In the western World, Libya is best known for its eccentric dictator – Colonel Gaddafi and this is a shame as the country has so much more to offer the visitor. It has some great classical remains, vibrant city life and some of the most unusual prehistoric rock art in the Sahara region.

It does remain a difficult part of the World to visit, but with good preparation a visit should be problem free and well worth the effort. Whilst in the country, you must remember that it is an alcohol free area and the penalties if you are caught are extremely high. You must also remember not to speak too freely about the governing authorities, this is not the west and they do not take kindly to criticism.

The best time to visit is winter and spring when the temperatures are not so high and stay at a moderate level. The summer time brings 30C on the coast and as high as 50C in the desert interior, a little too hot we think!

Health-wise – Malaria is a risk in the extreme south west of the country in the spring/summer time and Schistosomiasis is evident in the rivers and streams, so take care not to swim in them. Again, precautions against sunburn and dehydration should be taken, as the sun can get very hot here, as you can imagine.

Visas and Documents – A visa is needed for travel to Libya for all western citizens and they are not the easiest to obtain as there are not many Libyan Embassies around. Visa applications need to be translated into Arabic and this can be done at the Embassy for a fee. Independent traveller visas are notoriously difficult to get, though things are getting easier.

Cost – Libya is not the cheapest destination in North Africa and the official exchange bureaus do not give a good conversion rate. Unofficial currency changers on the streets offer a much better rate, but you will attempt this at your own risk. The Libyan authorities look dimly on these kinds of “criminal activities”. Daily costs for the budget traveller will have to be at least $80 a day to be realistic; this will include local transport, food and a nights accommodation.

The Sights – Tripoli, the capital of Libya is a fascinating place with some lovely examples of the traditional architecture and culture of the region. Everyone who visits Libya will visit the city for at least a while and this is no bad thing as Tripoli is its heart and it really gives you an inside look into the odd totalitarian regime that runs the country.

There are two famous classical sights in Libya, Leptis Magna was a Roman ruin close to Tripoli and Cyrene is a ruined Greek settlement to the east of Benghazi. Both are captivating day trips and the well preserved sites are refreshing when compared to similar sights across the Mediterranean, which are usually packed with tourists. While the chances are you will share your experience with a tour group, it is still possible to find yourself alone in your exploration, surely a dream for Hellenistic and Roman history buffs.

The superb desert scenery around the country is enough to make you want to visit on its own, the best examples being around Ghadames, a charming Oasis town close to the Tunisian border. The mud brick housing around the town really takes you back to the days of old and is a great place to escape the crowds of the capital.

Further to the south by the Niger and Algeria borders, is the Acacus Mountains which has some of the best prehistoric art in the whole of Africa. Organised tours can be organised in Ghat, the gateway town. Please note permits will need to be organised in Tripoli to visit the extreme south.



By: Martin Kleis

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For some people, taking city tours, visiting breweries, and lying out on the beach just isn’t enough. These tourists want a trip filled with adventure; one that’s off the beaten path. Adventure travel is a specialized type of travel that isn’t filled with the typical tour buses and bed-and-breakfasts. Adventure travel engulfs a more exploratory sense of the word “travel”. Adventure travelers would rather hike up a mountain, trek through a jungle, or ride white water rapids than sit in an air conditioned bus and be chauffeured from place to place.

However, although adventure travelers don’t partake in all-inclusive resort stays, adventure travel can still be quite expensive. That’s because the destinations adventure travelers travel to (and the activities they do) often require special guides, groups, and sometimes equipment.

If you want a change of scenery and want to experience adventure travel, here are some tips on how to make it more affordable. Follow these tips and save a few bucks for when you’re in-country.

Adventure Travel Tips and Deals

Tip #1: Find Affordable Airfare to Your Adventure Travel Destination

Regardless of what you do when you arrive at your destination, getting there can be costly. Airfare will always be a factor in your travel budget, regardless of if you’re traveling to go on a safari, hike the Himalayas, or lay on a beach. Flying is an expensive way to travel; however, thanks to the Internet, it doesn’t have to be. The Internet is filled with deals on airfare to destinations all over the world. If you’re planning an adventure travel trip, search the web for airfare and budget travel deals. The web is jam packed with travel web sites offering amazing rates on airfare to many travel destinations. So if you’re planning an adventure travel trip, find airfare deals online.

Tip #2: Book Your Adventure Travel Adventures When You Get There

Since adventure travel takes you off the beaten path, it’s fairly simple to find great deals on rooms, materials, and tours in the outskirts of town. However, if you try to book a room or find a tour guide before you leave, you’ll probably have to deal with a middleman to book your accommodations; and anytime you deal with a middleman, the more it’s going to cost you. The middleman will most likely charge you some sort of service or finders fee. By waiting until you are in-country to book your accommodations and materials, you’ll be able to cut out the middleman and save some money on your adventure travel.

However, before you jump on the plane, it’s a good idea to check out adventure travel blogs and websites online. They’ll help you get in touch with other adventure travelers who can give you advice on who you should contact when in-country to make the necessary arrangements. You don’t want to journey to a foreign land completely blind.

Tip #3: Find an Adventure Travel Group to Travel With

Believe it or not, there are travel groups out there that specialize in adventure travel. These groups are experienced in adventure travel and have the right connections to get you deals on your trip. Adventure travel groups normally travel as a group and benefit from group rates. They also have connections with people in other countries to plan the best and most affordable activities. Planning an adventure travel trip on your own can be complicated and very costly. By finding an adventure travel group and going with them on their adventures, you’ll be able to cut down the cost of your trip and also meet some new people along the way.

Top Adventure Travel Destinations

Africa

Africa is referred to as the cradle of human life as we know it, being the oldest inhabited territory in the world. Travel through Africa will reveal the modern dilemma of a region pushing forward with globalization and technology at the same time that many cultures and tribes are striving to protect their traditional way of life. In addition to human life, Africa supports the world’s most spectacular collection of rare species and biodiversity. Encountering Africa’s wilderness firsthand is not only a radically unique experience, but also a once-in-a-lifetime privilege that future generations may not have the opportunity to share. For more information on adventure travel to Africa, visit http://www.cfares.com/africa.

Thailand

Thailand offers the diversity of a society running in parallel: booming city life and leisurely beach escapes, thickly canopied jungles and white sand islands, indulgent cuisine, clubs and cocktails and the sanctuary of Buddhist lifestyle. Thailand has come of age as a traveler’s dream destination, an affordable gateway to paradise with adventure at your fingertips. For more information on adventure travel to Thailand, visit http://www.cfares.com/thailand.



By: Frank Johnson

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Small hotels are adapting to family needs, and becoming an attractive alternative to resorts and large hotel chains.

Out of guilt or a need to maximize the amount of time we spend with our children, we have convinced ourselves for years that a family vacation requires sacrificing the interests of the parents to satisfy the needs of the kids. Thus whether traveling half way around the world or driving a mere two hours from home many of us are heading to the same location: a child-friendly resort.

This need not to be the rule. Many independent hotels and lodges have discovered how to make an adult environment work for kids and may be more child welcoming than those that bill themselves as child-friendly.

Not surprisingly, smaller hotels, inns and lodges – many of them luxurious – are leading the pack. The atmosphere is cozy and the service, more personalized. In addition, your family will probably get more exposure to the local culture – not to mention cuisine – in a smaller hotel than is possible in a big international resort.

Children profit the most. Many cultures embrace kids. Thus a large part of the experience in countries such as Argentina and Turkey is the interaction with the locals. Exploring other cultures provides children with a unique education; it broadens their horizon and helps them to learn more about life.

Things to keep in mind

• Some smaller hotels may not offer round-the-clock service or traditional in-room services, such as minibar, tv and video games but are likely to be more spontaneous, warm your baby’s bottle with a smile or offer your child a dish that is not on the menu.

• Children’s meals may mean that kids are not allowed in the dinning room. Aside from providing parents with a reprieve, kids-only meals usually offer food they like and give them a chance to make new friends.

• No kids clubs. Relax. While it may take a day or two and a bit parental encouragement, kids will rediscover how easy it is to make friends and create fun, on their own.

• If the environment is relaxed, children will be relaxed as well.

• In a smaller hotel, you are likely to feel comfortable allowing your kids to explore on their own.

Rules of thumb

• Review the hotel’s website. Find out if it belongs to a local or an international association. Is it recommended by your travel agent or a leading tour operator? Has it been rated?

• If the website does not mention children, they may not be welcome. A telephone call or email will avoid unwanted surprises.

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By: Ann Locicero

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