you can start by browsing through the web. This is where everyone looks for information online. With so many companies having their website, the car rental industry is not excluded from the list. Now you will need to find the vehicle that will suit your needs. There are many websites that will assist you in choosing a good vehicle. Before contacting any website make a list of the places you would like to visit and the average time you plan to drive per day. This will help you to make a budget on how much you will be spending on gas and the type of vehicle that is most economical. Now you can get back to the car rental sites and contact them to ask for a daily price to rent a car if it is not listed on the website. See the type of response that you receive, if they are nice and friendly chances are you will receive same type of services once you are in Seychelles. Once you received the quotes from the car rental websites you can start choosing which is best for your budget. To make things easier for you, you can decide to prepay for the car rental of your whole stay in Seychelles. Many sites accept online payments via credit cards so you are safe doing this. By prepaying you are saving yourself a lot of time and will avoid you going through some last minute stress and also ensure a nice drive in Seychelles.