There are many websites designed to make life easier for travelers. Some of them help you decide on the choice of transport, others help you book a hotel, others help you rent a car... and some resources try to collect everything you need in one place.
Moreover, to make everything as convenient as possible, without a confusing interface and the need for a long time to understand the functionality. One of the most successful such attempts is the site Rome2Rio.com, which we will talk about now.
We will figure out what the site is capable of, what is good about it, and how to plan a travel route with it.
Let us immediately note that we are by no means alone in our opinion that Rome2Rio is an extremely convenient and useful site for a traveler. Since 2012, the resource has collected a number of awards in the field of tourism, and many people use it.
Not so long ago, Russian localization even appeared - but so far, unfortunately, partial. So, to fully work with the site, it is advisable to have at least a minimal command of English... is this a minus? On the one hand, yes, but on the other, how can you travel without such minimal knowledge?
Rome2Rio – why and for what?
The root idea of the site is to allow you to create an online travel route of any complexity “from door to door” within one resource.
All types of transport are presented on one website: you don’t have to switch from window to window, but immediately plan a complex route, including traveling, say, sequentially by plane, train and car.
Trains, buses, planes, ferries... on every continent, Rome2Rio works with hundreds of local carriers, including 670 global airlines. You can really find absolutely any kind of transport here.
At the same time, it makes no difference how far the journey lies: Rome2Rio copes with routes within cities and across the entire globe with equal confidence.
Additional site features
The Rome2Rio interface also includes the ability to book hotels (integration with Booking.com) and rent a car. They are available both when working with the route, and separately, through tabs on the main page.
However, these functions were added rather in order to achieve the full effect of a “one-stop shop”: they are implemented quite standardly, and the main charm of the resource, of course, is not at all in them.
Let's get to the main point: how to use Rome2Rio.
Working with the site
In fact, everything is quite simple. Rome2Rio assumes that you are building a route between two points. In fact, other than indicating them in the appropriate fields on the main page of the site, little is required of you.
Interestingly, the site constantly changes the views on the “background”, and also offers the starting and ending points of the trip randomly - who knows, maybe thanks to this you will decide to take an unexpected trip?
Site interface
But first, let's take a look at the interface. The screenshot above shows the central part of the main page, the most important for us. Fields for starting and ending points, a search button, three tabs that we already talked about.
And in the upper right part there is the main menu, it looks like this:
The “Hotels” and “Cars” items duplicate those already described. The pages that lead to the “About”, “Information” and “FAQ” sections, alas, are not translated into Russian, as is the site’s blog. Next is a button that calls up a feedback form, and buttons that allow you to quickly tell your friends about the service.
Switching the language has already been mentioned above - alas, it is not as useful as we would like. Don't be alarmed by the dollar icon - the service is completely free, this icon only switches the currency in which prices for transport and hotels are displayed. By the way, you can switch between kilometers and miles there.
That's the whole main interface: as you can see, nothing complicated. It's time to create your first route!
Planning a travel route
Let's start. Where are we coming from and where are we going?
The service itself suggested that we find routes from Saratov to a small coastal city in Australia - why not? It will turn out to be very revealing, because such a trip can hardly be called banal! We click on the “Search” button, and what do we see?
That's right: Rome2Rio has found three ways to get from Saratov to Cable Beach. You can switch between them in the menu on the left.
Please note: the suggested routes include, in addition to the obvious necessity of flying, also travel by train, taxi and bus.
For each stage of the route, you can immediately see the travel time, distance, necessary transfers, departure frequency - in a word, the most necessary data. You will see exact prices if you indicate the date of your trip, otherwise they will be approximate.
Moreover, for each stage of the journey, Rome2Rio, if you click on this stage, is ready to provide the most detailed information. Whether in Russia or Australia, the service knows everything!
As you can see, you can even see photographs of the buses you will be riding on. Let us remind you that we are building a route to a place where perhaps no Russian tourist has ever set foot...
Want to view the schedule? To book a ticket? The corresponding buttons are at your service in the same window. Alas, booking is not always available, this button may not exist.
So we've talked about how to work with routes. But, as you may have already noticed, at the bottom of the menu there are two more items: “Hotels” and “Things to do.” Let's pay attention to them.
Hotels and attractions
How many attractions do you think Rome2Rio will find for you in and around an obscure provincial Australian city?
You didn’t guess: exactly 61! Moreover, all interesting places are divided into categories and shown on the map by clicking on them, which is very convenient.
As you understand, in large cities there will certainly not be problems with finding attractions using this menu: Rome2Rio will show everything that may interest you.
The functionality for hotels is also implemented in a very interesting way. If from the main page the site sends to Booking.com, which is actually built into its own interface, then inside the route everything is different:
So, here are the nearest hotels on the map. If you still want to see them in “Booking mode”, then click on the “List” button.
But it’s more convenient to work directly in the route window. The proposed hotels can be immediately filtered by several criteria:
- Number of “stars” (standard five-star system);
- Rating from Booking.com users (by the way, only hotels with an average score equal to or exceeding 6 are marked on the map);
- Hotel type (regular hotel, resort hotel, motel, hostel, etc.);
- Various services (Wi-Fi, airport transfer, gym availability, and much more).
In a word, choosing a suitable hotel a minute after you have decided on the route is easy and simple! Many will find that working with hotels on Rome2Rio is even more convenient than on Booking.com itself and similar sites.
What haven't we talked about yet?
For example, the information that you see can be easily printed - for this there is a corresponding button in the upper right part of the screen.
The interface for working with routes is built on a convenient “window” system, which, unfortunately, is difficult for us to show in screenshots - but once you visit the site, you will definitely appreciate its convenience!
When it comes to booking rental cars through Rome2Rio, the site does not offer anything extraordinary in this regard. The corresponding menu tab opens a completely normal search window for several hundred rent-a-car companies:
Note that using Rome2Rio it is very convenient to plot a car route:
You will see the distance, estimated time, and even the approximate cost of fuel, taking into account local prices. True, it is difficult for us to verify how wrong the site may be in this matter - just in case, it is better not to trust it too much when it comes to calculating gasoline.
And in general, to book a car it is still better to use special aggregator sites, or contact the company directly - this is too serious a question, which has a lot of pitfalls. By the way, we have posted a number of materials on this topic!
Conclusion
In many ways, the Rome2Rio website is unique: it really successfully combines “everything in one”, provides extremely detailed, complete information, and in the most convenient form for working with it.
Separately, I would like to note the smallest details that the service takes into account. You could see this for yourself in the example presented.
At the same time, some functions seem superfluous - first of all, work with car reservations, which cannot withstand competition with aggregators. Many interface elements are duplicated, and quite unobviously, which creates confusion.
There are some features missing, most notably planning a route through several key travel points. A feature like this is necessary for long, multi-stage trips, but the site’s creators didn’t think about it.
And, of course, the “half-hearted” Russian localization is frustrating: it just looks frivolous.
All of the listed disadvantages, however, in no way cover up the advantages of the site. Rome2Rio simply still has some work to do - but we are sure that it will become even better over time.
But now it is one of the best resources for a traveler. Be sure to try it!
Independent travel: 20 best hiking routes in the world. In 2016, National Geographic asked 20 prominent people, from tourists and CEOs to popular authors, about their favorite hiking trails. And, of course, we supplemented the story with interesting photos! Ready for adventure? Then let's go!
Tour around Mont Blanc (Tour du Mont Blanc), France-Italy-Switzerland
Hiker: Topher Gaylord, ultramarathoner and chairman of Mountain Hardwear.
According to him, a tour around Mont Blanc, the highest point in Western Europe, is one of the most exciting tourist routes in the world. You travel through different countries (France, Italy, Switzerland) and different mountain routes, where you have the opportunity to see the most impressive glaciers in Europe. You can truly enjoy the moment and complete the route in 7-10 days. It doesn’t really matter which path you choose, because in any case it’s an unforgettable journey!
Independent travel, photo: Tour around Mont Blanc, France-Italy-Switzerland
Length: 104 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. The most famous route among the Alps, which bypasses the mountain range at the highest point of the mountain range. Although the 4,810-meter mountain is always in sight, the route itself is constantly changing. It descends into 7 different valleys in three different countries, and rises twice to a height of 2665 meters in France and Switzerland. Sometimes you will come across terrifying mountain paths, but then you can relax in picturesque meadows. The landscape changes in a similar way if you start from the classic start and reach the end point in Chamonix, France.
But that is not all! The connection with civilization is exactly what makes this route special. You don’t need to worry about a tent and food (which is why this route is suitable for children and the elderly). Stop at plenty of villages or lodges along the way and enjoy fondue, wine or local cottage cheese to continue your journey with renewed vigor.
Of course, you can pitch a tent, but there are many other options for overnight stays to suit all tastes. From luxury hotels in the resort town of Courmayeur, Italy, to the simplest shelters. In total the route takes about 10 days, although the route is worth taking at a slower pace, visiting the surrounding area and possibly climbing Mont Blanc.
Best time: Summer, when the huts are open for the night and there is no snow blocking the path.
About Gaylord. To better understand this person, you need to know two things. First, he is the lead executive of Mountain Hardwear, a brand now owned by Columbia Sportswear that makes tents, sleeping bags and other items commonly associated with backpacking. Previously, he led a large company, serving as chairman of VF Corporation, which includes North Face, Jansport, Vans and Reef. But don't think that all Mr. Gaylord does is sit in the office! He is an accomplished skier, climber, windsurfer and ultra-marathoner. He came second during the first Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race in 2003. Since then, Gaylord has taken part in this race eight times. He is also a winner of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, the Miwok 100K Trail Race and the Dick Collins Firetrails 50.
Sierra Nevada Range Route, California
Traveler Andrew Skura is a writer, guide and hiking champion.
According to Andrew, The John Muir Trail is a congested path that often becomes lowland, while the most beautiful sections are represented by hills. The route through the Sierra Nevada ridges was NOT the most beautiful route he had ever taken, but it was certainly not the easiest. However, it's worth it! If he perceives the Rocky Mountains as his home, then the Sierra Nevada is the most majestic mountain in the continental United States.
Independent travel, photo: Sierra Nevada Ridge Route, California Length: 195 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. Unlike Andrew's other achievements, the Sierra Nevada route is feasible for most people. However, don't underestimate him. The route is similar to the John Muir Trail, but is higher, unmarked and unkempt. It extends from the south to the north of the California High Sierra, beginning in Sequoia National Park and passing through the John Moore Wildlands and Ansel Adams Wildlands, Inyo National Forest, Devils Postpile National Monument, Yosemite and ending at Hoover Wilderness. You must have the necessary travel skills to complete this route.
Most tourists break this route into several separate trips (although Skura and his partner, ultramarathoner Baz Burrell, completed the route in 8 days and 4 hours), because traveling at an altitude of 2750-3650 m takes a lot of energy.
Best time: summer or early autumn, when the snow has already melted and new snow has not yet fallen.
Oh Andrew. The Skuras are one of the few people in this world who can describe their job as a professional traveler. In 2005, he completed a 7,778-mile sea-to-sea tour that began in Gaspé, Canada, and ended at Cape Alava, Olympic National Park, Washington State, USA. This tour combines the following hiking trails: the International Appalachian Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail, the North Country Trail, the Continental divide Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail. In 2007, Adventurer #1 completed the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop, which covers the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail and Arizona Trail. It took Andrew 208 days to complete this journey.
Traveler: Jennifer Far Davis, traveler and writer.
According to Jennifer, she is not yet thinking about a new route, because her six-month-old baby is waiting for her at home. Of all the routes she has already climbed, Ljoigavegur ranks first. This 55km route contains so much stunning scenery that not every 500km tour can boast the same. Starting from Skógar and heading north, you'll be able to see 20 cascading waterfalls in just 7 miles. When you reach the deserted mountain trail that runs between two glaciers (one of them located on top of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which cut off air traffic between Europe and the United States in 2010), you will find yourself in the Thorsmörk valley, whose name can be translated as “forest” Torah". Tolkien visited this picturesque valley before writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. They say that it was these amazing landscapes that he used to describe the nature of Middle-earth.
Independent travel, photo: Ljogavegur / Fimmvjorjuhauls, Iceland Length: 34 miles (50 miles if you include Skógar).
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. This four-day route runs from Landmanaljøjgar camp in the North and Tuorsmjörk in the South, with the option of starting or finishing at Skógafoss waterfall. By the way, to admire the beauty of this waterfall, you will have to walk another 15 miles, but it is definitely worth it.
Some tourists prefer a “combined” holiday, encountering wild, unearthly landscapes of volcanic rocks during the day and spending the night in comfortable and warm houses. There are also fumaroles and spectacular copper-colored realite mountain peaks.
Hurry up to book your overnight stay in the above-mentioned houses, because they are sold out very quickly. If you are unlucky, you can put up a tent near the house. Before you head to the starting point, pay attention to the bus schedule, as most of them only run once or twice a day from Skógar to Landmannalaugar.
Best time: Summer. Please remember that the holiday home network operates from late June to early September.
About Far Davis. A champion hiker who completed the Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11:00 and 20 minutes, setting a new record. She also achieved record times on Vermont's Long Trail and Australia's Bibbulmun Track. Among Far's other achievements are the following routes: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Colorado Trail, Corsica's GR20, the Scotland's West Highway Way. The impressions received during numerous travels, outlined in her two books “Becoming Odyssa” and “Called Again”. Now Far has taken a break from traveling to be able to care for her little daughter.
Solo Travel: Te Araroa, New Zealand
Traveler Dan Ransone, film director.
Dan says diversity is To Araroa's greatest asset. New Zealand is renowned for its spectacular and unique views while traveling, and this route covers more than 2,000 miles of coastline, mountain ranges and forests, passing through national parks, rural farms and extinct volcanoes.
Independent travel, photo: Te Araroa, New Zealand Length: 1,894 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. Aroroa is translated from the Maori language as “long journey” and this is true. The travel route crosses the entire country, starting from Cape Reinga on the North Island and ending in the town of Bluff on the South Island.
The route is split into 160 different routes and takes approximately 120 days to complete if you follow all official guidelines (although ultra-runner Jez Bragg completed the route in 53 days in 2013). Of course, you can't do without a ferry ride to get from the North Island to the South Island. Each section of the route is a real miracle of nature. Queen Charlotte Sound in the South Island is heaven on earth! The river valleys of Whangani National Park are a long-standing haven of Maori culture. The mysterious forest of Takitimu allows you to feel like you are traveling in the beautiful Middle-earth. Have you dreamed of seeing an active volcano? Tongariro is exactly what you need! And don't forget to visit Auckland! Added to all the above-mentioned natural wonders is a well-organized system of volunteers and workers maintaining the trail along the route. Overall, this is one of the best places on the planet for long treks on foot.
Best time to visit: October to April.
Oh Ranson. Photographer and filmmaker Dan Ransone traveled extensively through the scenic canyons with explorers such as Rech Rudov and Todd Martin while working on the film Last of the Great Unknown. During filming, he fell to the ground because, as it later turned out, he suffered from a brain tumor. Luckily, Ransone recovered and the film was shown at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. From such an unpleasant moment, Renson’s great love for hiking began. He currently works as a cameraman and editor at Backcountry.
The Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Historical Trail, from South Sudan to Uganda
Traveler: Julian Monroe Fisher, explorer, filmmaker and anthropologist.
According to him, this route is one item on a person’s list of things that he must certainly have time to do in his life. Back in January-February 2013, he and his friends came to the savannah in Eastern Equatoria of South Sudan. Beginning the journey in July 2013, they began work on marking a new route that would run from Gondokoro (near the city of Juba) into Uganda. The route will follow that of Sir Andrew and Lady Florence Baker. Their 1860s expedition headed to Lake Albert. The route has 14 stops, exactly where the Bakers, under the guise of research purposes, collected information about slavery in order to achieve its abolition.
Independent travel, photo: Independent travel Route length: 360 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. South Sudan emerged in 2011, separating from Sudan through a referendum. Independence did not solve all problems. Although, it is worth considering the long-term consequences of decades of civil war, military atrocities and the resulting bitter struggle between the government and rebel units. All this has made South Sudan one of the most dangerous and poor regions on the planet.
There is hope that the opening of the tourist route will help stabilize the country. When the Baker couple dreamed that their expedition, organized to obtain evidence of the horrors of the slave trade, would help abolish it. Most of the route passes through Uganda, a place that is more or less safe for tourists. Danger is inherent in this path. Sir Samuel himself was kidnapped during one of the expeditions.
To maintain historical accuracy, the route begins from the current capital of South Sudan, the city of Juba, and then repeats Baker's path along the White Nile, to Uganda, and ends exactly where in August Samuel saw the lake, which was later named after Queen Victoria's husband, Albert .
Now Fischer is preparing the grand opening of the route on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Baker spouses’ expedition.
Best time to visit: winter months.
About Fischer. One of the TED speakers and a member of the famous Explorers Club, Julian Monroe Fisher completed a 345-mile journey that took him through Central America, Mexico City, South America, South Asia, Nepal, India, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and Russia. In general, the journey lasted 7 years. He even climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro by a route that is almost never used.
Fisher's expeditions are not only a way to test his capabilities on the next dangerous stretch of territory, because they are an integral and very important part of his research in ethnography and geography.
Traveler Jonathan Waterman, photographer, writer, adventurer, activist.
The arc around the Franconia mountain range is not a technical route (however, it does take into account the many steep slopes where slipping can lead to another world). If you find yourself there at the end or beginning of the year and climb to any peak, then just one look at the miniature flowers and the incredible arrangement of stone blocks (protecting the fragile flowers from the threat of falling under your boots) will give you an unforgettable alpine landscape. “Since I was a child, I have not known a more invigorating and intoxicating experience than this,” says Waterman.
Franconia Ridge Loop, Width, New Hampshire Length: approximately 9 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. Yes, indeed, this route is quite popular, but Waterman notes that there is an opportunity to take the route through alpine meadows, which are just a few hours' walk from Fenway Park. But don't let the feeling of being close to civilization fool you! This is a fairly fast route, climbing 3,480 feet approximately every four miles.
The mountain stretch between 5,260-foot Mount Lafayette, the 5,089-foot base of Mount Lincoln and 4,760-foot Little Haystack Mountain forms a 1.7-mile route that can be a pleasant stroll through a sun-drenched alpine meadow, or a nightmare trying to find shelter from the furious winds. and lightning. It all depends on the unpredictable mood of White Mountain.
You can still find pockets of civilization along the route. In this case, it is a network of eight mountain lodges that were built in 1930 by the still active Appalachian Mountain Club. In any case, this route is iconic!
Best time: autumn, when the influx of tourists subsides.
About Waterman. Jonathan began his adventurer career as a ranger in Denali National Park, covering mountaineering and hiking in the park. From there he went in search of great adventures, namely: he kayaked across the Northwest Strait (the story of this journey formed the basis of the book “Arctic Crossing”) and swam along the Colorado River in order to record its condition (the book “Colorado Dry and the Colorado River ").
Hiking route along the Pacific Crest Trail, California, Oregon, Washington
Traveler Scott Yurek, ultramarathoner.
Scott Jurek says the Pacific Crest Trail has been his lifelong dream. The captivating beauty, variety of scenery of the mountain ranges and the length of the route from the south to the north of the country is exactly what attracts Scott. Considering that Jurek always planned to cover many routes around the world, exploring his own country was his first priority.
Pacific Crest Trail, California, Oregon, Washington Length: 2,650 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. Together with the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Causeway, the Pacific Crest Trail is a mecca for all US tourists. Each route offers a unique slice of history, beauty and culture, but the Pacific Crest Trail is perhaps the most impressive and breathtaking, as it passes through such epic mountain ranges as the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains.
It is not so easy to overcome the route on the first try. Common sense, careful preparation of the necessary things and equipment (after all, the route contains areas where civilization is extremely rare), weather conditions and good speed are necessary components of success. As a reward, you will get the opportunity to see 7 national parks, forests and completely uninhabited areas. A traveler who dares to follow this path will have to overcome the Mojave Desert, climb a 4,000-mile peak, walk through the meadows of Yosemite, pass between the volcanoes of the Cascade Mountains and Lassen National Park, and finally reach British Columbia.
Best Time: Most travelers begin their journey from the Mexican border in April and finish in October. The main and probably the most important reason for people to choose this time is the hope of avoiding periods of snowfall in the Sierra Nevada.
Oh Yureka Scott is not one to give up without a fight! This ultrarunner has won almost every award possible. He also set a US record in distance running. In addition, Jurek is an ardent supporter of the vegan diet and claims that thanks to it he enjoys excellent health and success.
Caribou Tracks, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Traveler Terri Tempest Williams, writer, environmentalist.
When asked about his dream route, Terry confidently answers that it is any path along the tracks of reindeer in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Every time she closes her eyes, she imagines herself walking through a herd of wild, untouched terrain.
Independent travel: following the tracks of reindeer, Gates of the Arctic and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska (Caribou Tracks, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) Length: Deer typically migrate between 120 and 400 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. Gates of the Arctic is the northernmost preserve in the United States, occupying 8.4 acres in the Brooks Ridge region, just above the Arctic Circle. There are no official tourist routes there, because the reserve protects animals and their main migration routes, which are very important for the Western Arctic reindeer herd. Despite the fact that the number of animals is growing, the deer herd currently numbers only 325,000 individuals. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is not only a picturesque expanse, but also a source of constant controversy. The thing is that this territory is extremely rich in oil and, of course, deer. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a large and dramatic area of mountains, tundra, and coastline with no established trails and few visitors. This is the kingdom of Arctic nature!
The most famous and common species of animal inhabiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is deer. Two herds live there and across the Canadian border: Grant's caribou (169,000 animals) and the Central Arctic herd (42,000). In the spring, Granta caribou gather together to travel hundreds of miles to reach the coast. Around mid-July, caribou head to the foothills to avoid mosquitoes. In the fall, they gather again as a herd and travel towards the Brooks Range in the Yukon Territory. The Central Arctic herd takes a slightly different route.
The conflict over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is over 1.5 million acres of coastal plain nestled among gas and oil fields. Now caribou are the only living creatures that live there.
Best time: Spring and fall when caribou begin to migrate.
About Williams: Terry Tempest Williams is more than just an author. She loves to organize independent travel and an ardent defender of wild areas and the animals and people who inhabit them. In addition, she is a successful writer.
From Dosewallips National Park to Lake Quinault, Olympic Washington National Park (Dosewallips, lake Quinault)
Traveler: Sally Jewell, US Secretary of the Interior and former CEO of REI.
Mrs. Jewell remembers first visiting the area at the age of 12, on a school trip in the company of her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Black. Two years ago, she, her husband and their daughter decided to take this route. The path runs through forests and beautiful alpine meadows. You will definitely come across areas where the slopes are covered with rhododendron (near Hood Canal Ford), as well as snow-covered fields at Anderson Pass. And then you will come to the Enchanted Valley, an area that is home to bears and moose.
Independent travel, photo: From Dosewallips National Park to Lake Quinault, Olympic Washington National Park (Dosewallips, lake Quinault) Length: 34 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to find a place as isolated and wild as the Olympic Peninsula within the continental states. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets North America, and harsh weather conditions make the local forests and icy peaks even more difficult to access. However, self-guided travel on the south side of Olympic National Park is worth a try. Just remember to bring waterproof/breathable clothing and you might be the one to conquer this route!
The Enchanted Valley is a special place for the current US Secretary of the Interior. This valley is distinguished by such unspoiled nature that when you see this price list, you begin to understand the reasons for the founding of the Olympic National Park.
Hard-to-reach parts of the route are often a real challenge for travelers. Therefore, before you set off, take an interest in the condition of the roads you will have to walk on.
Best Time: It rains almost all year in Olympic National Park, but summers there are always magical.
O Jewell: Politician and former CEO of REI, hired in spring 2013. Has extensive experience in the oil and banking industries. Received the National Rachel Carson Society Award. In addition, Jewell is an experienced hiker and mountaineer. In 2011, she climbed Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica.
Traveler Jim Whittaker, mountaineer.
Jim Whittaker says he would recommend this route to everyone. The people there are amazing, the landscapes are unique, and in addition, you can also see Everest or Chomolungma, whose name translates as “Divine Mother.” Just seeing the world's highest peak is an experience in itself that can't be beat. In 1963, the journey was 185 miles. Now you can fly to the city of Lukla, located at an altitude of 2860 m. And significantly shorten your route. It is worth noting that taking off and landing there is not for the faint of heart. How could it be otherwise when the runway is at such an angle? If you manage to get there in May, you will have the opportunity to admire rhododendron and orchids. There are also many guest houses where you can drink beer or something else. In addition, the route is equipped with landfills, which certainly helps to maintain it in good condition. The last time John decided to do the route, he was forced to quit due to an intestinal infection.
Independent travel to Everest base camp, Nepal (Everest base camp track) Length: 40 miles.
Unique tourist routes and independent travel: route features. The two-week trip to Everest Base Camp and back is extremely popular. Of course, the route has changed quite a lot since 1963. This is an excellent alternative for those people who, due to physical or financial reasons (a guided climb to Everest will cost 50,000 US dollars), cannot climb Everest. And although most films and books describe the beauty of Everest itself, the road to base camp is no less exciting and colorful.
The route passes through the center of the Khumbu region and Namche Bazar. This is a village at an altitude of 3440 m. It is a place where tourists undergo acclimatization and get acquainted with the local culture. In addition, a stop in Namche Bazaar gives you the opportunity to get back to business, because there are a whole bunch of Internet cafes here. From here the path leads to much smaller settlements such as Pangboche, which is located at an altitude of 3930 m. There you can visit a famous Buddhist monastery before climbing to base camp (5364 m).
Don't be discouraged if the base camp climbers aren't very friendly or talkative. Typically, people preparing for such a test do not want anyone to bother them.
Best time: Spring, from March to May, the main thing is to get there before the start of the monsoon season. The period from September to November is also good, in addition, there are usually fewer tourists at this time.
About Whittaker Jim Whittaker became the first American to summit Everest on May 1, 1963. For this achievement, he and his team received the Hubbard Medal, which is awarded by the National Geographic Society of the United States.
So, we are in Turkey. Turkey is an independent republic occupying territory partly in Europe and partly in Asia, which has played an important role in world history as a bridge connecting East and West. It attracts tourists from all over the world, thanks to its wonderful weather and climate, warm sea and endless beaches. Tours to Turkey are popular due to the abundance of historical sites. Holidays in Turkey mean warm and clean seas, wonderful beaches, as well as a large selection of types of entertainment. In addition to relaxing on the beaches and active recreation, tours offer a variety of excursions where you can get acquainted with the unique culture, traditions, customs and history of the country. Türkiye is an incredibly interesting and beautiful country. Therefore, this cannot be limited to just one moment.
Istanbul Istanbul is a city with a rich history, with a unique location - divided by the Bosphorus Strait, it is located both in Europe and in Asia. Istanbul The main attraction of the city is St. Sophia Cathedral. This grandiose temple was built in the years. The attractions of Hagia Sophia include the copper-covered “weeping column” (they say that if you put your hand in its hole and make a wish, it will definitely come true). Another attraction is the Ahmediye Mosque (the “blue mosque”). The walls of Ahmedieh are covered with light blue tiles that reflect the sun's rays, which gives it a special charm. It is from here that pilgrims go to Mecca. The Topkapi Sultan's Palace is one of the largest attractions in Istanbul. Built in 1466 by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bridge over the Bosphorus, connecting the European and Asian shores of Turkey, has become another symbol of this country. This is the fourth longest bridge in the world. Not far from Istanbul is the Turkish Disneyland - the largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world Tatilla amusement park
Ankara Ankara is the capital and second largest city of the country. Now it is a city of ministries and embassies, universities and medical centers, as well as a wine-making center and a major transport hub of the country. Ankara The historical center of the city is considered to be the Ak Kale Tower (White Castle), surrounded by a double wall, along which you can trace the turbulent history of Ankara. Another symbol of the city is the Hadji Bayram mosque (XV century), built next to the ruins of the famous temple of Augustine and Rom, on the walls of which are carved essays from Roman history and a list of the deeds of Augustus. A real place of pilgrimage for local residents is the majestic building of the Ataturk Mausoleum (1953). The sarcophagus of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal, the first ruler of the country, is kept here.
Antalya is considered the tourist capital of the Turkish Mediterranean, attracting tourists with its rich historical heritage and unique nature. According to UNESCO, this area is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly places on the planet. Antalya One of the symbols of the city is Hadrian's Gate, erected in honor of the visit of the city by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 BC. e. There are many ancient monuments in Antalya, of which the “symbol of Antalya” is especially good - the Yivli minaret built by the Seljuk Turks, as well as the Eski Cami Mosque, built on the model of a Byzantine church in 1373, the tombstones of the wife of Sultan Bayazed II and Mehmet Bey, the former the monastery of the “dancing dervishes” of Mevlevihane with an exhibition of contemporary art, and the Cut Minaret, destroyed at one time by lightning. At the exit from Antalya to Kemer there is a wonderful water park "Aqualand" - the oldest of Antalya's water parks, designed for 1,500 people and built to world standards on an area of 40 thousand square meters. m.
Belek, located between Antalya and Side, is considered a recognized golf center in the region. Located in close proximity to the ruins of the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side, and with a number of first-class hotel complexes surrounded by pine, cedar and eucalyptus forests. Belek The magnificent 500-hectare cypress-eucalyptus Koprulu Canyon National Park is worth a visit. The reserve offers opportunities for mountaineering, horse riding and all types of water activities, but the most popular is rafting on the Kyupryuchay mountain river.
Welcome to Egypt! Egypt is one of the few Islamic states open to tourism. This beautiful country of pharaohs and pyramids, ancient monuments and interesting museums, excellent beaches and the Red Sea, rich in corals and strange fish, never ceases to attract tourists from all over the world. Traveling to Egypt is becoming more and more popular every year. More than 5 million people visit it annually. Let's get acquainted with the characteristics of this country.
Cairo Here you will see the openwork minarets of the Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Sultan Kalan Mosque. In the Egyptian Museum you will be greeted by a national collection ten times richer and more complete than in the British Museum. You can take unforgettable excursions to the papyrus and jewelry factories, as well as to the Perfumery Museum. You will see the giant aqueduct from the Nile to the Citadel, the Beit Al Sennar tower and the building of the oldest Arab university, Al-Azhar.
Giza The "business card" of Egypt is the pyramids. There are about a hundred pyramids here - large and small, stepped and with smooth sides, which have reached us almost unchanged and look more like a shapeless pile of stones. They are located along the left, western bank of the Nile in small groups. The most famous of the pyramids are on the outskirts of Cairo, on the edge of the desert Giza plateau, hanging over the green Nile Valley. Here, in Giza, there are three great pyramids - Cheops, Khafre and Mikerin. At the foot of the Giza plateau are mortuary temples and the Great Sphinx.
Port Said is a very young city, by Egyptian standards. Located 200 km northeast of the country's capital, it was built in the middle of the last century along with the Suez Canal, at its northern entrance. Port Said is a kind of sea gate to Egypt. The National Museum in Port Said displays examples of the material culture of the Egyptians from pre-Pharaonic times to the present day.
Greece is a country of heroes and gods, unprecedented architectural monuments and simple, friendly residents. As the popular saying goes, “Greece has everything!” Let's look at its attractions.
Athens The capital of the Greek state is named after the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and knowledge - Athens. This is a city of surprises and contrasts, beautiful and diverse, always smiling. In architecture and art, styles of different eras and movements are harmoniously intertwined. No matter what part of the city you are in, the majestic Acropolis is visible from everywhere, with its magnificent temples and museum, where genuine masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture are kept. The Parthenon Temple is a stunning masterpiece of architecture, built according to the drawings of Phidias, famous for its perfect and impeccable contours. The Theater of Herodes Atticus is located west of the Theater of Dionysus. The semicircular stage is characteristic of the Roman era, since the stages in Greek theaters are circular. Olympion (temple of the gods of Olympus) - the ruins of the majestic temple of Zeus, from which fifteen columns remain. Argolis is the northeastern region of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Your path along the national road leads to the Corinth Canal, where you can admire this grandiose structure from the end of the last century.
Austria is a fairly compact country, but it has a variety of landscapes and a diverse cultural heritage. Majestic cities, charming villages, soaring mountains, rolling plains, royal mineral water resorts, alpine lakes - all this creates a picturesque picture. Let's get acquainted with its capital.
A tourist who comes to Vienna for the first time first of all rushes to Stephansplatz - St. Stephen's Square with the famous cathedral after which it is named. St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna, and St. Stephen is the patron saint of the capital of Austria. The cathedral is more than 800 years old. The majestic complex of the Hofburg Imperial Palace (XIII-XIX centuries) houses a number of government organizations of the country and the OSCE. The Spanish Riding School is located in the palace premises. The Belvedere, built by Lucas von Hildebrandt as a summer residence for one of the greatest commanders of his time, Prince Eugene of Savoy, was once located outside the city walls. Schönbrunn Schönbrunn, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, is also a must-see.
Where does any journey begin? From packing your things, or from boarding the plane? No, in my opinion, any journey (especially a long one) begins with an idea. From making a decision - where to go, why there, what is interesting there. Let's talk about this today - how to choose a direction and plan the route of the upcoming trip.
4. Activity planning
By this stage, you have already decided on the main list of points for the upcoming route; now you need to calculate the forces. You don’t want to collapse from fatigue on the 3rd day of your trip, do you?
To make your vacation (or adventure) as rich and varied as possible, without being too exhausting, think in advance about what you are going to do on each day of your trip.
Alternate activity with relaxation and rest. This is especially important on a long journey, when the constant change of pictures and impressions becomes boring over time, and it is no longer so interesting to discover new places - the brain is simply fed up with new information.
For example, when I plan a trip, I usually alternate between active exploration and beach activities.
Here, look for information about what you can do in this area - maybe only in this village you can ride elephants, swim in a waterfall, fly in a hot air balloon, swim with sharks, or climb to some interesting observation deck.
Add more specific information to your plan, For example:
day 1 - we go to see the pyramids
day 2 - we walk around the city, go to the museum on such and such a street, then go to the park on such and such a street
day 3 - go to the beach, snorkel
day 4 - moving to the next city, etc.
If the trip is long, then you can write a more general plan, for example:
city 1 - 2 weeks, active recreation, be sure to see such and such sights
city 2 - 3 days, we go on a walking trek through the jungle
city 3 - 3 days, enjoying local beaches
city 4 - 10 days, we go on an excursion, see the sights
It is advisable to plan a short trip more carefully so that it is clear what day and what you are doing. But on a long trip, I usually plan only 1-2 nearby settlements. But if I know that, for example, we won’t have Internet until the 4th city, then I plan for a longer period of time, with a reserve.
5. How to get there
One of the most important questions at the route planning stage - how you will move between points on your route.
If you don’t find out in advance how and by what means you will get there, a situation may arise when the map seems to have a road, but in fact the road has been under repair for a long time, and there is no public transport there at all. You'll have to figure it out on the spot and look for other options. And if you have a clear reference to dates, then the entire route will have to be changed, so you simply won’t get to where you really wanted.
It’s clear that if you are traveling to only one city, you have round-trip tickets, you don’t plan to travel around the surrounding area, or you plan to take advantage of organized excursions, then you don’t need to think through different options for “how to get there” (except maybe how to get there from the airport or station to the hotel).
But if your route is complex, with a lot of crossings, and the attractions are not in the cities themselves, but in the surrounding area, then it’s still worth thinking about moving issues in advance.
Moreover, when you are just starting to plan which cities you want to visit, it is not always clear from the map that there is a direct road between two cities. Everywhere has its own characteristics, taking into account which you will have to build the entire route. You may have to swap several cities, perhaps you decide to exclude something, because... You can only get there by transport and it takes 3 days to travel, but you planned to spend these 3 days on something else.
}
