Mag Park

Posts Tagged ‘family’

Magpark – I don’t know if you know this but I have been living in Guatemala for the last year and have been loving it. Since then imy husband and I have done as much as we can to get to know it which means a lot of fun family trips. But this time we didn’t want to go too far so I called some of my Guatemalan friends and for some advice and they had the perfect thing.

They suggested something I had never thought of before yet it was so obvious: A nice picnic in the afternoon in one of Antigua Guatemala’s ruins. It sounded like a great idea so I ended up inviting them to come with us too. Then there was the question, which ruins should we visit? That’s because there are around 6 or 7 and the photos i’ve seen are all beautiful. We ended up picking one called San Jeronimo located on one of Antigua’s corners.

This is how the day went: After a regular Sunday morning we had lunch and I packed up my picnic set and off we went. We got there like 10 minutes after because everything in Antigua is less than15 minutes away in car. We settled up in one of its beautiful gardens and explored the place. This is not a very big monument but it is beautiful. There are lots of gardens and in some places you can still see murals from when it was a school.

I had a great time just chilling under a tree’s shadow, enjoying the view of the gardens, eating some snacks and listening to birds that were passing by. On the other hand my son had a blast exploring and climbing everything he saw. Plus he had a little adventure partner with him that was just as excited to be there. This turned out to be a relaxing yet exciting family adventure not so far from home.

These ruins belong to what used to be a catholic school in the early 1700’s and in the late 1700’s it was turned into the Real Aduana. Years later it was destroyed by earthquakes and was never restored because the city movet to where the actual Guatemala City is located. It was until the late 1990’s when the council for the protection of this colonial city was created and started doing maintenance work to it. Oh, and I almost forgot I heard that this place is also rented for weddings and special events, how cool is that?

Popularity: 32% [?]

Magpark – It is worry time when it gets dark out in the open. When it is time to sleep, one yearns for the cozy bed and the safe confines of your home. But out there in the open, there is also the insects, the wind and often the precipitation to contend with. This is when the sleeping bag drives all your anxieties away and you can settle down to a peaceful sleep. Sleeping bag has a pride of place in the list of camping equipments. A sleeping bag is something akin to a folded blanket that has a zipper. It can be rolled or folded, stuffed in a sack and carried in your backpack.

Using the straps or the cords, the sleeping bag can be tightly folded or rolled. It goes easily into your backpack which you can carry around when traveling. Or it might be that you are riding, hiking or trekking. It is the sense of security, comfort and warmth that makes sleeping bag a travel companion. The rectangular sleeping bag is roomier than the mummy shaped sleeping bag. The mummy bag is broad and open at one end and tapers into an enclosed end which is where the leg side is.

It is not possible to fold the mummy bag like the rectangular bag. It has to be rolled up and tied. The mummy bag provides more warmth and protection with its lesser space and sealed leg side. The marmot pinnacle sleeping bag is spacious and ultra light. Synthetic fills and down fills are the usual insulation materials in use in the sleeping bag. While the synthetic fills are better in wet conditions with lower water absorption capacity, it is also heavier. Insulation is better with the synthetic fills. But the down fill bags have a better heat retention capacity.

You need to choose a sleeping bag according to the weather conditions. In wet conditions, a synthetic fill bag is no doubt better as it has a lower water absorption capacity. A sleeping bag is good in both the summer and winter. You can keep the sleeping bag unzipped in summer nights and zipped when it is quite cold. If in extreme cold weather conditions, you will have to go for a sleeping bag that is specially suited to combat the cold. The down fill bags are best suited in dry climate. Keep your budget in mind while choosing the sleeping bag.

It’s always a good option to go camping. Just remember to always bring important things like a marmot pinnacle sleeping bag.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Every year, students across the country travel to various countries to have fun and explore different cultures and their attractions. When searching for a great student travel destination, below is a list of the top destinations for student travelers.

Canada: There is a lot for travelers to see and do when visiting Canada. Canada has a host of beautiful national parks, trendy cities such as Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia. There is also a lot to do all year long such as skiing, boating, golfing, hiking, camping, and much more.

Los Angeles, California: Known as the Golden State, California is a great state for students to visit. Los Angeles is an exciting city and filled with diverse cultural attractions as well as entertainment activities. There are beautiful beaches such as Venice, Zuma, Manhattan, and Redondo, as well as theme parks, museums, galleries, and theatres.

Barcelona, Spain: Students love to travel to Spain. The rich culture and attractions such as the beach, architecture, opera houses, parks, live music, and festivals, makes Barcelona, Spain a traveler’s paradise. Barcelona is a great place to study and practice speaking Spanish.

Paris, France: Paris is a traveler’s dream destination. It is a great place to study and practice speaking French as well as visit trendy restaurants, historic districts, and famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower. You can also watch a film in Parc de la Villette, visit Pre Lachaise Cemetery and view the graves of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Oscar Wilde, and relax on Paris Plages.

Cambodia: Cambodia is not only a great place to visit, but a great place to volunteer in such areas as child care, teaching, and marine conservation. Popular historical attractions include: The Angkor Wat temple, monuments to those killed by the Khmer Rouge, and the capital, Phnom Penh.

Australia: There is a lot for student travelers to see and do in Australia. There are beautiful beaches, great surfing, the amazing ‘Outback,’ wineries, and the Great Barrier Reef. Students can volunteer or work with a number of conservation programs.

India: India is an amazing country with vast beauty and wonderful cultural attractions. The beautiful Himalayas, spectacular beaches, and the beautiful Indian culture that is home to over one billion people, makes India a great place to visit. India is great place to teach and help the street children in the poorer regions.

Argentina: In Argentina, there are variety of amazing natural environmental attractions for students to visit such as, Iber wetlands, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, and Igua Falls. For students interested in wildlife conservation, Argentina has many places where students can volunteer.

Chile: For students looking to volunteer, Chile is need of volunteers to help in the areas affected by the earthquake and there is also teaching positions available as well as volunteering helping the homeless.

For students, there are many great places to visit all over the world, whether it is for a fun vacation, study, work, or volunteer. When students travel, it is important not only have fun, but also be safe.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Magpark – It is natural that one learns to live with what is around. We get used to the life around. We also carry on relating to the activities that goes on around us. Our surroundings have been transformed over the years with the application of science and technology, and the notions of progress and development. Along with imagination, life has rapidly transformed. At the same time, we have also modified the environment, often devastating what nature provided. In the pursuit of growth, life in the cities have sprung up and grown haphazardly. Life in the cities has become fast paced. We have very little time to pause and reflect.

But then we do realize too that there is indeed a disconnect with nature. Not satisfied, we need and seek a deeper experience. We search for a more direct experience. What better way is there than to use your leisure for this. There are many ways one can spend one’s leisure. Nature trails, adventure tour, mountaineering, riding the rapids, canoeing, bicycling motorcycling, visit to camp sites and many more are the ways that we can chose from. Those fleeting moments when we make that connection are those rare moments of life, unforgettable and invaluable.

Inevitably when one prepares to make that trip one has been waiting for so long, camping tent comes to mind. Not just so that we can feel secure, but also to be at home in the wild. Camping tents comes in different sizes and shapes. An ultra light weight camping tent that can accommodate three persons is the north face spectrum 33 tent.

The camping tent secures its occupants from rain and the cold winds. It also offers reasonable protection from the insects and reptiles around. But in order to make your experience worthy, there are a number of other camping equipments that you would like to have with you. This includes such useful items as knife, flashlight, stove, first aid kit, utensils, insect repellants, clothing, maps and compass. You may also need light furniture. Camping equipment dealers offer these specially made items which are both handy and light so that these can be transported.

Camping is done in the wilderness or in another location. Bringing along the things that you need can really help feel comfortable while you’re outside of your home.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Magpark – It can be hard to find a good place to vacation when extra money is low. Expensive resorts and pricey activities are common in many places that are frequented by vacationers. However, this is not the only way. These five cheap travel destinations are a great way to save on money while still having a great experience on a vacation you will remember forever.

1. Vancouver, British Columbia: Low living costs and favorable exchange rates make this Canadian city an inexpensive place to visit. It offers a variety of things to do in any time of the year. There’s Whistler Mountain with skiing in the winter, and lake sports in the summer. Gastown is another great place to visit for less with Victorian buildings and great views to see and the Seawall Promenade to stroll down. The Classical Chinese Garden and other museums also make for cheap or free places to enjoy.

2. San Carlos, Mexico: When most think of visiting Mexico, they picture big resorts in Cabo San Lucas or Cancun, filled with partying students, however there are other options. San Carlos is a small village located right on the edge of the ocean, and has many beach houses and camping options for a cheaper stay. There are many activities on the beach or in the water with little to no expense. Since it is not as touristy as some of Mexico’s other cities, food and everything else tends to be much cheaper, and also less crowded.

3. Costa Rica: From trekking through rainforests, to kayaking or scuba diving in the beautiful reefs, Costa Rica offers many cheap travel destinations or free activities in the great outdoors. It has great weather year round to enjoy these things, and since it is a smaller country with convenient bus systems, your stay can include all parts of the country with less travel expenses. Also, wherever you stay in the country, there are hotels and hostels costing as little as $7 a night, a great discount compared to many places around the world.

4. Morocco: Since the dirham, Moroccan currency, has lost much value, you can get a lot more for your money. There is a variety of great food from the different cultures making up the country, and many places to visit. The art, architecture, and great history make for an interesting and unique vacation, with many named UNESCO heritage sites. Also, Morocco boasts the city of Casablanca where the famous movie of the same name takes place. This is a great place to go to see the locations of the movie for free, along with touring the port.

5. Prague, Czech Republic: The old capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague is a beautiful city that has been rebuilt since the Iron Curtain fell. This city boasts many buildings that stand as they were when they were build more than a thousand years ago and are interesting to look at and go inside, taking a step into history. There is a great, cheap nightlife including clubs located in some of the old buildings, with beer costing as little as $0.30 per liter. The food also comes in a great variety, featuring local favorites like goulash, but also anything from Thai to Russian offered at great value.

Whatever location you decide for your vacation, instead of cutting costs by skipping out on time or activities, finding cheap travel destinations can get you more for your money. Between free activities and low overall costs for daily needs, many alternative places to visit can show you a great time.

Popularity: 15% [?]