This is the case for “Chimney Tops” in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These nearly 5000 foot twin peaks are more or less in the center of the park, reachable by Newfound Gap Road, the one main road that crosses from Gatlinburg to Cherokee over on the North Carolina side.

The hike to the top and back is four miles, and requires about three to four hours. In terms of being strenuous, it would fall somewhere on the middle of the scale. The vertical rise is about 1700 feet, with the last 100 feet or so requiring a climb up a rock face of 60 plus degrees.

But that climb is worth the spectacular views from the top. Actually the last portion of the trail runs along the ridge line where you are looking down on both sides, and the views even on the lower part of the final ascent are great – so don’t worry if you choose not to make all of that last climb.

The trail itself runs along lots of cascading whitewater and falls – in fact there is often water running down the rocky trail. The vertical rise over only a couple miles make this hike a fair challenge, but one that can be done in just a half-day. At the lower end there are bridges crossing the rushing water, and also excellent swimming in the river below the falls.

The first half of the trail is the easiest. It’s the second half where the incline increases significantly, and more attention is required navigating the loose rocks that are quite slippery when wet. At the end of the trail are several yards of gnarled tree roots to clamber over to reach the last obstacle – the rock face itself.

To reach the very top, you need to be comfortable with heights as it’s a steep climb with nothing to break a fall. In fact there is a picture on a sign at the start of the trail pointing out that to get the full panoramic view, one needs to climb this rocky incline, which can be quite hazardous, especially when wet.

This is a popular trail, so if your visit is during the busy summer months, getting an early start is mandatory if you want a parking spot anywhere close to the trailhead. Another option that worked for us though was getting a late start – actually mid-afternoon when we got a close-in space vacated by earlier hikers.

I mean just look at some of the gorgeous locations they chose to build at. White sand beaches, incredible turquoise water, cliff-side locations to enjoy the tropical breezes – I mean these guys definitely knew what they were doing in picking out some prime beachfront locations.

If you don’t believe it, just check out a few of the pictures below that depict some of the Mayan ruins at Tulum in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Now imagine standing on the bluffs, enjoying a spectacular view looking out over an emerald Caribbean Sea.  

It just doesn’t get much better than that!

Around 1000 A.D. Chichen Itza in Yucatan was the center of the Mayan civilization, which was spread throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, through Belize and Guatamala, and on to the edges of Honduras and El Salvador.

Today the Maya number around five million and live mostly in the Yucatan Peninsula and the highlands of Guatemala. As they did over a thousand years ago, most live in villages and make their living from the land.

Our modern cities are primarily centers for commerce which is completely different from the purpose of the Mayan stone city remains we see today. For the ancient Maya, these were principally ceremonial sites and gathering places where they came for spiritual reasons.

During the early 1500’s the Spanish were determined to systematically destroy the Mayan civilization. One of the world’s greatest cultural crimes was their destruction of all the wriitten records they came across.

As for the people themselves, those not killed in battle, were mostly decimated by diseases carried to the “New World” from the “old”. Today the magnificent stone cities lie abandoned and in ruins once more.

Tulum or the “Walled City” was built by the ancient Maya on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. One of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, it was occupied for over 300 years, from around 1200 A.D. until after the Spanish conquest.

Located at a convergence of both land and sea trade routes, Tulum was a major link in an extensive trade network. Artifacts found in or near the site indicate Mayan commerce ranged from Central Mexico to Central America and all points between.

The Castillo, sometimes referred to as the lighthouse, is the tallest building at Tulum and the most famous. It stands on the bluff, commanding a view of the ocean and coast for several miles in both directions.

Until the late 20th century when tourists became too numerous, the local Maya continued visiting the temples to burn incense and pray.

There is no way to gain a real appreciation of the Mayan culture without visiting some of these ruins that have been abandoned to the elements. There are hotels to be found in the area, plus the Tulum ruins are only a two hour drive south of the popular beach resort of Cancun, which makes for a pleasant day trip.

Photo Credits: Aaron Logan, Hugo van Tilborg, Keith Walbolt.

The park is protected so it remains a place where the desert is as it has always been, more or less unhampered by human “development”. The care and dedication of the park officials have assured that it is maintained in its natural, ecological fashion.

The wildlife has undergone some changes since 2002 when there was little rain and things dried up so there was little if any water for the wildlife to drink. The Sonoran Pronghorns were almost extinct following the drought. There were only 25 left on the United States side of the border, a few more in Mexico. Scientists began a program to breed the Pronghorns back into a decent size herd by working with those they captured both in the US and Mexico. The breeding program has worked well and the herd has begun to replenish itself. Those that are bred are turned back into the wild where they have adapted very well.

To go on a Fitness Vacation is one of the best things you can give yourself. Being able to bring home sweet memories of an incredible mixture of nature encounters and the relaxing confines of a fitness spa resort is just an amazing experience. Top that off with the most delicious, mouthwatering and, most importantly, healthy cuisines that the world can offer.

There is a definite correlation between the words “fitness” and “spa”. While they do differ in literal definition and a lot of other ways, the end-result they offer to us is basically the same. Whether engage yourself for hours in a fitness activity or lay down on your chest for a soothing massage, you are sure to leave the gym or the spa feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and rejuvenated.

Spa Vacation Packages are gaining popularity. It is perhaps because of the fact that these vacations show us that keeping ourselves healthy is not just all work and no play. The programs are varied, and are prepared by an incredible and knowledgeable team of health coaches. These programs consist of physical challenges that have different levels of difficulty. For instance, hiking trips are offered in easy, moderate and difficult treks. No matter the difficulty level, however, these hiking trips are closely supervised and facilitated by a professional and well-experienced hiking guide. In addition, before setting off for any of the offered activities, a physical assessment is administered to check on the types of activities your body can handle. The activities must be not too easy and not too difficult. The main goal, besides giving your mind and body a total work out, is that you enjoy your trip.

These amazing vacations are experienced in Health Spa Resorts. These resorts are usually situated far from the sights and sounds of the busy and fast-paced urban environment that you deal with everyday. They are found in remote and exotic areas close to nature – a rain forest, an ancient city or an ocean or lake. You might also find a couple in a major city, but they are confined in a quiet and tranquil environment. They aim for you to have, not only a good physical shape, but also a healthy and de-stressed mind.

Food is undoubtedly one of the things people look forward to experience when visiting a new place. One might even say that it is through food that you truly get to know a new place’s culture. The objective of %keyword1% is to have you in a great physical shape. That is why %keyword2% have nutritionists that develop nutritious, well-balanced and exquisite menus made up of the local favorites in proper servings to make sure you only consume and achieve the recommended daily nutritional level intake.

Spa Vacation Packages combine rugged adventure and pampered sophistication. After an all-out vigorous workout, you have the wide range of options for relaxation. There are muscle-soothing massages and various facial treatments offered, including anti-aging facials! You even have the option of attending yoga and meditation classes as well as other relaxation techniques.

Spa Resort Vacations send out a sophisticated impression. Some might even think of them as a luxurious and extravagant way to spend a vacation. At the same time, there are those who think of them as a necessity to escape and relieve themselves from the stressful environment that they live in. Treating yourself with this kind of pampering is not being selfish, lucrative and impractical. It is merely taking care of yourself, arming yourself up with a healthier mind and body in order to cope with your unending busy life. After all, going on a Fitness Travel is bound to yield nothing but positive results.

However, spending time isn’t all it takes. What you do with your time together is another critical element. Obviously taking your loved one to a very nice restaurant and then to an activity they love like dancing or watching a movie will be beneficial. Taking them to the dumpster at a local supermarket and then out for some frog hunting most likely will not have the same impact. So, it is empirically important to be picky about what you spend your time doing.

Some people like cities, some people like nature, some people like both. If you and your spouse are either of the latter two, then a tour into the Grand Canyon may be the perfect ticket. Here’s why. It’s time apart from everything that is familiar. Escaping everything familiar is like rolling down the window in a hot, stuffy car – it allows a fresh perspective, time outside of the stressful elements of our everyday lives. In the bottom of the Grand Canyon, there are no taxes due, no crying kids, no angry bosses. There is only the soft murmur of the wind through the grass and cottonwoods, the swirling of the Colorado River, the silence of the star-speckled night.

The second reason is that it is an adventure. Helen Keller said “life is either a grand adventure or nothing at all.” The word “life” could easily be exchanged for the word “marriage.” Marriage is either a grand adventure or nothing at all. Why not take your spouse on an adventure? Hike or raft into the Grand Canyon and see what happens! You have no idea what kind of juice and life it could bring out in your relationship!

Fitness is a factor, so be sure you are in good shape. There are plenty of great outfitters that offer guided tours in the Canyon if you lack the skills and experience to do it safely. There is a mule-service that can carry your gear down, and if you don’t want to camp you can stay in the cabins at Phantom Ranch. If your fitness level is low, then a rafting trip is probably the way to go. Regardless of how you do it, this time will be one you and your spouse won’t soon forget. No, it’s not the Ritz Carlton, and that’s precisely why it will be so beneficial!

In most Mexican jungles the terrain makes it difficult or impossible for guided tours to take place from a bus or a car. Hiking or biking is often dangerous or impossible. If you are interested in scheduling a Mexican jungle tour, you will find that most tours are known as ATV jungle tours. The all terrain vehicles are what make most jungle tours fun and exciting.

If you are interested in scheduling an ATV jungle tour, you will have to find a tour guide or company. ATV rentals are available, but you are advised against touring the jungles on your own. Professional ATV tour guides not only know where to look in the jungle for exciting adventures, but they also know how to keep you safe. To find an individual or company that specializes in ATV jungle tours, you can contact your travel agent or do the research yourself.

If you are vacationing in or around the Cancun area, you may be able to schedule an ATV tour with Jungle Jim’s ATV Adventure. According to their website, this ATV tour was rated as the best ATV tour in the area for two years. Cozumel Tours offer ATV jungle tours in and around the Mezcalitos area. Cozumel Tours and Jungle Jim’s ATV Adventure are just a couple of the many ATV tours that can be found in Mexico. If these tours do not service your area, you are encouraged to keep on looking.

ATV jungle tours are popular in Mexico, but they are not the only tours that you can participate in while vacationing in Mexico. Many tourists find it exciting to ride an ATV along the coast or other in Mexican destinations. If you are interested in scheduling an ATV tour, whether that tour is of the jungle or beach, you are encouraged to determine whether or not reservations will be needed. 

As previously mentioned, you can either research or book your own ATV jungle tour reservations on your own or can do so with the assistance of a travel agent. When selecting reservations, you may want to be on the lookout for tour packages. These packages may include a wide range of Mexico tours, in addition to ATV jungle tours. Many times, you may be able to schedule an ATV tour, hiking tour, or snorkeling adventure all one weekend and for one low-price.

It is likely that you expected to find an unlimited number of activities on your Mexico vacation, but did you honestly expect ATV jungle tours? In Mexico, it is often difficult to know what to expect. Perhaps, the unexpected and unknown is what draws so many to Mexico.

Quads And ATV\’s

First is that the Canyon is more than 1200 meters deep in most places, and so the geologic time that is represented by the layers of rock you descend through is literally mind blowing. As you drop down, you will think to yourself “a river cut this!!!” Sandstone, limestone, fossils, and native american artifacts create the geologic foundation of the Canyon.

Second is the fact that staying on the rim you get a bird’s eye view of everything but no real intimacy with the much of anything. Staying on the rim is only one step better than simply cruising over the Canyon in an airplane. On the contrary, when you’re hiking through it, you will have an intimate experience with the flora, fauna, the streams, the rivers, and the waterfalls of this truly phenomenal place. The best of the Canyon is beneath the rim: Phantom Ranch, Havasu Falls, Thunder Falls, Paradise Falls, Kaibab Creek, Horseshoe Mesa, Hermit Rapids…it goes on and on.

Third is that you will have solitude and peace and quiet in one of the most crowded national parks in the United States. While millions of people visit the Grand Canyon every summer, only a couple thousand visitors trek to the bottom over an entire year. The Canyon is a place of immense scale and profound natural beauty, and so hiking down in the Canyon is in many ways the only activity to truly enjoy the true nature of it.

Fourth is that it involves some authentic adventure. Many people also love rafting, which is a great way to experience the Canyon. What grand canyon hiking tours offer that rafting doesn’t is an adventure that involves the full spectrum of the experience – the amazing feeling of winding one’s way down, down, down through layers of rock and into the depths of the Canyon. Then the enjoyment of the Colorado River, and of course finally the hike back out. It’s extremely rewarding to complete a hike in and out of the Grand Canyon – and when you top out and treat yourself to a very nice dinner, massage, and a night of sleep, there’s no doubt you’ve worked for it. You can relax in style, knowing you’ve done what very few people ever do.

If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to hire a guide service for an adventure like this. Don’t attempt it on your own if you don’t know what you’re doing – Grand Canyon National Park performs over 400 rescues per year, and the vast majority of those are overly ambitious hikers who try to do it on their own. There are several fantastic guide companies that will treat you like a king or queen on a trip like this, whether it’s a rim-to-rim or a down-and-back trip. Don’t wait to experience the depths of the Grand Canyon!

Renowned for its unique and fearless wildlife, the Galapagos are popular amongst natural historians, both professional and amateur. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached. The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but beautiful nonetheless.

The islands average about 60,000 visitors per year and there are strict controls on tourist access which are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats. To this end, all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide.

For divers, one of the best ways to get in the most diving while visiting the Galapagos, is to do it from a live-aboard dive boat. The problem is that many focus so completely on the diving that no time at all is set aside for viewing the incredible wildlife on land.

One company that provides for both is the Aggressor Fleet. The Galapagos Aggressors I & II have been operating as the premier live-aboard dive yachts in the Galapagos Islands since 1993. These yachts were custom designed, built and equipped to offer a safe and luxury dive operation.

Aggressor was the first live-aboard dive company to offer a permanent itinerary that offers a dive program combined with land visits. They were granted a specific permit for this combined program by the Park authorities in 1994.

Their week-long trips run from Thursday to Thursday, with diving beginning on Friday and ending Wednesday morning. On-board there are multi-lingual guides with in-depth knowledge of these volcanic islands. Three islands will be explored through land tours during the week, plus snorkeling and bird watching excursions are conducted between dives. The trips include thrilling shark dives at remote Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Another company to consider is Peter Hughes Diving’s Dancer Fleet.

The M/V Sky Dancer also offers week-long trips that cruise the Galapagos Islands in search of sea lions, penguins, schooling hammerhead sharks, turtles, stingrays, whale sharks and the magnificent mantas. Included in planned itineraries are visits to the very remote islands of Wolf and Darwin.

The luxuriously constructed Sky Dancer yacht features all the Dancer Fleet amenities including Nitrox fills, private en-suite facilities, spacious lounge areas, fine dining and more.

Sky Dancer is owned by Ecoventura, an Ecuadorian corporation, that was one of the first recipients of the SmartVoyager seal of approval for their entire operation in Galapagos.

Potential visitors should note that the majority of live-aboard diving boats’ licenses have been revoked by the Galapagos National Park director. Currently the yachts mentioned here are the only boats approved for live aboard diving cruises.

To this end they fund scientific field research and provide ways for regular folks – like non-scientists, to act as volunteers on projects around the world. Besides traveling to exotic locations, you get the opportunity to participate in these projects and maybe even learn a thing or two.

There are expeditions to a variety of locations, and depending on your interest will hold differing appeals. The ones I like are those involving the oceans and opportunities to dive as part of the work.

Below are some sample locations and a brief synopsis of what volunteers can expect:

First are the Coral Reefs of Thailand:

In the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, Thailand’s coral reefs are some of the most magnificent and diverse ecosystems on Earth. Like many of the world’s reef systems, Thailand’s reefs are facing the pressures of overfishing and destructive fishing practices, as well as the threats posed by global warming and coral diseases. Scientists from Reef Check are joining forces with Earthwatch to survey Thailand’s resplendent coral reefs and monitor the effects of marine protected areas as well as recovery from the 2004 tsunami. With this information, agencies and local communities can better manage and conserve these beautiful reefs.

Perhaps the south Pacific is more to your liking. Here’s a chance to spend a couple weeks Diving the WWII Wrecks of Truk Lagoon:

Now part of the Federated States of Micronesia — Truk (a.k.a. Chuuk) was an Imperial Japanese Navy base during World War II. Considered second only to Pearl Harbor in strength, the U.S. saw this base as a major threat and in February 1944 began Operation Hailstone, a 2-day intense aerial bombing campaign that continued in various forms until the war’s end. More than 50 naval and merchant ships were sunk in Truk Lagoon, along with up to 100 aircraft, with many intact, having been protected by the surrounding barrier reef. Maritime archaeologist Bill Jeffery, materials scientist Dr. Ian Macleod, and marine ecologist Maria Beger aim to document and help protect Truk Lagoon’s rich historic and biological heritage.

Or maybe the Belize Regional Initiative:

Be part of a collaborative effort to conserve an entire ecosystem. Based on remote islands scattered along the world’s second largest barrier reef, our Belize projects offer snorkeling, diving, and shore-based experiences. Surrounded by one of Earth’s largest barrier reefs, Belize is becoming a popular destination. But despite the designation of its waters as protected Marine Reserves, coastal development, overfishing, and tourism threaten the biodiversity of this tiny nation. We offer the chance to study and protect the life that depends on this reef. Whether your team is based at our remote Living Reef Center or at a beachside hotel, you can experience Belize in a unique way and be part of a group of projects working to help this country strike a balance between economic growth and ecosystem health.

Volunteers are responsible for the cost of getting to the assignment location plus a contribution amount that covers meals and lodging, plus other associated costs. This expense is far less than a typical vacation in the same area, and there is usually enough free time to check out the locale. Learn more about Earthwatch Institute and upcoming projects here.

At over 40 miles across, the “lagoon” within this oceanic atoll is actually huge, and even though parts of it reach depths of 300’, the majority of wrecks lie on shallower reefs. Divers also enjoy surface conditions that are usually calm, year-round warm water temperatures, 50’ – 100’ visibility, and lack of strong currents.

One might think of Truk Lagoon as Japans Pearl Harbor. At it’s zenith, the Japanese Imperial Fleet based here numbered over 1000 ships and support vessels, along with many hundreds of aircraft. But in early 1944, to neutralize this threat, the U.S. Navy commenced “Operation Hailstone” which destroyed the base and sunk more than 50 ships and 100 airplanes.

For over 60 years, the ships and planes downed here have served as graveyards for thousands of Japanese who died during the war and they are respected as such. The government of Micronesia has declared Truk Lagoon a national monument and it is protected by law. Any disturbing of remains or taking artifacts is strictly prohibited.

Many of the shipwrecks in this ghost fleet remain virtually intact and it’s eerie to see the massive cargo holds of some of the supply carriers still containing tanks, trucks, and airplane engines, not to mention Japanese Saki bottles, china plates and other such things.

Likewise appearing to be frozen in time, are dozens of aircraft strewn across the bottom, and in some cases the cockpit has remained intact, providing the pilots final resting place. 

But over the intervening years these machines of war have been slowly transformed into spectacular reefs teeming with a diversity of marine life. What were initially watery graves and scenes of destruction have morphed into places resplendent with vivid corals and sponges, along with colorful reef fish, and larger pelagic species.  

Truk is an immense atoll that’s crowned with natural beauty. The surrounding outer barrier reef is accented with tiny idyllic islets that are mere spits of sand with a couple coconut palms. There are several volcanic island groups in the central lagoon which are mostly undeveloped. One of these is the capital island of Weno which has the only airport and lodging for tourists.

The land area of Chuuk State is only about 77 square miles, but it’s part of an island nation that spans 1,158,306 square miles of the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Chuuk along with Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which itself is part of the Caroline Islands.

Getting there: Truk Lagoon lies about 750 miles north of Papua New Guinea, 600 miles southeast of Guam and 3,300 miles southwest of Hawaii. Continental Micronesia makes several flights per week between the main population center of Weno, and Guam. There are daily connections to Guam from Tokyo and the United States, and a couple flights a week from Cairns.

Photo credits: Wreck Dives: wjsiv; Map: Google Maps