Thursday, March 27, 2008

Planning Your River Rafting Trip With The Kids

Copyright © 2008 Norm Schoenhoff

Most kids will be thrilled to go on a whitewater rafting trip or adventure, and it's a terrific opportunity for a family vacation or get-together. You'll need to pack a few extra items to make sure the trip is fun and safe for everyone involved, and kids will need to dress appropriately for both water and on-shore activities.

Rafting with kids also requires a few extra safety precautions and considerations, and you may need to contact the outfitter to find out about extra amenities, safety protocol, and rafting lessons for your kids' first experience.

Here are some other key things to keep in mind as you plan your adventure:

Activities for Kids

Many whitewater rafting trip packages offer a number of activities beyond the river. From camping on the riverfront to hiking across the wilderness, kids can take part in a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities as part of their experience. If your kids have special needs, you'll need to make sure they will be all right with any activities, games, or adventures scheduled along with the trip.

Types of Trips Available

Beginner's whitewater rafting trips are usually perfect for kids, as these contain milder waterways and rapids. Review the different options available; there are many wonderful and exciting beginners' trips in Northern California, and these offer unique views, attractive camping sites, and adventurous rivers to watch the area's wildlife and scenic landscapes. You'll need to find a whitewater rafting trip that is simple, fun, and not too challenging; the South Fork American is one of the most appropriate whitewater rafting adventures for beginners, and is a great choice for kids of all ages.

Length of the Trip

Not all kids will enjoy an entire day or overnight trip for their first whitewater rafting adventure, so you may want to consider just a half-day trip instead. Many outfitters offer a wide range of packages and trip options, and you can still enjoy some of the best trips with just a half-day course. Consider different options depending on your kids' skill level, age, and general interest.

Rafting Company or Outfitter Protocol

Find out what the rafting company allows and doesn't allow for your trip. Some outfitters will provide all rafting gear and food for your entire trip, and others will offer facilities and camping equipment for your trip. You'll need to let them know how many kids will be joining you on the trip so that they can accommodate accordingly. If the outfitter is providing food and snacks, make sure they are aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies so that you have the right type of food on hand throughout the trip.

Packing Comfortable Clothing

Kids need to wear comfortable clothing that's appropriate for their trip and rafting experience. They'll need clothes that can be worn on the raft, and also the right clothing for any camping and nature trails that will be a part of the trip. Sandals, light shoes, and swimsuits work well for kids as they go on the water; then they'll need to layer for any hiking or camping activities on the shore. Pack these in a backpack or tote that's waterproof, so your kids can travel with exactly what they need.

Sleeping Bags and Camping Gear

If your whitewater rafting trips will last longer than a day, make sure you've packed along the right sized sleeping bags and camping gear. These can be stored in waterproof bags, and need to be kept separate from all dry clothing in case they do get wet along the trip. Make sure the kids have plenty of snacks - granola bars, non-perishable foods, and a few pieces of candy - to keep up their energy level until meal time.

Appropriate Shelter

Whitewater rafting trips that extend overnight need to include appropriate shelter and facilities for a good night's rest, this is not negotiable. This is especially important if you're sending kids off on a rafting adventure on their own; still, you'll need to plan for an appropriate camping spot that is safe and secure. Plan ahead by reviewing guides and maps from your outfitter, and get recommendations from experienced whitewater rafters in the area to find out where to set up camp.

Organizing a whitewater rafting adventure for kids is a great way to encourage them to try something new and exciting in the great outdoors. Just keep these important considerations in mind as you plan that trip, and be prepared for a unique and memorable adventure!

About the author: Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California white water rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with "Best in Class" standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating trip down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting:
http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com/

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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Ready to Shop in The Great Singapore Sale?

Have you already book your air ticket to Singapore? If you have not, you may want to make plan to book your flight now - especially if you are a certified shopaholic. The annual shopping extravagant is coming to Singapore soon. The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is one of Asia's most anticipated events. The GSS will be from 23 May to 20 July 2008 this year and the whole event will last for about 8 week. You can enjoy discounts of up to 70% on just about anything (fashion, watches, jewellery, electronics etc), anywhere (from downtown Orchard Road to Marina Bay to the shops in the heartlands).
Courtesy of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
How do you get to Singapore? The award winning Singapore Changi Airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world. With 80 airlines serving more than 180 cities in over 50 countries, you can easily find an airline of your choice to get to Singapore. With the fleet of budget airlines, flying to Singapore from Asian countries like Philippines, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Indonesia etc has never been easier and cheaper. Be sure to book your air ticket now; the earlier you book, the more you save.

Start your shopping experience in the Changi Airport Shopping City with over 300 retail and F&B outlets in Changi Airport. With such a wide varieties and choices to choose from, its no wonder that the Changi Airport Shopping City is voted the World's Best Duty Free Shopping. You can also shop with confidence as the prices at Changi Airport are guaranteed no higher than established downtown shops or you can ask for refund. Find more information about Changi Airport at:
http://www.changiairport.com/changi/en/index.html

How do I getting to City? Getting to the city from the airport is one of the easiest things to do. There are varies form of transport which you can choose from:

1. Taxi (Cab) - The journey to city costs between S$18.00 and S$32.00 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

2. Airport Shuttle - There are different schedules for the different terminals. Please approach the Airport Shuttle Counter on the arrivals level to register. It costs S$9 per adult and S$6 per child.

Courtesy of MICA3. Train (MRT) - The Changi Airport MRT Station is located under Terminals 2 and 3 and linked to the arrivals and departures by escalators and lifts. The first train arrives at around 0530hr and the last leaves at midnight. A single fare to the city costs about S$2.70 (inclusive of S$1.00 refundable deposit) and takes approximately 27 minutes. Tickets are available at the station. If you are traveling with little or light luggage, you may want to consider this option. (Look to picture on left, courtesy of MICA)

4. Public Bus - Public bus service 36 goes to the city. The first bus arrives at around 0600hr and the last leaves at midnight. A single fare costs below S$2.00 and takes about an hour. Bus stops are located under Terminals 1, 2 or 3. Please prepare the exact fare as no change will be given. (This is the least advisable especially if you have big or many pieces of luggage.)

Where do you stay? Singapore offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit all budgets and preferences. They range from backpacker, budget and youth hostels to boutique and five-star hotels. You can google for the kind of accommodation that you suit your need and budget. I would recommend
HotelTravel.com. When I was googling for hotel for my trip in Phuket last year, HotelTravel.com was able to provide me the best rate for most of the hotels I was looking at. Not only that, their service is prompt, friendly and with online support.
Suntec City
How do you move around? Moving around in Singapore is one of the easiest things to do because of the highly developed transportation network, provided you know where you are going. As mentioned earlier, the GSS is located from downtown Orchard Road to Marina Bay to the shops in the heartlands. Depending on the location of your hotel, there are 3 modes of transportation at most time. You can catch a ride on Taxi (cab) or MRT or public buses from your hotel to Orchard Road (Orchard Road MRT station) and from there you can just take a slow walk along the whole stretch of Orchard Road all the way to Dhoby Ghuat MRT Station; you will see all the major shopping malls on both sides of Orchard Road. From Dhoby Ghuat MRT Station, you can take a MRT ride to Cityhall MRT Station where you can continue your shopping trip. (The Picture of Suntec City Shopping Mall within walking distance from Cityhall MRT Station, courtesy of MICA)

EsplanadeAnd while you are in the vicinity of Cityhall MRT Station, you may also be interested to take a look at one of Singapore landmarks: The Esplanade, theatre by the bay. (Photo on the left, courtesy of MICA)


From Dhoby Ghuat MRT Station, you may also consider taking a MRT ride to Harbor Front MRT Station where you will find one of the latest mall, Vivocity, in Singapore. (Photo on the right, courtesy of MICA)
http://www.vivocity.com.sg/

What do you eat? Eating in Singapore is never boring if you may ask a Singaporean. Singapore is a food paradise and being a multi-racial country, you have a wide selection of cuisines to choose from. We guarantee that our local food like Bak Kut Teh (Pork Ribs in Tea Soup); one very unique food that you must definitely try. Laksa (noodles in a spicy coconut broth); this is one of the Singaporeans' favorites. Roti Prata (Indian pancakes) will leave you wanting more. If you are not so adventurous in food, you can always stick to the many fastfood chains like MacDonald, KFC, Burger King etc. I am sure you can find something to your liking.

What do you wear? Singapore has an equatorial climate, which is warm and humid all year round. Rain falls throughout the year. You can leave your winter clothing at home, just t-shirt and jean will be fine. And of cause a good pair of walking shoes.

What will be the next thing to do? Make sure you marked the date for the GSS and book your air ticket earlier. I'll see you in Singapore!

PS: Don't forget to get your tax refund. Check for more information at:
The Official Great Singapore Sale's Site

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