Tag: equipment

Learn Spanish in Mendoza and Enjoy More Than Wine in Argentina

Learn Spanish in Mendoza and Enjoy More Than Wine in Argentina!

When exploring Mendoza after my Spanish course, I found out that the city is more than a wine capital as most seem to believe. Snowed peaks and slopes are marvelous for ski beginners as well as for professionals; you can combine your Spanish course with regular ski lessons.

The most renowned ski resort is, without a doubt, Las Le?as. Las Le?as counts with a high quality snow internationally recognized and ski runs for all levels. You can spend entire days enjoying all the facilities offered and practicing what you have learnt during your Spanish course with locals. Another famous ski centre is Penitentes Ski Resort settled at the base of the Mount Aconcagua very close to Chile. Penitentes is excellent to spend a weekend after you finish your Spanish course, since it counts with an incredible hotel and entertainment spots for young, kids and adults.

River rapids in Mendoza are also fantastic. Professional operators will take you to the Mendoza River with all necessary equipment and instructions to have a great experience. Generally these activities might take a whole day, so keep that in mind so as not to interfere with your Spanish course. Mendoza counts with all levels of rapids and pure water rivers formed by glaciers thaws. During your Spanish course you will learn specific vocabulary for these particular activities.

Apart from taking a regular Spanish course you can’t miss practicing rafting and becoming an adrenaline junkie in Mendoza! Paragliding, horse riding, canoeing and rappel are some other of the many sports you can enjoy in Mendoza after your Spanish course.

Fly fishing is another incredible sport that has become one of the most important in the region, practice by all visitors taking a Spanish course in Argentina. Although the city has been recognized as the capital of extreme sports, Mendoza also shines for its tranquil and quiet lakes perfect to practice fly fishing. During your Spanish course ask your teacher about how the building of hydroelectrically dams has helped arid regions in Mendoza and the fishing sport, providing the formation of deep blue swimming pools where fishes accumulate.

Another relaxing activity far from the frenetic rhythm of extreme sports is horse riding, practiced in Los Andes. Many Spanish courses include this outdoor activity enjoyed along the incredible mountain ranges of Mendoza. You will go through the pre- Cordillera and encounter beautiful views and traditional chacras. Typical horseback riding tours for visitors taking a Spanish course include barbecues and bird watching. This kind of excursion usually takes all day and is the perfect opportunity to discover nature and have a break from your Spanish course. Don’t forget to take abundant water, appropriate clothes, sun protector, hat and sunglasses.

Apart from its natural offer, the city downtown is a bustling and commercial area, full of coffee shops and avenues traversed by riverbeds and tree lines. Learning Spanish in Mendoza is a great choice, since the city is perfectly equipped to receive foreigners who come to take a Spanish course.

Backpacking Tips

Backpacking Tips

Backpacking and especially to difficult terrains is an intricate and a tough job although it would look like as if it’s all fun but it is not so. Many a trip has become disaster as the essential items you needed were not in the back pack. While backpacking you have to keep the basics in mind just having the right items is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is quite another. Know how and good judgment is must for any camping gear – If you have the best of tent but you don’t know how to put it, you are lost. On the other hand, it is generally inexperience and lack of good judgment that gets people into trouble. You should have nor just the proper equipment but also the proper training and knowledge of using them.

Stuff like maps and compass are things that a layman has difficulty handling, so prior to leaving for a backpacking trip try to get the basics of map and compass reading and similar things. Flashlight and headlamps are other indispensable items for your trip. A water resistant flashlight with more battery power is always advisable. It is also safer to keep extra battery in case the original one discharges. For headlamps halogens are better as tasks like path finding require a bright beam. Food should be packed keeping in mind emergency situation. Ready to eat snacks come in handy and you should pack them in zip lock bags so that they stay fresh.

At least one extra meal should be carried by you. If the trip is for two days, pack meals for two days but keep one meal extra for emergency. If you are taking raw food items then take extra fuel for cooking food. Drinking water is another item which is must for the trip. In addition to the basic layers you should normally take extra clothing, waterproof clothes like wind cheaters are good for facing any condition. Generally during camping one has to wear clothes for a long time. You can wash clothes during the night, provided there is stream or some other water supply nearby.

Not to forget is carrying first-aid supplies for minor injuries. In particular, carry plenty of adhesive band-aids and sterilized bandages. Antiseptic creams and mosquito and insect repellant are another must for your backpack. Learning first aid is a must before starting on the trip. The tool kit in the backpack should have Swiss Army Knife; slip-joint pliers/wire crimper/wire cutters; spring less self-sharpening scissors; wood saw; nail file/cleaner; corkscrew. You can add waterproof matches and fire starters to this list, there are many varieties available in the market. Planning minor details will go a long way in making your trip successful; remember you don’t have to an expert in wilderness survival to enjoy a safe hiking or backpacking trip.

Why Can’t I Just Choose the Cheapest Luggage for My Trip

Why Can’t I Just Choose the Cheapest Luggage for My Trip?

Your choice of luggage can make any vacation or business trip much easier if some forethought is used. Never buy suitcases based purely on price or your favorite color!

Careful consideration should be given to several factors, such as:

1.) How long do you plan to travel?

2.) Do you intend to pack heavy items (like books or sports equipment)?

3.) Are you short in stature?

4.) Do you know the weight/size restrictions of your travel carrier?

5.) Do you intend to transport or purchase any fragile items?

Luggage can be categorized into three main groups: hard-shell, soft-sided, and semi-soft.

No matter which group you choose from, ensure that your bags:

1.) Have lockable zippers and compartments

2.) Are waterproof

3.) Are durable

4.) Are in good repair

Some carriers will refuse to accept your luggage if it looks like it will disintegrate during your trip.

Hard-shell suitcases are ideal if you intend to carry fragile items; but this type of luggage can be very heavy. Be kind to your back and ensure that all of your suitcases have wheels. Try to find luggage with metal-reinforced corners to protect it from damage during baggage handling.

Soft-sided luggage is lightweight – but you won’t get the best protection for fragile souvenir treasures. If you decide on soft-sided baggage, make sure that you cram each suitcase as full as possible to avoid shifting and wrinkling of your clothing.

Semi-soft baggage is constructed with a hard frame (like hard-shell suitcases). Strong fabric is then placed over the frame. The frame provides more protection than soft-sided luggage, with the added advantage of being lighter than hard-shell offerings.

If you are a frequent business traveller, you might want to consider purchasing a good quality suit or garment bag. Try to locate one with multiple pockets and tough zippers. With careful planning, you should be able to pack enough clothing for up to a week.

A single carry-on, rucksack, or duffel bag is great for a weekend getaway. However, since August 10, 2006, airline restrictions will force you to place liquids, gels, and pastes into another checked bag.

Your luggage should appear distinctive. Having the same beige or black baggage as everyone else makes it difficult to locate your belongings on luggage carousels. You can transform basic black into bold and beautiful with decals, fabric paint, colorful tape wrapped around handles, etc. Your imagination is the only limit!

Short passengers should avoid huge suitcases that are difficult to lug around. Smaller suitcases and baggage with retractable wheels and telescoping handles will make life on the road considerably easier. If you can’t find suitable bags with wheels and telescoping handles, purchase a baggage caddy.

Colorful duffel bags are a favorite with most children. If you do an online search for ‘duffel bags kids’ or something similar, you will find thousands of websites.

After you have packed all your bags, try lugging them around the block the same way you will be carrying them through the airport, railway terminal, or bus station. If you can only walk a block or two, your luggage is too heavy. Repack!

Do you plan to do a lot of souvenir shopping? Squeeze in an extra soft-sided bag – or nest two hard shell suitcases, one inside the other. When you return, you will have an additional bag – so be sure that you don’t exceed your carrier’s restrictions. Remember, also, that charter flights may have different restrictions than regular flights.

Paying attention to your individual needs and personality when you choose your luggage will make your travel much more enjoyable.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.