The Secrets of Low Cost Travel

Once spring and summer hit, the US national parks are open for business. One of the most popular is Yosemite, a humble slice of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California. The mountain peaks reach to heights of 3300m, some even higher to 4200m and are covered in snow practically year-round.

Whether you visit the park for some excellent skiing and solitude in winter, for a spring getaway, summer camping trip or to enjoy the last of "nice" weather in autumn before winter sets in, there is something for everyone at every time of the year. It all depends on what you're after for your trip to Yosemite.

SPRING

For some reason humans are fascinated by waterfalls. Big or small, there's something so captivating about water falling off cliffs. The best time to see Yosemite Valley's waterfalls at their best is spring. Seasonal springs shoot from everywhere over the valley walls and the usual wonders, like Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls are more powerful than usual.

SUMMER

If you want something to brag about after your trip, then plan to hike the Half Dome while you're here. It's the jewel on Yosemite's hiking route crown and will put even trained trekkers to the test. What makes this beast so tough to climb? It takes more than 8 hours to complete and the elevation gain is equal to around 480 flights of stairs. 

Into splunking? Crystal Cave is the best one to check out while you're in the park. It was formed by an underground river more than 10,000 years ago. We're talking major stalactite action from the ceilings! Watch out for bats too. Book a guided tour to get the most comprehensive experience.

AUTUMN

Fall is arguably the best time to enjoy Yosemite's elegant forests. Groves of massive pines are enough to humble anyone. Check out Sequoia National Park to get up close and personal with some 3000 year old trees. Some of the trees in the Giant Forest have been standing since the fall of the Roman Empire! Now that's what we call ancient!

WINTER

For some winter is the best time to visit the park. If you're hoping to spend your holiday in peace and quiet, winter is the time to visit. Snow-capped mountain peaks... there are few sights more beautiful. Either spend your days skiing the slopes, snowshoeing mountain passes or curled up in front of the fire in a log cabin.

Which season would you prefer for a trip to Yosemite?

Images: ratinisha, randomcuriosity / Flickr cc.

There are a few things you should know about Waiheke Island. It's known as a hot vacation spot for the rich and famous. But, there's more to the island than just posh parties and luxury hotel resorts. As you may know, New Zealand produces some really great wines. Waiheke Island in particular is known for its tasty syrahs and being a great place for winery tours.

If you're looking for a paradise island, this is it.

Waiheke has no shopping malls and no motorways. There are only 8,000 residents and while it is the third largest island in New Zealand, it has kept its small-island feel despite its size, less than 100 square kilometres.

If you're willing to take the 45 minute ferry trip from Auckland, you won't be disappointed. Why?

Beer and wine

Not only does the island produce some excellent wines, it also has its own island brewery making some equally excellent ales. Cool off with a bottle of pale ale, wheat beer, malt beer, dark ale or a spicy ginger beer from Waiheke Island Brewery.

Beaches

Despite the number of visitors to the island, you can still find a number of quiet coves with hardly anyone around. Some smaller beaches can only be accessed during low tide. Park along the road and ramble down the hills. Lay your towel out on the white sand beach that borders Hauraki Gulf, there are few more pleasurable sights than this.

Budget

While the island may have a ritzy reputation that likely puts off other travellers from going, don't forget why you want an island holiday in the first place. If beach, sea and sun are your top priorities then these are totally free on Waiheke Island. There is excellent camping and delicious food (especially fish). What more could you ask for?

Have you ever been to New Zealand?

Image: thorstenrinne / Flickr cc.

Rio de Janeiro is known for one thing: its electrifying party scene. Want to get a taste of the world's party capital this year? Not every city has the audacity to call itself the marvelous city but Rio lives up to the title, that much is for certain. Just take a look at its surroundings. Rocky mountains, monoliths jutting up out of the rocks and water, beaches and jungles... And then there is the city's culture. From music to food and festivals, there is no shortage of experiences here in the heart of Brazil.

One concern foreigners have always had about Rio has been security. It's not unheard of for backpackers to be robbed, even mugged, if found walking down the wrong street at the wrong time. This is all changing however, now that Rio de Janeiro is the city of choice to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The city has launched a huge security program, aimed at making popular tourist places more safe and more secure. Zona Sul for example, one of the best beach areas, is constantly patrolled.

Essential sights 

Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf) - More than just a mere rock, take a trip to the top 396m up) with a cable car. The first car takes you up to the first peak, Urca. Take time to get your legs back and enjoy a caipirinha. The second cable car will take you up the rest of the way to Sugarloaf, to enjoy the best view of Rio.

Cristo Redentor - Seen from just about everywhere in the city, Christ the Redeemer has been standing on top of Corcovado Mountain since 1930. Standing 710m tall, no trip to Rio is complete without a photo in from of Jesus, standing in the same flying posture. 

Avenida Atlantica - Take a stroll down the Avenida Atlantica, a promenade that borders Zona Sul. It's the best place to see all the action too: beach volleyball, skaters, bathers... The most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana. Less busy are Ipanema and Leblon.

Who is going to Rio? Who has been?

Images: thiago_moura, camilailovesana / Flickr cc.