Hiking Etiquette Tips

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When you’re out in nature hiking the trails, you can get so immersed in the beauty of your surroundings, the wind in our hair and the ground beneath your feet, that it can be all too easy to forget your manners. However, trail etiquette is old and important – it keeps everyone safe and ensures that the trails are well-maintained for us all to enjoy.

If you need to brush up on your hiking etiquette, check out these useful tips for hikers:

Priority

The first thing you should bear in mind when hiking is that there is a ladder of hierarchy on the trails. Horses should always take priority, followed by hikers, with cyclists coming in third. Now that you know this, you can always be sure to make way for the relevant parties, ensure the trails are safe and pleasant and avoid any nasty confrontations.

Additionally, you should remember that, if you are being passed by horses, you will need to move off the trail a little on the downhill side, if it is possible to do so. This will prevent the animals from getting startled by taking you out of their immediate path and making you look smaller.

Uphill Traffic

When you’re hiking, you should always give way to uphill traffic. Going uphill is harder work than going downhill, and when you’ve built up some steam, and you’re going along at a pleasant pace, the last thing you want is to have to change course, lose momentum and start again. So, put yourself in the place of others and always yield to the uphill travelers.

Stay Right

Hikers should always try to stay on the right side of the trail, and if they wish to pass someone ahead of them, they should always do so on the left, after warning the person in front what they are about to do. Doing this helps to stop accidents and annoyances on the trail.

Leave No Trace

So, you’ve gone up the trail with a mountain of supplies including food, water, string and your best backpacking tent to see you through your trip.  You’ve built a fire, had a feast and enjoyed your time in the woods. Now it’s time to leave, what do you do? If you’re an inconsiderate person, you’ll leave your food wrappers on the ground along with the ashes of your extinguished fire and leave. Who wants to carry more than they have to on the trails right?

On the other hand, you’re a very considerate person, you will pick up and repack everything you brought with you, including wrappers, apple cores, and banana peels and take them home with you to be disposed of safely, so that the next hikers who come along won’t have to look at your trash.

Using Tech

There is nothing wrong with listening to your portable radio or playing your iPod when you’re out on the tail, but try not to do it in the vicinity of other people who might prefer to listen to the birds sing rather than Beyoncé. Be aware of your surroundings and ask others if they mind before you do anything that could spoil their trip.

If you bear all of the above in mind, you’ll have a great hiking trip and so will everyone else on the trails.

The Ultimate Sailing Packing List

Exciting times for you! You’re going on a sailing trip, off to see the world, to feel the breeze on your face and the salt on your lips. You’re going to be getting your sea legs and spending time on the Big Blue. You’re excited, and rightfully so. You’ve got a lot to look forward to!

If you’ve never sailed (or even if you have), it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to pack. After all, you’re going to be away from your home, away from the conveniences you know, and (gasp!) away from wifi.

Never fear. We’ve got you covered here at Mobox. In this post, we’re going to give you the ultimate sailing packing list. Now, to be clear, this post doesn’t cover the items you need on an extended sailing trip. If you’ll be on the open sea for a significant period of time, you’ll obviously need to pack additional items.

However, if you’re just taking a short holiday aboard a boat, this list is perfect.

Clothes To Pack

Remember, you won’t be washing anything, at least not in the normal sense. You’ll be able to rinse things off in water, but that’s about it. So you need to take enough clothes to cover every situation but not so many clothes that you’re hauling around your closet. Smart choices are the name of the game here.

Before we talk about what to pack, a quick not about how to pack. If possible, avoid using a bulky, square suitcase, simply because they’re difficult to store aboard a sailboat. Space is at a premium and you may be required to stuff your bag into a tight location. Use a soft bag that can get thrown anywhere.

In terms of articles of clothing, you’ll probably want:


● Several pairs of shorts

● Several t-shirts or tank tops.

● A few long sleeve shirts

● Track pants or leggings for cold weather

● Possibly a dress or two (if you’re a woman)

● Enough undergarments for fresh ones each day

● Socks

● At least two bathing suits (so you have one to wear when the other is drying)

● A pair of boat shoes or soft-soled shoes

● Flip flops or sandals

● A pullover, cardigan, or windbreaker

● A hat for keeping off the sun

● Sunglasses


Remember, you’re trying to balance having enough clothes with the ongoing space issues. Obviously, don’t go overboard and bring your ballroom gown or tuxedo, but don’t be a hero either with only a Speedo and a tank top. Unless you actually are a hero. Then you can wear whatever you want.

Toiletries

Depending on your desired level of hygiene, there is some flexibility here. You’re probably going to want to at least pack travel sized:


● Toothbrush

● Toothpaste

● Soap / shampoo

● Deodorant

● Lip balm

● Eye drops (if you’re prone to dry eyes)

● Razor (if you plan on staying clean shaven)


Ladies, if you’re going to hit your period during the trip, make sure to bring tampons too.

Obviously, you can pack more items, such as conditioner and skin moisturizer if you think you need them, but those aren’t really a necessity. If you have long hair, a hairbrush may be important.

Actually, none of these are necessities depending on how you look at it. But seriously, your fellow passengers won’t want to be near you if you neglect toiletries. This isn’t Castaway.

Towels

Quick-drying towels are ideal for sailing. Heavy cotton towels will take hours to dry, if they dry at all. Bring at least two so you have one to use while the other one is drying.

Water Gear

You’ll probably want to bring along your favorite water gear, whether that’s something to float on, a snorkel mask, or even a wetsuit. If you’re going to be doing any fishing, make sure to grab your fishing pole and tackle box.


Pro tip: you really don’t want to borrow someone else’s snorkel. While you’re at it, why don’t you borrow their toothbrush and mouth guard? Nasty.

Electronics

You may want to consider bringing along some portable electronics to help you pass the time. A Kindle reader is great for reading, and a tablet can be helpful if you want to play games or watch a movie (although seriously, do you really want to watch a movie while sailing?).

Make sure to grab a camera or your smartphone for taking pictures, and your GoPro if you want to shoot video.

You probably want to keep all these items in a waterproof bag to ensure they aren’t damaged. Of course, you could purchase an underwater camera so that you don’t need to worry about this.

Also, you’re going to want to bring a portable charging device if you’re taking electronic devices. Otherwise you’ll find yourself in the middle of the sea without any power, much like the Pilgrims when they crossed the Atlantic.

Finally, bring a flashlight or headlamp so that you’re not stumbling around in the dark and/or falling overboard.

Medical Items

The sailboat should have a medical kit onboard but you’ll also want to bring some extra items just in case. Consider bringing:

● Pain relievers

● Seasickness medications

● Prescription medications

● A few bandages

● Mosquito repellent (technically not medical, but you get the point)

● Sunscreen / sunburn lotion


Also bring your emergency contacts and health insurance card. Hopefully these won’t be necessary, but you never know.

This is another category where you need to balance space against possible problems. You certainly don’t want to forget prescription medications, especially if you’ll get wicked withdraw symptoms without them.

You may want to coordinate with other passengers to ensure you both don’t bring the same things, which would take up extra space.

Food

You’re probably going to want to bring along a few snacks, as well as account for any special dietary needs you may have. You’ll also want to bring a few bottles of water for whetting your whistle during the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re going to be sipping on vodka all day, don’t forget your flask.

Miscellaneous Items

There are a variety of things that can be helpful to bring, but probably aren’t necessary. Those items include:

● Earplugs/noise canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of a noisy marina or loud bunkmates. Snoring bunkmates are the worst, right? The headphones will only work if you have a tablet or phone, so keep that in mind.

● Board games or cards can be a great way to pass the time with friends. Just remember that, unlike your home, a boat constantly moves. A board game with hundreds of pieces is probably a mistake, so leave “Risk” at home.

● If you’re going to stopping at marinas, consider bringing some cash to purchase items. If the marina has a casino, consider bringing a suitcase full of unmarked bills. And an entourage of large bodyguards to impress people.

● If you’re the reflective, introspective type, don’t forget your journal. This is also a good item to have if you need to send out a message in a bottle.

● If you’ll making any stops in other countries, you’ll want to bring your passport. You don’t want to be that person who has to stay on the boat.

● If you don’t have a Kindle or tablet, you’ll want to bring a book or two. Just be sure to bring a book that can take some abuse since you’ll be around so much water.

● Binoculars are perfect for spotting whales or dolphins.

● You’re probably going to want to bring a small day bag or fanny pack for carrying around your cash, passport, and any other small items.

Conclusion

The water is calling your name. Adventure awaits you. The high seas (or rivers) have great things in store for you. Just make sure you know what to bring. Life favors the prepared. Those who have done the research and know exactly what lies ahead.



Daria Werbowy said:

Sailing is the closest I can get to nature - it's adrenaline, fear, a constant challenge and learning experience, an adventure into the unknown. And of course there is nothing better than wearing the same T-shirt for days and not brushing my hair for weeks.


We agree with the first part.



This article was originally published on moboxmarine.com’s article “The Ultimate Sailing Packing List” and is re-used with permission.

Diving Safety Concerns For Beginners

As a diving instructor with over 10 years of experience, I can tell you that I've encountered all sorts of people during my training sessions. Some seem to be natural born divers, while others may take a while before they get accustomed to all the intricacies of the sport.

To the uninitiated, scuba diving can often appear to be a piece of cake, something that can be mastered in half an hour. But there's a reason why even the most basic PADI courses (that's Professional Association of Diving Instructors for all you newbies) can require days or even weeks to complete. But all that hard work and financial investment pays off massively because, once you're certified, you can go anywhere in the world and practice scuba diving at a level appropriate for your certification.

That being said, there are a few key pointers that all beginners should be aware of before their first diving session:

Breathing

First off, and this may sound obvious, but I've seen plenty of newbies try to hold their breath underwater, probably by force of habit after being accustomed to doing so in the water while swimming. This, however, is strictly forbidden in scuba diving due to the dangers of over-pressurization, so make sure you breathe normally through your mouthpiece, just like you would on the surface.

Food, Alcohol and Tobacco

Secondly, stay away alcohol and tobacco on the day of your session, and wait for at least two hours after eating before you commence diving.

Physical fitness

Finally, be sure that you're physically fit enough to go scuba diving, as the sport can be surprisingly demanding on your body. You don't have to be Superman to do it, but you should definitely consider taking a medical test beforehand to ensure that you're health is good enough for diving purposes.

Another thing to keep in mind is that all dive spots are not created equally. Obviously, you can't expect to find the same kind of underwater life in the Black Sea that you would in the Great Barrier Reef, but there's more to it than that. Every spot has its own particular level of visibility, and diving locations can range from easy to difficult depending on a whole host of factors. Moreover, these characteristics are all subject to change according to things like weather patterns and tidal fluctuations.

I'm currently based in Bali, so most of my knowledge is applicable to this part of the globe. Nevertheless, there are some wondrous dive spots to be found here. Not all are suitable for beginners, but if you've got a few diving hours under your belt, you can really have a blast here. My favorite diving spot is Tulamben, blessed with rich corals and a diverse aquamarine life, among other notable sites. Quite literally, you can send postcards to the folks back home while diving!

Truth be told, in a place like Bali it's almost impossible not to have the time of your life while scuba diving as long as you stay safe. Keep in mind that visibility levels can vary throughout the year, so make sure you do some research beforehand in order to pick the perfect time to start your scuba diving adventures. Chances are you'll love it so much you'll be back for more in no time.

**This is a guest post.

Teach Your Kids Geography

I love Geography! I think, I was only 4 or 5 years old when my mum bought me an Almanac. It was thick, hardbound and had pretty, colourful pages, and information about weather, farmers' planting dates, and many more. So, what is the relationship of that Almanac to my love for Geography. Well, that thick Almanac book opened another view of the world outside my own, outside my community, and outside my country. At that young age, I developed my love for learning more about other countries, their history, art and culture, the food, the locals, their customs and traditions, the many festivities in their land, and the beautiful places to see in their countries. Aside from the Almanac, my mum and dad also bought me coffee table books of other countries with glossy prints of famous places and destinations. That really cemented by love for travel and the world. I got hooked!

Kids these days are all hooked up on gadgets and online interactions are becoming a norm. Why not divert their fresh minds and let them explore more about the world around them by engaging them in Little Passports' many fun activities for the young ones to know more about other countries?

You can subscribe to their kits to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of Geography, the World, the culture of other countries, and other fun activities outdoors.

You can get your subscription here:
12-month subscription to Little Passports

For more information:
Read the Little Passports' blog, Introducing the World Edition Classroom Subscription

Amazing Adventure Breaks in Europe

When you think of adventure holidays, a lot of people believe that they are for kids or families. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. Sure these types of holidays can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, but you don't have to take kids with you! In fact, sometimes holidays are a lot more fun without them! Shh, just don’t tell anyone we said that. Whether you have kids or not, a break is always welcomed. Who doesn’t like going on holiday?

pic via Flickr

So if you fancy something a bit more active than lying on the beach sipping cocktails (although that does sound good) what are your options? There’s plenty of time to sit around, and if you’re looking for adventure, then you’ve come to the right place. Doing something different is a great way to revive your lust for life. When you’re doing physical activities, the adrenaline can give you a real boost. You’ll be energized and refreshed and ready for anything. Who knows, you might even find you have hidden talents!

Hit the Slopes!

Skiing has a rep of being only for the wealthy, but it can be surprisingly affordable. You can get some great deals on short breaks. If you’ve ever fancied visiting the Alps, then you could be hitting the slopes very soon if you decide to get your ski’s on. From the novice to the expert, there are courses to suit everyone and tuition is available. To save more money, make sure lift passes and hire charges are included in the price of your holiday - you don’t want to get stung by hidden charges! There are some great packages available at momentumski.com

Fly through the Sky!

The longest zip wire in Europe is situated in Wales. Set in the Snowdonia National Park the line is not for the faint-hearted. You can zoom along at speeds of up to 90mph on what is reckoned to be the greatest zip wire experience in the entire Northern hemisphere. Snowdonia is also known as an area of outstanding natural beauty. You’ll also find a very warm welcome if you visit Wales; it’s one of the friendliest places you could ever hope to go. They certainly like to have a drink and a good time. Find out more at visitwales.com

A Swimmingly Good Adventure

If you are a water baby at heart, then why not visit Siam Park in Tenerife. The popular Spanish resort is reckoned to be one of the best water parks on the continent. With a multitude of white-knuckle water rides, you’ll love the thrill a minute atmosphere. IT certainly has unique surroundings. The park is Thai themed and rich in culture and eastern promise. One of the main attractions of the park is the infamous “Tower of Power.” This petrifying ride features an 80foot drop that passes right through a tank that is full of sharks. Definitely not one for you if the film Jaws gave you nightmares! Don’t panic, they can’t get you, but it’s certainly one for the hardcore amongst you! To make a splash, swom over to tenerifewaterpark.com

What Is An English Seaside Holiday Really Like?

Lots of people love to take a vacation as a way to destress and relax. This has been the case for over one hundred and fifty years in the UK. The Victorians popularized holidays on the coast when train travel was invented. Journeys to the coast were made so city dwellers could take in the fresh air and coastal activities their homes lacked. Today, millions of Brits still head down to the coast for a break. So what is an English seaside holiday really like?

Most of us have seen picture postcards of a sandy beach and kids playing with buckets and spades. Much of the English coastline, however, isn’t like this. Instead, the coastal areas can be rocky. They’re wild and rugged. They’re also home to a huge variety of sea life and wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else.

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Many of the sandy beaches in the UK now form part of the seaside resorts that are popular with people on vacation. You can find golden sands and seawater paddling pools in lots of places like Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool. These big tourist hotspots are also home to theme parks, seafront cafes, promenades, and more. The attractions in Blackpool are famed throughout the country and abroad. The famous tower and ballrooms have also enjoyed a popularity revival in recent years.

Beach holidays are something most of us love. We pay a lot of money to visit hot countries with hundreds of miles of white sands and warm blue waters. England isn’t exactly like that. And most Brits will tell you they go to Spain or the South of France for that. But that doesn’t mean that England’s beaches aren’t worth the visit. Many are very clean, and they are guarded, so you and your children are safe.

During the summer months, most beaches are filled with day trippers and holidaymakers wanting to make the most of a sunny day. Deck chairs are often hired. They’re one of the most annoying, yet iconic part of any English seaside resort. You can also find Donkey rides for the kids, Punch and Judy puppet theaters and vendors selling fish and chips served in paper cones. It’s these things that make the English beach vacation so memorable.

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No trip to the English coast would be quite complete without sampling some of the seafood dishes. Mussels and eels continue to be popular dishes around the London area. Both are often served in liquor so they may not be suitable for children. Cotton candy or candy floss is also widely available. Donuts, burgers, and hotdogs can be found in most resorts too.

The UK is a tiny island, which means the coast is never far from you when you visit. You can paddle in the sea, build sandcastles, and even play soccer on the beach. The sound of the seagulls can be heard miles inland, and the scent of the water is alluring. Best of all, the view of the coast of England is beautiful. Much of it is unspoiled, and all of it provides beautiful views of the sea. Enjoy your English seaside holiday.

5 Reasons Why Beach Holidays Are The Best

Ah, the beach. Just writing about it makes me wish I was there. I’d be enjoying the warm weather. Then, playing soccer with friends and family on the sandy beach. I could even take a dip in the water to cool off! It sounds great, doesn’t it?! I don’t really need to tell you how great the beach and beach holidays are, but I’m going to anyway! Maybe if I talk about it long enough, I’ll feel like I’m there!

It’s Sunny

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Going on holiday to the beach normally has a large amount of sun involved. Anyone who’s been to a cold beach in the middle of a UK winter will tell you that it’s not the best of days out. All of the activities that lend themselves to beach holidays are so much better when it’s nice and warm. Bring your sunscreen, obviously, and make sure you stay protected out there.

Choice

Aren’t we lucky?! The world features a vast range of beaches, and we’ve got loads of possibilities at our disposal. There are some truly fantastic ones out there. If you’re planning to spend most of (if not all) your time at the beach, look at renting resort accommodation. Some packages like the ones at cebucation come equipped with private beaches so that you can get away from the rest of the crowd. We are blessed to be able to enjoy these beaches, let’s take advantage of it!

Fun For All The Family

It’s hard to find anyone that doesn’t like at least one aspect of the beach. While some people aren’t so keen on sand, they might love sunbathing. Others who don’t like swimming in the sea, are happy to kick a ball around on the beach. You might just want to take a stroll and enjoy the view. A lot of beaches also have entertainment attractions around the corner if you need a break. The family will love it, as will you.

It’s Relaxing

Going to the beach is such a relaxing activity. When you’re standing there in the sun with your friends and family, there aren’t many worries going around your head. The natural, enjoyable atmosphere is such a relaxing thing. You don’t need to worry about work, school, flights, or anything else that might be on your mind, especially if you’ve prepared properly. This is a time to have fun, so enjoy!

Swimming Is So Much Better In The Sea

Maybe I’m biased here, but swimming in the sea is so much better than any man-made pool. Alright, you’ve got to be wary of the current and anything that might swimming in there, but that’s a case of being careful. Make sure you abide by any rules in place. They are there to ensure your safety.

So there you go! Unfortunately, I still feel like a person sitting behind a computer screen. I guess I’ll be booking a beach holiday in the near future. For now, I’ll just have to daydream.

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Amazing Ways To Enjoy The Water On Vacation

I travel a lot, and I love taking vacations overseas. But a lot of my favorite destinations have something in common. They are all close to the coast. I love getting out into the water. The sea breeze and the sound of the ocean lapping on the sand are intensely relaxing. I know I’ve arrived somewhere special as soon as I dip my toe in the water. And getting out onto the water is a great way to build up an appetite for the local cuisine too!

I love lazing on a warm, sandy beach and just listening to the sounds of the ocean. But being a bit of a travel bug, I love getting out and about and doing lots of adventurous things too. Water skiing is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of core strength and balance to get it right even for just a few seconds. It’s fast and wet, and a lot of fun. Make sure you choose a reputable company to try this one out, or you could end up with a few bruises!

Surfing is something everyone should try once in their lives. There are some stunning places around the world to try and catch some great waves. Strangely, the most popular ones are in UK waters that are really cold! But you can enjoy surfing in the sun too in places like Australia. There are different sizes of surfboards, and a good surf school will help you choose the right approach for you.

Picture courtesy of Kconnors

Scuba diving is one of those activities that can give you an experience of a lifetime. You might be diving to see wrecks, or you might be looking for some of the most beautiful fish in the world. Queensland in Australia is one of my favorite places for scuba diving. But to make the most of it, you should definitely get some scuba diving classes in closer to home. This qualifies you to hire the equipment and visit the best dive sites. It’s certainly worth it too!

Swimming with dolphins is really hard to do in the wild these days. But If you want this incredible experience, there are several parks around the world. They have captive dolphins that are trained. Mexico is a great place to visit, and you can swim with dolphins here. The trainers are really good at helping you get this incredible experience. The dolphins might even take you for a ride.

Hiring a yacht is one of the most incredible things to do if you visit the Mediterranean. You can stop along the coast to visit several different countries. And traveling on a luxury yacht makes the whole experience even more incredible. This is the playground of the rich and famous, so you might even get a little celebrity spotting in while you’re there.

Getting out on the water provides some amazing experiences while you are away on vacation. And if you have the travel bug, why not include a boat or yacht as part of your travel plans? Enjoy the water safely while you are away.