Legendary Scottish spirit seeks modern day rebels to compete in this grueling 100 mile adventure race in Scotland. The Drambuie Pursuit is a grueling adventure race across the scottish highlands that retraces the legendary voyage of Bonnie Prince.

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James Hooper and Rob Gauntlett are making the epic trek using non-polluting methods of transportation including skiing, sailing, cycling and walking to highlight the impact of climate change.

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What are the secrets for cheap international travel? They are the same as for doing anything for less. Learn to be an opportunist. Travelers who take advantage of opportunities get to travel more, see more and do more.

There are many interesting places in the world. Choose a place you can travel to inexpensively and save other places for another time. Perhaps you may find an opportunity to go to those places cheaply some time in the future. The biggest expense for international travel is usually the plane tickets. If you can travel to one country for a few hundred dollars less than others, consider going there. You can stay a few extra days or do a few more activities with the money you save on plane tickets.

In Asia, India, Thailand and Indonesia are still countries you can visit relatively inexpensively. In Central America, it costs very little to vacation in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Costa Rica is not as cheap, but it is still cheaper than traveling in Europe. South American countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina are interesting are relatively inexpensive.

Wherever you go, there are things you can do to save money. Eat where locals eat instead of at tourist restaurants. Eat fruit from street markets if you can wash it safely and packaged snacks from grocery stores.

Visit the free and cheap attractions first. Maybe you will have so much fun that you will not get around to more expensive activities. Busses are cheaper than taxis in any country. Walking is even cheaper, and it is a great way to learn more about an area.

For cheaper accommodations, find out where travelers from within the country stay. Negotiating room charges is common in some areas. Hostels are more common overseas and will save you money if you don’t mind sharing a room.

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You may why someone would rent a condominium while on vacation. Although condos are usually a little more expensive than a hotel would be, you get more included with the condo. When you break the price down, you are getting more for your money.

First of all, you have more privacy in a condo. In a hotel, many people are sharing the same facilities, and there are usually people around wherever you go. In a condo, you will be sharing the facilities only with the people you are with.

When you stay in a condominium, you will have the same flexibility as you would have in your own home, and you are usually fairly close to the attractions. Some of the things that you may want included with your condominium are central air or central heat, washer and dryer, cable television, internet access and a fully equipped kitchen. Depending on the weather and location, you might want a swimming pools or spa.

Renting a condominium is a good choice for a family or a group when more than one room is needed. A condo will allow the group to be together more conveniently. The advantages of being able to cook and do laundry can allow you to relax and spend more time with your family.

If you are planning your vacation as a family or a group, the cost per person of renting a condominium may be lower than renting more than one room. If you vacation on your own or as a couple, then renting a condominium may be more expensive. When you look at the advantages and cost over the long run, including being able to cook instead of eating out every meal, motels and hotels usually work out to be more expensive, especially if you choose to stay in a suite.

When you take everything into consideration, staying in a condominium while on vacation could be the best choice you have ever made.

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If you are going to the mountains, you will want to know about AMS. AMS stands for Acute Mountain Sickness, commonly referred to as Altitude Sickness.

What causes altitude sickness? As you reach higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases and every breath you take contains fewer molecules of oxygen causing you to take more breaths to get the oxygen you need. This can happen when you exert yourself walking up any hill. At low altitudes the shortness of breath usually resolves itself soon after you rest. This is not so at high altitudes. As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen. It takes your brain a few days to figure out that it has to breathe more. Although everyone reacts differently, anybody can get AMS, even those who are physically fit, with lots of high altitude experience.

The most common reason for getting AMS is directly related to how quickly you ascend, so if you plan to go high, it is better to go slow. If that’s not possible, at least know the symptoms and what to do, and you should be able to feel better quickly and avoid the severe, life-threatening forms. Drink lots of liquids, exercise moderately and eat small meals high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Other important steps to take include avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills and narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses.

Signs you might be suffering from AMS include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, bloody nose, fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, confusion and staggering. To decrease the effects of AMS, ascend slowly and let yourself acclimate to each altitude. Drink plenty of fluids - water and juice. Avoid alcohol. Minimize caffeine and salt intake. Eat a low fat, high carbohydrate diet. Descend if it’s really bad.

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Over 50 million tourists visit Spain each year. This popular West European country has much to attract visitors. The main feature attraction of Spain is the variety it offers its visitors. Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine, there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and budgets.

The tourist explosion which started in the 60s was originally due to its many marvellous beaches. If spending your vacation on a beach does not interest you, there are plenty of other things to do.

Spain’s major cities are jam-packed with history and art. With their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and lively night-life, they are a joy for everyone, including children. Visit the museums and monuments of Madrid, stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence, romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante or the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Experience the haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco and the birthplace and works of Picasso.

If you enjoy the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village, rural Spain is for you. Visit forgotten villages and medieval castles. Rural areas are ideal for walking, painting, photography or just “getting away from it all” holidays.

If you want to mix beach, city and rural, that is easy to arrange. It is certainly no problem to travel around Spain. Littered with airports, both national and international, Spain also offers a good train service. The cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the usual hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative in its state-established “paradores.” You can stay in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries and convents. The aim of the “paradores” is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the “parador” restaurants.

Spain offers a rich and varied cuisine. In whatever region of Spain you visit, you will encounter delicious Spanish food. The traditional Spanish diet, with its olive oil, its rich supply of wine, its wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and an abundance of seafood, is extremely good for the heart.

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Why do we humans continually move from one place to another, always expectant, ready and eager to explore and learn? It is in our genes to search for new adventure? Our early ancestors had to move about to find new hunting grounds. Why do we travel?

In this modern age we travel for pleasure, not from necessity. We want to experience other
cultures and ways of life. We also travel for business. Opportunity to gain financial prosperity many times requires us to travel to a new city, even a new country.

Mankind has gained remarkably from its willingness to travel. We have conquered strange lands, settled in remote lands and created whole new civilizations in distant places.

We are better for our traveling. We feel refreshed after a time of travel? We return with new eyes, a larger vision of life, and a more receptive attitude toward living. We can tackle problems with a fresh perspective.

Travel has freed us to a great extent. Now we feel we are more than when we first left on our journey. We have allowed a finer sensibility to arise in our spirit. We are always moved by our travels.

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