Dubai is one of the finest cities not only in the middle eastern region, but also throughout the globe. What makes it more special among the known urban centers of the world however, is the sandy surroundings it has been built upon. It shows on one hand the ability of the city planners to have got such an architectural marvel built in the middle of the desert, and on the other it lends a chance for some major outdoor activities around for the fun seeking enthusiasts. There are several locations around Dubai that one could choose to embark on with their desert safaris and have plenty of leisurely time ahead in the rustic Arabian countryside.

These safaris normally take place at a time the sun just starts lowering down on the western horizon and the sand dunes begin displaying larger shadows. The excitement of traveling straightway down from Dubai into a vast deserted land can be immeasurable in these circumstances. One normally encounters scattered villages and well-bred camels straying across on earth while being on these expeditions. The purple Arabian skies provide a very fitting backdrop for camping out in the desert as the evening finally sets in. Dubai is appreciated not only for its trade and commerce but also for the tourism activities it presents these days, and desert safaris may without doubt be stated as one of the key areas where these activities generally lay around at.

There are several available options for the tourists to get their safaris selected from. Generally all major hotels and resorts will get such trips organized when asked for by their clients. Guides are provided with all traveling parties for the duration beginning from the late afternoon start of any journey to the same night return later. Travelers should keep aware about the kind of topsy-turvy ride they might be about to undertake, as miles of sand dunes will be lying ahead in the path to be taken care of. Any lack of carefulness on part of the driver may cause the jeep to be overturned or get stuck inside the sand. Somehow, the fun and excitement of traveling like a gypsy will make out these stressful parts insignificant.

Once deep inside the desert, one may witness camels ferrying tourists across from one souk to another. It’s not only entertaining but challenging as well to be placed at the top of mounting and dismounting camel backs. The long-necked mammals on their part are well bred and nicely taken care of by their masters, and would start acting somewhat like puppies whenever pampered by someone. Just scratch behind any camel’s ears and it would start flattening its necks as if asking for more of the same massage.

The late evening outings normally include visiting souks in the desert and having Arabian dinner along with some entertaining folk dance and music shows on. Liquor drinks may cost between $7.00 – 10.00 and beers in the range of $5.00 – 7.00. You will enjoy watching stars at night provided Dubai is not very near the place where you have landed for your outing. The return journey takes place soon after all you camp fire itineraries, including having dinner and spending time around in shops, have ended to the best of your fulfilment. You will be back to your hotel just before the midnight and get on with your usual Dubai holiday making.

Cheap backpacks can be made, but I don’t recommend it. Unless you are extremely skilled at sewing, it isn’t likely to come out like you want. Also, even if you are an expert, it will probably take less of your time to pick up an extra day at work and buy a pack with the earnings.

On the other hand, if you have an old backpack frame, you can make a cheap backpack with it. Remove the old pack, and tie a plain nylon duffel bag to it firmly, with the zipper facing out. Small bungee cords will work for attaching it too. I did this using an old aluminum frame that still had straps and a waist belt, and for the cost of a $15 duffel bag, I had an external-frame backpack that not only held a lot, but weighed just two pounds.

<b>Buying Cheap Backpacks</b>

There are several ways to buy cheap backpacks. The most obvious is to just wait for a good sale. A quicker way is to shop for a used pack online. Try Ebay.com, or go to a backpacking or other outdoor forum that allows people to sell their gear, like whiteblaze.net. The forums are nice, because you can easily ask questions about the pack.

You can also buy used backpacks cheap at rummage sales. Watch the ads for any mention of outdoor gear, and call to see if they have a backpack you might want. You may be able to buy it before the sale starts. Otherwise, start shopping early, and negotiate a bit. I recently sold a beautiful Kelty frame-pack for $15 at a garage sale.

Thrift stores sometimes have cheap backpacks. More often they have day packs, but you never know. I have seen big old frame packs that were rough at thrift shops, and it occurred to me that for a few dollars I could just toss the pack, and use the frame with a duffel bag, as described above.

Another way to keep the cost down is to go light. The lightweight backpacks, unlike other lightweight gear, are always cheaper than the big packs. If you have been thinking about lightening the load, you can save money too. Ultralight backpacks are usually under two pounds and frame-less. You’ll probably use a sleeping pad as a “frame” of sorts. The good news is that they are often on sale for under $100.

Go-Lite has several packs that are near $100, and sometimes on sale for less than that. The list price on the Granite Gear Virga Ultra Light Packer may still be under $100, and I have seen it on sale for under $80. It also weighs only 21 ounces, a bonus for me, as I like the idea of light AND cheap backpacks.

Are you interested in going on a camping adventure?  If you are, you are definitely not alone.  In the United States, camping is often referred to as a popular pastime.  One of the many reasons why camping is so popular is because of all of the choices that you have. One of the many choices that you have is deciding how you would like to camp, in a motor home or in a tent.

If this is your first or even your second time going camping, you may be unsure as to whether you should camp in a motor home or in a tent.  This is a decision that many people have to make.  If you would like advice on what you should do, you will want to continue reading on, as the advantages and disadvantages of both tents and motor homes are outlined below.

As for camping in a traditional tent, there are a number of benefits to doing so. One of those benefits is the cost.  Tents come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles, as well as prices.  Tents can also be purchased from a number of different retail stores, including those that are located both on and offline.  Depending on where you look, you may be able to find a camping tent for as low as twenty or thirty dollars!

Another one of the many benefits to going camping in a traditional camping tent is the experience.  Camping tents, as you likely already know, are sort of like tarps.  They give you protection from the outdoors, but they still leave you feeling as if you are camping in the open night.  If you are an outdoor lover or if you are truly looking to get the “camping feel,” you may want to think about camping in a traditional camping tent.

Although going camping in a traditional camping tent is nice, there are a number of downsides to doing so.  One of those downsides is bad weather.  For your information, a large number of camping tents are strong and waterproof, but not all are.  If you are unsure as to what the weather will be like for your next camping adventure, you may want to think about purchasing a camping tent that comes highly rated and recommended.  Doing so may help ensure that you don’t awake to any wet surprises.

As for camping in a motor home, you will also find that there a number of advantages and disadvantages to doing so as well.  Perhaps, the biggest disadvantage of camping in a motor home is the cost of doing so.  Motor home are expensive to buy and if you are looking to camp on a budget, you may not be able to afford to buy your own motor home.  Of course, with that in mind though, you should know that you don’t actually have to buy a motor home. There are a number of individuals and companies that have motor homes available for rent.  Renting a motor home, instead of buying one, is a nice, affordable way to camp in style.

If you are able to camp in a motor home, you may enjoy doing so, as many motor homes appear as if they are small apartments or small homes.  Motor homes often come equipped with working bathrooms, kitchens, and televisions!  This is nice if you are looking to enjoy camping, while still being able to bask in the modern luxuries of life.

As it was previously mentioned, one of the reasons why camping is so popular is because of all the choices that you have, like the choice to camp in a traditional camping tent or a motor home.  The decision as to whether you want to camp in a motor home or a traditional camping tent is your decision to make, but you may want to keep the above mentioned advantages and disadvantages in mind when making your decision.

Spectacular fall foliage scenic drives are plentiful in Massachusetts from the south shore of Boston down to Cape Cod, and the Quabbin Reservoir area of the central region. But perhaps the most dramatic lay out west in the Berkshires and Mount Greylock region. Here the mountains provide the perfect terrain and temperatures to showcase fall in its entire splendor.

And nowhere is this most evident than on one of my favorite Massachusetts scenic drives. Stretching for 63 miles from the Massachusetts-New York border to Millers Falls on the Connecticut River is a stretch of road known as The Mohawk Trail. It offers one of Massachusetts most beloved and popular fall foliage scenic drive areas.

Attractions in the region of the Mohawk Trail are Mount Greylock, The Bridge of Flowers, Glacial Potholes, a natural marble bridge formed by erosion, state forests, old Indian hiking trails, and a plethora of villages, country inns, gift shops, and arts and craft attractions.

The trail more or less follows the footpath trade and travel route used by the peoples in this part of the northeast since postglacial age. The path was well trodden and used to move between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys.

Anytime of the year traveling this same path by road through northern section of the Berkshire Hills is relaxing and inspiring… but especially during fall foliage season when everything is cloaked and carpeted in vibrant autumn colors.

This fall foliage scenic drive covers most of the major attractions and plenty of time for stopping and admiring the view or picking up an antique or two. The drive is approximately 65 miles but you should allow all day for viewing in an unhurried and gentle manner.

Start on Route 7 in Lanesborough, just south of Route 2. Follow Lanesborough one mile north to Rockwell Road on the right. This road leads to the summit of Mount Greylock – the highest peak in Massachusetts and one the loftiest in the long Taconic Mountain range.

The trip to the summit offers splendid view of the valleys and other peaks in the area.  A few miles on Rockwell Road is the Mount Greylock Visitor center. Here you can get trail maps and general information about the area. If you’ve got the time some easy walking trails lead down and around the summit.

At the summit is the War Memorial Tower. The climb to the top of a 92-foot-tall tower at the summit offers magnificent views of five states for your efforts. Once your summit viewing is complete take the Notch Road down to meet the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 in North Adams.

North Adams celebrates the autumn season with the North Adams Fall Foliage Festival and Parade. This is usually the last weekend of September or the first in October. In North Adams is the Western Gateway Heritage State Park, which features an exhibit on the building of the Hoosac Tunnel. Close by east of North Adams off Route 2 and 8 is Natural Bridge State Park – here the remains of rock fractures and erosion has built a natural bridge formation.

Follow Route 2 east out of North Adams ascending the Hoosac Mountain Range until Hairpin Turn and then onto the Western Summit. Here you can stop and admire the vistas of Mount Greylock, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the valley below.

How fast or slow you take the next part of the journey depends on time. Continuing on Route 2 east takes you though Charlemont where the famous “Hail to the Sunrise” statue stands in Memorial Park. The eastern end of this scenic drive on the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 takes you out to Shelburne Falls where you can view The Bridge of Flowers – a transformed trolley bridge – and the Glacial Potholes below Salmon Falls, where time has produced unusual geological pools.

Scattered throughout the region are state parks, hikes along ancient trails, scenic views, and of course specialty shopping and dinning opportunities. So as you wind your way around on this tour take time to enjoy this area of a window into the area’s heritage.

In summary, the Mohawk Trail is a not-to-missed fall foliage scenic trail in Massachusetts. Combine the drive with a getaway weekend in the Berkshires and many other attractions in the area, and you’ve a fall foliage destination package to create memories for many a fall to come.

Had it with the “rat race”? Got time off but not much cash to spend? Losing touch with your family? Sounds like an old-fashioned campout is just what you need.

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time getting reacquainted with your family. Great family camping getaways are easy to plan and inexpensive vacation options. Nature is everywhere, so you don’t need to travel far for your camping trip. You can journey to a national park, drive to a local campground, or pitch a tent in your own backyard.

Camping 101 begins with the planning. This part of the trip is half the fun. Call a family meeting to decide where you’d like to go. Depending on your budget, you can plan to load up the trunk with tents and sleeping bags, pull a camper or drive an RV. The point is to treat your family to an unforgettable outdoor adventure, so it doesn’t matter how you plan to camp or where you intend to go.

If you are new to the camping experience, it’s probably a good idea to start out slow. Book a weekend campsite to get the feel for the camping lifestyle. Get used to cooking over a wood fire and sharing your space with wildlife, before you venture too far away from the comforts of home. Many campgrounds provide fun activities like pools, playgrounds, fishing or recreational boating, so check your local listings to see what adventures lie ahead.

Once your kids (and you) recover from the shock of having no television or Internet access, you’ll all have an eye-opening experience. You’ll realize the nature is fun. Camping opens the doors to a world of new activities, like swimming, rock diving, boating, fishing, hiking, catching butterflies, searching for fossils, and going wherever your energy level and imagination can take you. Campgrounds and remote parks are all filled with wonderful ways to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you want to boat or water ski, many campsites offer these and other items for rent.

Don’t expect to bring along your everyday dinnerware and automatic coffeepot for your campout. Remember, you will be roughing it, so pack accordingly. Bring plastic dishes and cutlery that can be washed and reused, but won’t break in transit. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows and extra clothes. Pack the food you’ll need, plus a little extra, and keep a supply of ice on hand for perishables like meat and dairy. If you’re bringing tins of beans, remember a manual can opener or pack your Swiss army knife. If you’re not sure what to bring, ask an associate at your local sporting store to help you choose your camping needs. Call on friends who like to camp, and ask them for advice.

Just like your old scoutmaster used to say, “Always be prepared”. Make a list and check it three times before you leave on your camping trip. Make sure that there is enough food and fresh water for everyone. Bring food that can be easily prepared on your campsite. Pack clothing for all kinds of weather. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray and hygiene items. Toilet paper and paper towels are absolute necessities. Bring along some soap and toothpaste, but leave the hair gel and makeup at home. Mother Nature doesn’t care what you look like. She just wants you to enjoy your stay.

In its simplicity,  fly fishing transcends the commonplace to become art itself.

Years ago I used to live in the Berkshires, the heavily forested and hilly land of Western Massachusetts, home to writers, theater folk, artists of all types.  It is a beautiful place, a land rich with natural beauty.  Its rivers and lakes boast trout of all kinds – brook, brown, rainbow, even tiger trout (a cross between a female brown and male brook trout) and fishing with flies is deeply embedded in the angling culture of the area.

The Berkshires are home to painters, too, and of these I count Norman Rockwell as my best example of a  painter who grabs the inner heart of fishing.  Rockwell, who lived in Stockbridge, Massachusetts from 1953 to his death in 1978, did homage to that ideal.  All outdoor sports have their cache of needed equipment, and fishing is no different.  Every angler has his or her favorite fly fishing gear to port along.  But it is in the quiet simplicity of casting flies, over and over again, that one begins to feel what Rockwell once said:  “if it isn’t an ideal world, it should be so.”

Fly fishing is a game of cat and mouse, or fly and fish, true.  Whether it’s Montana fly fishing, with its pristine mountain lakes and rivers,  or a wilderness trek for Alaska fly fishing, it’s all the same.

Combing the banks, one is always on the hunt for the trout rise, trying to read its complex nature – bubbles?  rings?  nipping rise, or gobbling attack? – and thereby one decides on a fly and a strategy.  But at the heart of it lies the desire for more than fish.   One is after solitude and peace, and connection with a pastime which stretches back into the mists of time.

Perhaps no one said it better than Herbert Hoover:

“Fishing is much more than fish.  It is the great occasion when we may return to the simplicity of our forefathers.”

From basketball and horseback riding to the performing arts and cheerleading, there are many different types of camp to choose from. Traditional summer camp is still, by far, the most popular choice for youths of all ages and day camp for teenagers is on the rise. But how do you know when your child is ready to go to camp and how do you find the best match?

Camping experts at the YMCA of the USA offer tips to help parents choose the best camping experience for their child this summer:

&#8226; A good place to start when looking for a camp is with the American Camp Association (ACA) or with the Y. The ACA accredits camps across the country to ensure they meet the highest standards. YMCA camps are accredited by the ACA.

&#8226; Camp does not have to be expensive. There are camps available in every price range. YMCA camps even offer scholarship assistance.

&#8226; On average, many 8-year-olds are ready for resident or “sleep-away camp” and age-appropriate day camps are available for preschool-aged children. Remember, however, each child is ready to leave the nest at his or her own pace.

&#8226; Sleep-away camp shouldn’t be a child’s first time away from home. A sleepover at a friend’s or relative’s house is an important first step to a longer stay away.

&#8226; Decide if you are looking to give your child a vacation from school or if you hope for some real growth in character and self-confidence. Some camps are highly structured, while others offer more time to allow kids to set their own schedules.

&#8226; Quiz camp staff on the information described in their materials. Find out how the camp encourages positive behavior and teamwork and how problem behavior is handled. Ask how the camp works with children requiring special diets, medications or accommodations.

&#8226; Get references from other families who have attended the camps you are considering.

&#8226; Don’t forget to include your child in the process, and if possible, plan a visit before making a final decision. Most camps provide tours in the spring as well as once camp is in session. Some even offer family weekends where the family can experience camp together.

If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.

You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on your safari. Long sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun, and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes. Wearing neutral colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife, and will help to reflect the sun, keeping you cooler.

Remember, your transportation may not allow you to carry a lot of luggage, so be conservative. You may have to travel by a small plane or boat and not be able to carry more than a few pounds worth (maybe 20 or 25). Be sure your gear and clothing is packed in something waterproofed like a duffel bag. Most safari guide services recommend only 2 or 3 days worth of clothing be taken as there will be facilities to do laundry in most camps and lodges. If you are planning on being in any of the larger African cities with restaurants, they may require more ‘dressy’ attire, so take something appropriate.

Here are a few items you might want to take along on your African safari:

Clothing – sweater and jacket, raincoat, jeans, dress pants or skirts (if you plan on going into the city; you might even want to take a tie and some dress shoes), t-shirts, underwear, sports bra, sun protecting hats, socks, hiking shoes

Miscellaneous – large handkerchief or headband, oral hygiene supplies, hair care supplies, shaving gear, sun glasses, wash rag, plastic storage bags, sunscreen and insect repellent, medications for allergies, colds and headaches, flashlight, pocket knife, camera and film (this is important – don’t count on getting it there), batteries, small first aid kit, eye drops, lip balm

You should plan on visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to make sure you have the vaccinations and medications you may need. There are some things you may be susceptible to in Africa that you want to guard against.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Malaria prophylactics are advisable before entering into a malaria area (particularly Kruger). Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so take other precautions, too. Avoid Bilharzia (caused by tiny parasites) by not swimming in stagnant rivers or streams.

If you are a non-resident of Africa, you will need a passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return home. Visas which are acquired before you travel are required in Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Also, plan on getting at least the minimum amount of travel insurance.

Many places outside of the African cities accept American currency as well as local currency. Also, take travellers cheques in small denominations for incidental expenses. Many establishments in the cities also accept international credit cards. Some banks have ATM machines where you can use an international credit card to obtain local currency. You will need to ensure you have some American cash for visas, airport departures, taxes, tipping, etc. Carry small denominations like $10 – $20 USD and plenty of $1 USD for tipping.

So, getting ready for your African Safari is a job in itself, but if you arrive prepared you will certainly have a much more enjoyable and hassle free trip.

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Does the thought of buying a gift for a friend or relative make you smile or does it stress you out?  Is there a hiker or camper on your gift giving list?  What can you give to the someone who already has everything?  The secret of gift giving is not always the “what.”  Many times the “why, when and how” make an ordinary gift the Perfect Gift.  Continue reading to discover 5 sure-fire steps to giving the perfect gift to the outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

Step 1:  Do Your Homework.  This is the toughest of the 5 steps.  Doing your homework means thinking about your outdoor enthusiast and what he or she likes about being in the backcountry.  Are there any current or past outdoor interests?  Perhaps he likes to fish or she likes to climb.  Maybe you overheard the comment “I remember when I used to go camping every long weekend.  I miss those days.”  Our personal shopper service receives hints like this all the time.  Chances are you already know their interests, so take a few minutes to think prior to shopping.  There are loads of great outdoor gifts available.

Another part of your homework is to understand the relationship between you and your gift recipient’s outdoor hobbies.  Last year I was camping with a dear friend who got mildly lost.  After about an hour, he showed up in camp a little embarrassed – but safe.  So the perfect gift for him before our next trip was a GPS unit.  I also included a hand written coupon good for one free lesson and an extra set of batteries.  The relationship we had allowed me to have a little fun with the gift giving.  I did provide him with a quality gift and he uses it all the time.

Step 2:  Speaking of High Quality.  The best way to get the most enjoyment out of our backcountry experiences is to have good gear.  When giving a backcountry gift, be sure it’s high quality.  There are two gear buying rules to live by.  First, only give gear you would use.  And secondly, buy the best gear you can afford.  Nothing derails good times in the great outdoors like bad gear.

Step 3:  The Right Way to Give Certificates.  Gift certificates can be an excellent choice for a gift.  Here’s a great use of a gift certificate – I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this story.  A friend living across the country knew I loved to hike.  He also knew from his own experience that you can’t just buy a backpack for someone else.  Backpacks are a very subjective purchase.  Instead of buying a me a pack and giving me the task of returning it in order to get the right one, he sent me a gift certificate AND he told me what to buy with it.  So now I get the backpack I want and my friend has proven once again how well he knows me.  I loved the gift.  When giving gift certificates, tell the recipient what to buy with it.

Step 4:  Seek Out Customer Friendly Retailers.  This is especially important when purchasing a gift on-line.  Make sure you are purchasing from a store with visible customer satisfaction and return policies.  If your gift recipient needs to exchange or return a piece of gear, the process needs to be hassle-free.  If the return procedure is clunky, the perfect gift just became imperfect.

Step 5:  Timing is Everything.  The best time to get “the birding binoculars I always wanted,” is not on your birthday or at Christmas time.  The best time to get them is just before you go birding.  The new backpack is a more thoughtful gift just prior to hiking the Grand Canyon than it is for graduation.  The value of a gift is greatly increased when given at the right time.  Surprise someone with a perfectly timed present.

Giving the Perfect BackCountry Gift is easy to do.  Determining “what” to give is important, but so is knowing “why, when and how” to give.  Make your next gift giving experience a good one.  The outdoor enthusiast in your life is counting on it.

Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.  Get Outdoors!