TRAVEL SPECIAL .....LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS WORLD SPECIAL

LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS WORLD SPECIAL 
 

Make a Long distance call

Pack up for a far-away destination and let the adventure begin!

    Time is such a huge factor while planning a holiday, given the busy lives most people lead that one inevitably ends up opting for a destination close by to vacation in. But if you manage your leaves properly and use a chunk of your holidays at a go, you can explore the best of the world. Texas, for instance, is one destination where you can combine adventure with leisure and never get bored. Twelve to 15 days in this destination will introduce you to some holiday gems and the itinerary won’t be rushed either as you’ll have enough time to spend lazy afternoons and evenings as well. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is an ideal spot for one to unwind in the midst of nature. The pool, located near Dripping Springs is a naturally-formed pool which is a protected area, part of the Balcones Cayonlands Preserve. Lake Travis is a known adventure spot; you can zipline across the lake and later take a boat ride to relax in its luxurious settings. From learning to ride a horse in an authentic Texan ranch to canoeing in its wild waters, adventure enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to here. Japan is another destination where you can get some adrenaline boost. Indulge in underwater treasure hunts or try your luck at climbing a frozen waterfall. Japan never ceases to offer something unique, does it? Scotland also has a range of activities to offer both the moderate and extreme adventure lover. You can try your hand at zorbing on water or climb a steep cliff at Mingulay Island, a la Spiderman. Hikers can camp in the Highlands and have a small party along the way. Make sure you don’t leave behind any waste before you move on though...
LAKE TRAVIS, HOUSTON
TO DO: Horse riding, canoeing, ziplining, boating
From riding a horse in a vast open ranch to ziplining across Lake Travis, or even jumping into the Hamilton Pool Preserve from a height are all unique experiences to accumulate while in Texas. The place has a lot to offer to adrenaline lovers but what makes it stand out is that Texas is a perfect blend of culture mixed with adventure. Horse riding, for instance, is not just about learning to mount the animal and trotting along. It’s about doing it Texan style! Houston
boasts of some of the best ranches. Put on your cowboy hat, boots, a big buckle belt and say a few sweet words to your horse before taking it for a ride across the ranch.
    Ziplining is another activity that is pursued with great gusto in Texas. Zip across Lake Travis inlets, at heights ranging from 250ft to 2,800ft for unmatched thrills. The gorgeous views of the lake and Texas Hill Country will surely make you want to come back for another round! With a little bit of training, one can even go for the big launch, which will have you slide on the longest zipline in Texas — a cliff as high as a 20-story building, situated above Lake Travis.
    If you want to test your limits, take a canoe and set off on a water safari by yourself, following the same route that participants of the Texas Water Safari, (considered one of the world’s toughest boat races) take. The 260-mile distance will take you via the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers, from Aquarena Springs before you finally reach the village of Seadrift on the Texas coastline. Do you have it in you? Well, there’s only one way to find out...
    www.tourtexas.com
HOKKAIDO, OKINAWAN ISLANDS
TO DO: Climbing a frozen waterfall, diving
Japan’s not really known for its diving sites — is that what you’re thinking? As it turns out, Japan incidentally is home to some spectacular diving spots in the world. There is more to the sub-tropical Okinawan Islands than sandy white beaches. It has an enviable marine life, which experts compare with that of the Great Barrier Reef. Yes, you heard right! To give you a sneak peak of what lies beneath, the Okinawan Islands have almost everything from coral beds, huge drop-offs and even ship wrecks. Snorkelling is also a recommended activity in Yonaguni. One can choose the kind of views they wish to see when they go scuba diving here. Do you fancy coral reefs, marine life or would you want to travel back in time? Plan an excursion in the underwater ‘Lost City’, Yonaguni island. In fact, this destination is said to be older than the Egyptian Pyramids, too. If you are in a large
group, you could organise an underwater treasure hunt in the Lost City.
    Another must-do activity, especially during the winters in Japan is to visit or even try to climb the frozen waterfall, located on the northern island of Hokkaido However, be warned, ice climbing is not as easy as it seems because the ice tends to crumble easily as you jab climbing equipment in it. Beginners can fasten their crampons and attempt to climb a small and safe portion of this waterfall just to get the feeling of conquering something as unique as a frozen waterfall!
    www.japantravelinfo.com
PORTREE HARBOUR, MINGULAY ISLAND, TROTTERNISH
TO DO: Water zorbing, hiking, cliff climbing One trip is not enough to see all of Scotland and if you wish to truly experience the destination, you will have to plan repeated vacations here and that too in different seasons. Scotland is mostly known for its scenic beauty, Highlands and whisky trails. However, there is an adventurous side to Scotland that is sure to send a tingle up your spine. The best part about adventure activities here is that there is something for everyone — from daredevils to those who just wish to skim the surface.
    Water zorbing in Portree harbour is an activity all adventure lovers must try, at least once. Since you’ll be in the safety zone of the seethrough ball, the worst that can happen is that you will lose your balance and tumble around inside. Watching experts set the ball rolling on water as they walk inside it, without losing their calm composure is also a sight to see.
    Want to notch up the thrill quotient? Climbers
are often seen hanging above the sea on the huge west face of Dun Mingulay cliff, Mingulay Island, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. One look at the picture (alongside) and you’ll realise that you need nerves of steel to climb the steep Mingulay walls. Definitely not meant for amateurs, this location is irresistible to climbers from all over the world. But if you’re looking for something tamer, we suggest you go on a hike in Trotternish, Isle of Skye, which is laden with picturesque geological features. It is spread across an area of 20 miles in length and 8 miles in width. Walkers and hikers can take a few days to cover the entire area but the beautiful views along the way will make the excursion well worth the effort. Any local will rightly tell you that exploring every inch of Trotternish will probably take you a lifetime but we can help you save a lot of time by suggesting some must-visits in all of the island of Isle of Skye during your visit. The Cuillin Mountains, Talisker Bay, MacLeod’s Tables, the gardens and woods at Armadale, the castle grounds at Dunvegan and the sandy beach at Glenbrittle, among others are a traveller’s dream spots. Blessed with a landscape that consists of mountains, hills, lochs and rivers, Scotland is a never ending array of opportunities, waiting to be taken due advantage of.
www.visitscotland.com

Sujata Reddy ETTR130810