adventure Archives - Seek Your Trip

May 29, 2017 by Arlene

Croatian Wines – Simply The Best

Croatia is a beautiful country nestled on the Adriatic Sea, part of the bigger coastline of the Mediterranean. Croatia is comprised of over a thousand islands and a large continental or mainland region which is home to several vineyards. There are three main wine regions in the country of Croatia – Continental, near the capital of Zagreb, Istria – along the northern coast and islands and Dalmatia down toward the southern tip and its islands. Each of these regions has their own specific tastes and textures of wine. Here we have a look at all three.

Continental

One of the continental regions that is known for its impressive wines is the north eastern region of Slavonia. This area gets a cooler more continental climate that comes down from central Europe and across its diverse landscapes such as valleys, mountains and hills. Plains and river basins with the fresh waters of the Danube, Drava and Sava makes for ideal wine growing country with the Grasevina grape having been planted and harvested here for centuries resulting in some beautifully crisp, fresh white wine.

Istria

The largest peninsular region in the Adriatic, Istria is home to luscious weather and cool breezes from the sea. This region was once a part of Italy and it can be evidenced by not only the types of Italian grapes that are found throughout the vineyards but also in the Italian language being spoke throughout the town squares and in the markets. Moscato and Terrano, a controlled grape, are grown in the region with exceptional results in the red earth that is similar to that found in parts of Italy. This makes for Croatian wines from Istria having the level of quality and texture to rival the best Italian wines. For some of the best wines in the area, seek out the Coronica Winery where the grapes are bred with intense character and robust flavour, resulting in impressive wines of exceedingly high calibre.

Dalmatia

This gorgeous coastline is home to a number of impressive vineyards that stretch from Zadar down to the area around Split. This area is known for the Babic grape, a Croatian grape that has been used for centuries to create delicious robust red wines with a hefty strength and delicious flavour. Generational vineyards scatter the region where grape growing and winemaking traditions have been passed down though families over time. This creates a rich wine history that is unrivalled in the area, with historic wine blends you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Small plots of grape vines are grown here in small plots surrounded with dry stone walls and the soil, while strange for grape growing, somehow works its magic and produces some of the most delicious grapes for wine you can find. For the best of the region, try to find wines by the Skradin and Bibic families – winemaking families for over 500 years.

So there you have a rundown on Croatian wines and where to find the best in the country. Any trip to Croatia isn’t complete without trying at least one or two of their famous wines, varieties that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Europe without at least a good hefty hunt through wine stores.

January 27, 2017 by Arlene

5 Unforgettable Trips You Must Take

One of the best ways to broaden the mind is by travelling the world. With so many fantastic destinations you can visit, it can often be difficult to discover the best place to book on your next adventure across our beautiful planet; however, you can’t go too wrong with the following cities…

Amsterdam, Netherlands

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that you would struggle to fit it all into one trip. The city offers the perfect blend of historic heritage with modern living, as you won’t know where to look in the Red Light District, whilst you won’t be able to take your eyes off the old merchant houses that offer unique tilts.

Be sure to take your camera, because you will want to take a snapshot of the UNESCO canals, and make room for a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes dotted across the city. You can visit Vincent’s largest collection at The Van Gogh Museum, and you can even watch free international and Dutch movies at the EYE Film Institute. There really is something for everyone in this exquisite city – look at the many more things you can do with the Amsterdam city guide.

Las Vegas, USA

No destination quite compares to Sin City. With exquisite casinos, stylish hotels and exceptional stores, you will most likely never want to leave the wonder that is Las Vegas. In addition to the glitz and glamour of the casinos, you can enjoy outdoor movies at Container Park, sunbathe by the hotel pool, or can view 250 genuine artefacts salvaged from the wreck of RMS Titanic.

Barcelona, Spain

You would have to be crazy not to consider Barcelona for your next city break, which is just as beautiful as the likes of London and Paris, but a whole lot cheaper. With so many free attractions, affordable tapas restaurants, inexpensive wines and amazing landmarks, you might even think of upping sticks and moving to the city forever.

You will be lost in thought as you walk along the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, thinking about the many different people that once walked the same route. Tourists will not want to miss the unusually-beautiful La Sagrada Familia, as this mesmerising church has been under construction for 100 years.

San Juan, Argentina

While most travellers will be tempted to visit the Mendoza in Argentina, you would be wise to add San Juan to your list. The little town offers beautiful wineries, which is complemented by a laid-back, low-key lifestyle for a truly relaxing break to Argentina. One of the best times to visit San Juan is during the low season, which is between April to December.

Notable attractions include Las Marianas winery, which was built in 1922 and offers examples of original wine-making equipment. You should also head up to the Lookout Tower for unencumbered views of the town and nearby countryside.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable cities. Journey through the Old Town Square to come across surprising gardens, ancient chapels, traditional bars and chic cafes. The Czech Republic is also known for producing the world’s finest beers, so you should treat yourself to a glass or more during your trip to the city. There are also unusual sights at every turn, such as a 1950s nuclear bunker beneath a hotel or a cubist lamppost that adds a touch of uniqueness to this exceptional city. Just some of the best landmarks to visit include Prague Castle, the Prague Jewish Museum and St Vitus Cathedral.

February 4, 2013 by Arlene

5 Books to Inspire Every Traveler

Whether you are an actual adventurous traveler or one of the armchair kind, we’ve picked out some books that should make their way to your reading list. The books below will simply inspire you, give you an insight of how different travelers experienced some adventures in places they visited. How these adventures affected their perception of things and changed their lives forever.

“The Road To Oxiana”-Robert Byron

Labeled by many as the first book that has effectively depicted travel writing of the modern kind, the book is written in diary form. The storyline is about the author’s journey to Oxiana through the Middle East passing through Beirut, Baghdad, Jerusalem and Teheran. The book gives a humorous account of the author’s adventures as he meets people, experiences the cultures and the architectural treasures of the Middle East which will make you want to pack your bags and go see for yourself. The book is a definite gripper all through as you follow the author’s journey to the final destination which is at the land of the Oxus

“Venice”- Jan Morris

The book will definitely make you fall in love with the beautiful city of Venice. The book gives the reader a lot of insight on the city’s past and contains vivid descriptions which are very entertaining to read. After reading Venice you will definitely feel like you have been there and you will understand the city better. Venice is one book that any adventurous traveler who is interested in visiting Italy someday should read.

“The Sun Also Rises”- Ernest Hemingway

Any true adventurous traveler must read all of Hemingway’s work. One of the best classics colorfully portrays the experiences of American expatriates in the 1920s as they indulge in the lives, charms and loves of the magical cities of Paris and Spain. Known as the most impressionable book and depicting the adrenaline rising bull-fighting festivals set in Pamplona, it is considered one of Hemingway’s best novels. It will definitely make you want to pack your bags and visit modern day Spain and Paris.

“Arabian Sands”- Wilfred Thesiger

The book is about the story of courage as the author gives an account of his experiences in the Arabian deserts. We see his encounter with the little known tribes in a hostile territory, his unlikely friends and his hardships. This is one book that will appeal to all travelers and is a must have.

“Lord of The Rings” – J.R.R.Tolkien

For the fantasy lover, this is one classic that tells the story of the courage of hobbits on a mission to destroy The One evil Ring. We follow their journey from their peaceful home in the shire to their journey’s end in the mountain of doom where they eventually destroy the ring. It is also a tale of survival, great adventure and great battles fought for one cause. For travelers who intend to leave their orderly lives and travel in search of adventure then they can draw inspiration from Frodo (one of the main characters) and company.

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Photo by michaelkeith on Flickr

January 30, 2013 by Arlene

What’s in a Survival Kit on a Big Fishing Trip?

Planning is a must when going on any expedition, however what you should carry differs depending on your activity. The type of survival kit that you might carry when going out camping may not necessarily be the same as compared to what is needed for a fishing trip. That said it is important to have a rough idea of what a fishing survival kit consists of. We know our die-hard fisherman already have this figured out, so beginner fisherman please listen up.

Navigation and Means of Signaling

When you are fishing alone or with friends, whether on land or water, you always need a means of signaling for help. This might make the difference between getting a quick rescue or being lost for several hours. That said it is important to carry an LED flashlight or lantern due to their long battery life and their beam intensity which makes them easy to see from afar. If you are heading out in a boat, always know your territory. It can be very easy to get lost if you aren’t used to navigating. Even getting turned around in a large lake could leave you hours away from getting home. Of course, the only rule of thumb for any adventurer is to always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Clothing and Gear

If you want to be especially safe when going on a fishing trip, pack the right gear. It can be useful to carry a floatation device such as a life jacket which might be handy in incidences where you need to float or swim. Aside from lakes, a lot of fishing occurs in wild streams & rivers or at sea. If you unexpectedly fall and hurt yourself, a river could unexpectedly pull you downstream.

The next important piece of gear on any fisherman’s list is a wading belt. This is important in cases where you fall into the water and need to prevent water from entering into your waders, eventually dragging you under. Water logged waders will also make you very cold very quickly and may cause hypothermia.

You should remember to always have warm water proof clothing and good body coverage when you might be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Grab a classic fisherman’s hat and it will go a long way to prevent sunburns. To help keep all these items dry, pick up a water proof bag. This can carry electronic devices, or extra dry clothes in case of a fall. Waterproof bags come in all shapes and sizes.

First Aid

First aid kits are a must on any outdoor expedition. A first aid kit should have disinfectant, bandages, aspirin, antacids, antibiotics, gauze, and in cases where one has special medical needs that require medication during the fishing trip then the appropriate medication should be added to the first aid kit. With fishing line, lures & exposure to the outdoors, a first aid kit should be a number one item on your list.

Food & Water

Food & water must always be mentioned when going on any trip. No matter how short you plan to stay out you always need to be prepared for unexpected situations. Water is one of the basic necessities when going for a fishing expedition and you should carry an ample amount of it for hydration. You might think water is always available when fishing but be sure to use proper purification systems before you drink from natural streams. You should take about three gallons per head for 3-6 day fishing expedition. When it comes to edibles, energy packed, light foods such as nuts are the most appropriate to carry.

Planning Ahead

Planning ahead is important for any trip. Make sure you have a map of the area and are aware of any foreboding weather forecasts. Obviously fishing supplies are an obvious requirement for any fishing trip. But remember to always take into consideration the length of your trip, the size & type of the fish in the area, and any specific lures or fishing line you might need.

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Photo by theo_reth on Flickr