Why Should I Engage in Outdoor Recreation Activities

More and more people engage in outdoors activities these days, as outdoor sports are becoming very popular. The top recreational activities include kayaking, jogging, walking, hiking, and camping.

How can outdoor recreational activities be beneficial to you?

The foremost advantage of spending time outdoors is gaining a good mental spirit and healthy balance of your body. Not only will it help in giving you the liveliness that everyone should have, but it will also pump your life force and the love of living.

Activities such as walking, bird watching, kayaking and camping all make you feel happier while appreciating the beauty that we often forget during our busy hours at the office. Nowadays the stress level has increased so much in everyone’s life that everyone, without exception, deserves a small break to get rid of this stress. Sometimes a small walk in the park will do the trick and can lighten up your tensions and make you feel happy.

In today’s hectic life styles, we hardly find time to spend with our families and friends. Engaging regularly in various outdoor activities can help you create much stronger bonds with your family and friends. You can interact and talk more with your friends and family while sharing the astonishing experiences of a different outdoor activity each time you go out.

How can outdoor recreation help you in saving money?

Our lives are never smooth and secured; everyone comes across various difficult times in their lifetime. Taking the time to engage in simple outdoor recreations will not only help you mentally, but you will also find that it costs close to nothing. For example hiking does not cost anything when compared with cycling. All you need is a pair of good shoes and a mountaintop to hike to. Another example is simply playing outdoors with your kids. Nothing will beat playing soccer or tags with your kids, especially when you take time off from a stressful job.

While there is other activities like hunting that are somewhat costlier however they will provide you with a lot of thrills and great sense of accomplishment. If you can’t afford spending money on such activities then you still have many options that will definitely suit your pocket.

You should try to spend as much time as possible in these types of activities. You should also encourage your friends, family and kids to spend such a wonderful time together building good memories. Nothing can be more enjoyable and beneficial than gaining a good and healthy lifestyle by being in the outdoors.

Keep In Touch With Your Travelling Children

The thought of your precious child leaving home, spreading their wings and travelling round the world is enough to bring any parent out in a cold sweat. The fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of your child’s whereabouts can be a scary and intimidating experience for every parent. At this time of year lots of students and gap year students are beginning to plan backpacking world trips or organising working holidays abroad, so, whatever your child is planning it’s the perfect time to look into your options for staying in touch with your precious kids while they are away.

The thought of being out of contact with your children can send anxious parents into turmoil but there are a few easy ways to keep in contact with your loved ones as they head off on their great adventures. The easiest, and probably the most reliable, way to keep in touch is through e-mail and via the internet. This is a cost efficient, fast and reliable way to get messages to your child. Unfortunately this doesn’t guarantee you an immediate response but can be a nice way to share in your child’s experiences. If your loved one is travelling to an area with a bad connection don’t let this throw you into utter panic, arrange a time when you should expect to hear from them and ask for their hotel or youth hostel details in case of an emergency.

If you’re lucky your child may begin to write an online travel blog posting pictures, videos and information about their travels online for families and friends. This can be a positive and reassuring way to keep anxious parents sane and could stop your kids feeling obliged to call home each time their destination changes. Social networking sites are also a quick and easy way to stay in touch and parents can quickly check on Facebook and Bebo updates to make sure their child is still safe.

If you can’t stand the thought of not knowing where you child is you may consider using some of the latest technology to keep tabs on your offspring. GPS tracking devices are all the rage in the travelling world and are a great way to let others know your whereabouts. It’s especially useful if your child is planning a trek or excursion that means they will be out of contact for several days.

One of the most important things to remember when your child is travelling is to give them the freedom to grow and experience the world on their own. If you’re constantly ringing, emailing and writing your child could begin to resent you or may spend all their time reassuring you instead of enjoying themselves. Try to email or phone once a week or arrange a specific time to get in touch with them so you’re not smothering them.

Whether you’re looking for cheap calls to Australia, a sturdy internet connection in Asia or a state of the art global tracking system staying in touch with your child can help to put your mind at ease so you can rejoice in your child’s new found freedom as they experience the world.

A Brief Guide On Xiangqi

Do you like playing strategy games for the better functioning of your mind? If yes, then you are likely to be aware of the popular game Xiangqi or Chinese chess played throughout the world. It is true that Xiangqi is not different from modern chess but players of Xiangqi need to follow certain rules when playing the game with a partner or online. This article helps you know more about Xiangqi or Chinese chess.

Xiangqi is a two-player game and belongs to the same family as western chess, chaturanga, and Indian chess. Although Xiangqi players have to follow some of the similar rules and principles as modern chess but there are many specific rules that are not found in modern chess or Chaturanga. Studies have indicated that the history of Xiangqi can be dated back to the 9th century, thus giving it a rich history. Additionally, the board used in Xiangqi is different compared to the board used to play modern chess. This is because; in a Xiangqi board, the centre is separated with a river; the Pawns are promoted after crossing the river whereas the Elephants do not have the permission to move across the river, thus making it slightly more difficult for the players.

Xiangqi or Chinese chess is also referred as the war game or a battle between two armies with each one of them trying to capture the general’s piece at the earliest. This popular game has some of the distinctive features, which includes the moving of the cannon or the pao, the movement of this piece is crucial, as it prevents the general from facing each other directly. The other important feature is the river and the palace board; these pieces also help in restricting the movement of certain pieces. This -Elephant Game-, is not only popular in China and some of the Chinese communities but also in Vietnam. Make sure to be thoroughly aware of the rules before playing Xiangqi.

Xiangqi can be played both online and with a partner offline. For those interested in playing the game with a challenger should have a Xiangqi board, which has 9 wide lines and 10 long lines. The pieces used to play the game are placed on the intersecting lines also known as points. It is good to know that the vertical and horizontal lines are referred as files and ranks. The main objective behind Xiangqi or Chinese chess is to checkmate your challenger’s general. Xiangqi being a mind engaging game, the players have to play with complete understanding of the game. According to many experts, children who play Xiangqi regularly, have a developed thinking power and problem solving abilities.

These days, many people choose to play Xiangqi online, as it can be enjoyed free and one does not have to look for a competitor. Moreover, if you are a beginner you can choose the level of the game to suit your age and play accordingly. Whatever may be your medium to enjoy the game; Xiangqi players should always have a thorough understanding and complete information of the game to enjoy it completely. Moreover, Xiangqi being a popular game played throughout the world, there are many gaming websites offering the game, make sure the website you have chosen is reputed and reliable.

Dubai Hotels – A Great Traveling Experience

Dubai normally gets clubbed with one of the most expensive places on earth. The magnitude of its wealth can easily be gauged from the way the city has been making growth during the last two and half decades. The world renowned Dubai free trade zone, the upcoming seashore marvel of Dubai Marina and the continuous development of some amazing buildings across its horizon are enough indicators of what lies in Dubai’s coffers. But what makes this city more special is the manner in which fusion of Islam has taken place with modernity. There is a distinct flavor of ethnicity present on one hand, and on the other an amazing advancement taking place on all fronts. If you traveled across the globe in today’s times, hardly could you think of capturing such a fine blend of modern and ancient ethos at any other single place.

The world has been converging at the doors of Dubai as a result, to take part in the dream run it has been witnessing for some time now. Along with the mass of entrepreneurs and the skilled workforce, there are a growing number of tourists flying across each year into this princely territory. This has made the quality accommodation and its round-the-clock availability a must have facility for the Dubai planners. Hoteliers gain tremendous significance in this scenario, something we are going to have a word spread out about through these paragraphs. Any debate on hotels of Dubai is bound to cause an equally gripping response as the rest of Dubai would normally do so on any other occasion. The fusion of ethnicity and the modernization can as strongly be seen in the hotel industry as well as the rest of Dubai speaks about for it as a whole.

Starting with the best in the league, one has to make a mention of Burj Al Arab, without fail. Built 288 meters off the seashore inside waters, the sail-like concrete marvel soars 321 meters above the famous Jumeirah Beach Resort. Aptly called the best hotel of the contemporary times, Burj Al Arab is the only existing seven-star facility on earth right now. It provides a highly personalized service to its clientele throughout their stay. This includes having access to the services of well-trained butlers and privately manned reception points on all floors. Just imagine how even the smallest of the suits at Burj Al Arab could be found to be measuring 170sqm in area, to understand what grandeur we are speaking about.

However, it’s the range of two, three, four and five star hotels in Dubai that occupy bulk of catering business like they will do anywhere else in the world. Almost two dozen five-star hotels are running on their shops right now and shaping out Dubai’s breathtaking skyline at the same time. A number of two and three-star hotels are also known to be providing equally competitive services, thus reaching out to all the travelers in this part of the world. For example a three star facility like hotel Karama has been gaining popularity among the business travelers and tourists alike, due to its proximity to the commercial hubs and the Dubai International Airport, both. In any case, services on offer at these lowly-ranked hotels can still be expected to be of very high standards.

Interestingly, also available are privately owned apartments these days that will cost almost the same amounts as the low-end segment of hotel industry generally bills you for. But, these apartments are better suited for the long term stays, and can never be described as a complete alternative of staying at hotels. Put in the right perspective, Dubai hotels are nicely placed to serve the influx of tourists on its territory. They are institutionally well organized bodies that will keep charging ahead on the path of glory and success, year after another. The unfolding saga of Dubai hotels is no doubt, a highly gripping and exciting one in kind!

Pankaj Mohan is a freelance writer based in Ahmedabad, India who regularly writes on various subjects including that on traveling. Kindly, check out more on Dubai hotels at Mydubaihotels.com. Do also take a look at various other offers apart from the lush plazas and hotels Dubai has keenly been looking forward to draw your attention on.

Precautions To Take When Traveling Solo

Traveling alone has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be dangerous if proper precaution is not taken. It can force the traveler to meet other people and to make friends, which can be good, depending on the person. You can go at your own pace and change your plans as and when you like. However, it can be lonely traveling alone and you often end up paying more in the form of single room supplements. And it can also be more challenging especially if you are a woman traveling solo.

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure your solo trip is safe and enjoyable. Do some general research on your destination you should have some idea of where your hotel is located; as well as the basic layout of the city or resort, and which areas of town that it might be best to avoid. Make a point not to look too much like a tourist. For instance, dont walk around with your camera, name tag or guidebook too visible; and try not to read your map in a public place.

ATMs can be found just about anywhere and offer a convenient way to access your cash. If you use an ATM while traveling alone, try to find one that is in a crowded or a public place; and if you are using one at night, try to choose one that is well lit. Take a few moments to check out your surroundings if you are using an ATM in an isolated spot; and once you have completed your transaction, dont linger in front of the ATM, leave the area as quickly as possible.

When you leave your hotel, carry just enough cash on you for that day that way if you are robbed, you wont be completely broke. Make copies of your passport, plane ticket and any other important documents and keep the copies separate from the originals. Use a money belt and wear it inside your clothing, if you have to carry your passport or other valuables with you. Keep a tight grip on your wallet or purse in crowded places, and watch for the distraction tactics that many thieves employ.

Write down the name and address of your hotel in English and the local language, if applicable and carry it with you at all times. Rather than mispronounce the name of your hotel to a cab driver and perhaps be taken to the wrong destination, simply hand over the card. Always use licensed taxis be particularly careful of unlicensed taxis at airports, train stations and major tourist attractions that will almost certainly overcharge you and are also illegal.

In many cities, public transportation is so good that you might not need to take a taxi. Be particularly careful with your purse, wallet or handbag when riding the bus, metro or subway. Try to wait in a well-lit area and board a car that is occupied by several people. Most city transit systems have easy to use route diagrams displayed; if you arent sure where you are going, you should be able to read the map without making it too obvious that you are a tourist and not a local.

If applicable, try to take a hotel room that is on the first floor; that way there is less chance of your room being broken into. Always use the deadbolt lock to secure your door; you can also put a rubber doorstop under the door to further deter any would-be intruder. Avoid using the doorknob hang tab to order room service it can leave the impression that you are alone in the room just pick up the phone instead. Use the Do not disturb sign to prevent the hotel cleaning staff from entering your room unless you actually want them to.

Unfortunately, women still face many more challenges and dangers than men do when traveling alone. Some countries and parts of the world are particularly challenging for a single woman traveler, such as the Middle East; and in many places, the normal rules of behavior that apply at home just wont work. Try to do some research before you leave home and if in doubt, observe how the local women behave and react in particular situations.

Women in particular should be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you just dont feel comfortable, or are being pestered by somebody, be prepared to take refuge in a public building, hotel or large store a tactic that almost always deters people. Be firm but polite if accosted on the street by homeless people, panhandlers, or people trying to sell something. Even if you arent married, a wedding ring can be an essential device for fending off unwanted attention.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding experience just take some basic precautions, avoid looking too much like a tourist, and your trip should be everything you hoped it would be!