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BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 19, 2022

When you're a young professional, it's important to get started on the right foot. Where you pick to live changes how much you can afford and what you can do in your off time.  Living in Alabama is a dream come true for young professionals; these are the top Alabama cities to consider if you want to make this your home! Why Young Professionals Should Consider Alabama The top reason for young professionals to move to Alabama is the price!  Everything from housing to food is far more affordable in Alabama, which makes it far easier on starting salaries.  Instead of having to struggle to make your way in a huge expensive city, you can save money and enjoy a higher quality of life. Beyond this, there's a lot to do in Alabama!  From enjoying the countless outdoor spaces to the fantastic cities full of businesses, thriving music scenes, and incredible museums and entertainment, you'll never be bored in Alabama!  The Top 3 Alabama Cities, Young Professionals Should Consider 1. Mountain Brook Although this is an expensive city as far as Alabama goes, Mountain Brook is a fantastic place to live!  With Botanical gardens, gorgeous conservatories, incredible restaurants, and endless boutiques, you'll love living in this area.  Just on the outskirts of Birmingham, you won't have to travel far if you want to live largely and enjoy nightlife any given day. The job market in this area is thriving and offers the chance to work in any career or industry you're interested in. Birmingham homes for sale in this area are far more spacious than other areas and have a far lower crime rate than most of the state.  This is an awesome place to start an amazing career, especially if you eventually want to start a family! 2. Madison On the northern border of Alabama, Madison is a dream come true to many!  Although you'd have to drive a half-hour commute to and from work, this tiny area has some of the most affordable living you'll find in the state.  With only 20,000 people that call it home and countless things to do in the area, you'll never really feel like you're in too small of an area.  This is an exceptional place to start out until you have the funds to move closer to cities! 3. Homewood Possibly the most walkable area in Alabama, Homewood is a fantastic city in Jefferson county that allows city living at affordable prices.  Close to Red Mountain, the local views are breathtaking and offer refreshing surroundings despite being in a city. This is awesome for young professionals because it's a suburb of Birmingham as well, giving those who live here the chance to get the best start out of their career.  If you want to be close to the best job opportunities while still getting to live affordably, there's no place better for it than Homewood! Alabama is an Incredible Place to Start a Career If you’re ready to start a career in a state that gives you the best chance to thrive: it’s time to head to Alabama.  There’s no better state to get a great start! Additionals: Visit Florence In Tuscany 6 Reasons Why You Need To Purchase A Boat In 2022 Stephen Gleave On The Best Waterfalls And Trails In Ancaster 12 Best Things To Do In Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 4, 2019

In Afrikaans, a kloof is a narrow mountain river valley or a canyon. And South Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures have followed a course parallel to the antics of European and American canyoneering enthusiasts.   Kloofing is following a mountain river from its beginnings down through waterfalls, rapids, whirlpools, hiking, and climbing your way in between swims. It’s a bit like high diving, hiking, and being put through a spin cycle—all at once. If you are still confused, I am referring to Southern Africa and its off-the-beaten-path adventures.   Do you want to know about more hidden gems in Southern Africa? Keep reading!  THESE Are the Best Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Southern Africa, with its eclectic culture, has been attracting tourists to its iconic monuments and natural landscapes. Here are some off-the-beaten-path adventure spots you must add to your itinerary list.   1. Kloofing Near Cape Town  In the mountains behind Betty’s Bay, a short drive from Cape Town, are South Africa’s two best kloofing day trips.   Choose between the regular route, where you’ll have to leap 20 feet off a waterfall into the pool below, or Suicide Gorge (heads up: this means a leap of 60 feet).   To date, no one has been hurt seriously on a kloofing trip. However, if you’re subject to vertigo and aren’t at least halfway fit, then don’t do it.   The company Day Trippers will provide guides, wetsuits, lunch, transport, and moral support.  2. Lesotho on Horseback  The mountain kingdom of Lesotho, in east-central South Africa, serves up stone villages atop remote hillsides.   Villagers, called Basotho, live draped in blankets and robes, almost like ancient Greeks. Shepherd boys sit on the slopes, playing flutes. Vultures and eagles cruise overhead.   In Lesotho, the horse remains the chariot of choice, and this is how you’ll want to get around as well.   Semongkong Lodge, near Maletsunyane, southern Africa’s highest waterfall, offers horseback treks for several days. You’ll stay in timeless Basotho villages and ride some of the subcontinent’s steepest terrain.   The Basotho ponies, schooled in a special “tripling” gait, are tough, sure-footed, and afraid of nothing. A tip: Book a trek that coincides with Semonkong’s horse races. They’re wild spectacles involving carefully nurtured thoroughbreds, child jockeys, and epic bouts of drinking.  3. Hike Chimanimani To Make The Most Of Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures  As South Africa fills with travelers, more and more are heading into Zimbabwe, and several areas have been developed for hiking, fishing, riding, and other types of tourism.   But the mountainous Eastern Highlands, east of Chimanimani in southern Zim, are hardly developed at all, and that’s their appeal. Besides, this area, part of the Lebombo Mountain range that marks the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, provides year-round cool relief from the heat of the plains below.  For the serious hiker, a stiff climb-in is rewarded by an upland paradise of high pastures, waterfalls, forests of flowering protea trees, and caves large enough to sleep in.   Because the water up here is pure and drinkable, you can live here for days if you bring enough food with you. The only downside: Don’t cross over to the Mozambique side of the mountains, as old land mines from that country’s now-defunct civil war are still scattered on the range’s eastern slopes. Stick closely to the maps (available in Chimanimani village).  4. Learn Polo-Cross  Hugely popular in Zimbabwe and a growing equestrian sport around the world, polo-cross means falls, body crunches, and glancing blows with the lacrosse stick.   But those with a go-smack-em attitude and sufficient riding experience can learn this fast and highly skilled equestrian sport on trained horses at Mopani Lodge, near Kwekwe in the Midlands area.  Relax between sessions by riding out on the ranch (which has a cross-country course if you still need an adrenaline fix) or just by sunning at the pool. And because of the favorable exchange rate, what would be an extremely expensive riding holiday anywhere else in the world has become one of adventure tourism’s best bargains.  5. Hunt with Bushmen  If you’re after Southern Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures, you can’t do any better than traveling with the Ju’Hoansi. Ju’Hoansi is the last Kalahari Bushmen clan to pursue the traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle.   They’ve decided to open to small-scale tourism in their remote Namibian locale. You’ll camp near the Ju’Hoansi village of Makuri, go hunting with the men, and gather with the women.   This is no theme-park experience: If the hunters stick an animal with an arrow, you may have to track it for up to two days and then carry out your share of the meat. If you love hunting, you can take the best hunting bow with you.   You must also carry your own water and food. Don’t just spend a couple of days here: Allow at least a week for the people to become comfortable with you. If you’re lucky, they may also invite you to attend a trance dance, at which miraculous healings often take place.  6. Dune Boarding  The seaside town of Swakopmund, where the Namib desert falls into the sea, has become southern Africa’s dune-boarding capital. You’re driven out to the foot of a mountain-sized sand dune, given a large oblong sheet of hardboard, some furniture polish, a pair of heavy industrial gloves, and some welding goggles, and the next minute you’re flying almost vertically downward.   It feels suicidal; even on the easiest descents, the board can pick up speeds of 60 or 70 km (about 43.5 mi)/hr. Steeper ones are much faster. Then you graduate to jumps, finally ending the day with the “Knucklegrinder,” an 800-foot whoosh down to a hard gravel plain.  7. Ride the Namib  It’s easily one of the most spectacular rides in the world: You’re galloping through the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest, surrounded by 2,000-foot-high, blood-red sand dunes.   Thousand-year-old plants that resemble exploded cabbages grow on gravel plains that see rain once in a century. Lonely canyons echo the barking shout of baboons and the nighttime cough of leopards.   Then, suddenly, green oases spring up, overgrown with camelthorn and tamarisk trees, where herds of desert antelope gather in the shade. Continue to sun-blasted mountain ranges where ice-cold springs bubble straight from the rock.   Trot through this barren wilderness with Reit Safari, which offers 10-day rides on Namibian Hanoverians (German horses) and rehabilitated mustangs, starting on the mountains west of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and ending in the ocean of the aptly named Skeleton Coast.  8. Earthwatch Cheetah Project  The lion really can lie down with the lamb—or at least the cheetah can. So, the biologists of this Earthwatch cheetah conservation project believe, anyway. Your job: to assist in live-capturing and radio-tracking cheetahs and other big cats on the wilderness ranches of central Namibia—the last place on earth where cheetahs still exist in reasonable numbers.   Local ranchers used to shoot them on sight. However, now many are cooperating with the study, which seeks to prove that cats only rarely hunt livestock if their natural prey is readily available.   You, the paying volunteer, have the satisfaction of contributing directly to the conservation of these cats while at the same time experiencing the adventure of chasing after and handling them.  9. Bike the Botswana Pans  Why would anyone want to bike through the Makgadigadi Pans—two vast, shallow expanses of mud? In the scorching Botswana summer, they fill with rain, releasing millions of tiny brine shrimp, which in turn attract breeding flocks of pink flamingos.   In the dry winter, they bake to a hard white crust. A perfect surface across which to go roaring on a quad bike. So wide are the pans that when out in the middle of them, you can’t see the “shore.” And the stars in this part of the Kalahari are unrivaled.  From Jack’s Camp, a luxurious place at the edge of the pans. You take quad bikes out to a table set out in the middle of the emptiness to find dinner laid and ready. By day, you go walking, look at the game, and pick wild foods with a Bushman guide called Cobra.   If you go during the sweltering summer months, you can’t quad bike the pans (too glutinous). However, you do see the flamingos. Further, if you’re lucky, you might see the eastern Kalahari’s summer zebra migration.  10. Deep Kalahari  If you have at least two weeks to explore Southern Africa off-the-beaten-path adventures, hire a 4×4 and blast off into southern Africa’s most remote country. The bigger-than-Switzerland Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Aha and Tsodilo Hills.   This is rugged driving on some of the toughest tracks in Africa; you must know what you’re doing in a 4×4. You must carry all the fuel and supplies.   And if you get stuck, well, suffice to say it’s best to go in a convoy of two vehicles. Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime trip include the desert lions of Deception Pan.   The Bushmen communities at Molapo and Xai-Xai (where you can go out with the hunters). The stalactite-filled caves of Drotsky’s Caverns and the ancient rock paintings of the Tsodilos. When you emerge at Shakawe at the northern edge of the Okavango Delta, you’ll forget what civilization looks like.  Final Words on Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures  With dense vegetation, rugged cliffs, and fascinating wildlife, the Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path adventures promise an unforgettable experience. These trips are also about learning about various fascinating cultures and respecting nature.  So, if you plan to visit Southern Africa soon, you can visit any of the places I have discussed here. Don’t forget to share your experience once you come back! Happy journey!   Read Also: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See Beginner Tips For Your First Camino de Santiago.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 9, 2023

The Everest Base Camp journey, located in the heart of the Himalayas, is a tribute to human endurance and the overwhelming appeal of nature's grandeur. This renowned trek leads explorers through Nepal's magnificent Khumbu region to the base of Mount Everest's highest mountain. The trail winds past secluded Sherpa settlements, historic monasteries, and lush rhododendron forests, providing insight into the local inhabitants' distinct culture and traditions. For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek surpasses the beauty of Everest. This journey, located in Nepal's western ranges, encircles Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak. Trekkers will pass through various scenery, from terraced crops and picturesque communities to severe high-altitude hills. This trek's rich cultural exposure is one of its distinguishing aspects, as it passes through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages inhabited by welcoming Gurung and Tibetan people. The walk also offers a unique look into the preservation of ancient Buddhist monasteries, adding a spiritual component to the adventure. The attractiveness of the Manaslu Circuit resides not only in its magnificent mountain views but also in its potential to be completed in one day. Differences Between Everest Base Camp And Manaslu Circuit Trek; Permits And Restrictions: Permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek: Trekkers must get a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a Sagarmatha National Park permit. The trek has no explicit altitude restrictions. However, hikers should be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness. Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Trekkers must get a special permit called the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS card. The Manaslu Circuit Trek journey takes you through a restricted area and requires you to be accompanied by a registered guide. The Larkya Pass's highest point is 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) above sea level. Culture And Ethnicity: Everest Base Camp Trek: The trip provides insight into Sherpa culture with visits to traditional settlements such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. The primary religion is Buddhism, and numerous historic monasteries are along the path. Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Manaslu Circuit Trek travels through communities populated by a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Gurungs, Tibetans, and Magars. Tibetan Buddhism has influenced the culture, and several Buddhist monasteries and chortens exist. Scenery And Landscapes: Everest Base Camp Trek: The Everest Base Camp Trek provides breathtaking vistas of the Everest range, including peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The walk winds through rhododendron trees, glacial rivers, and high-altitude scenery. Manaslu Circuit Trek: The scenery on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is varied, ranging from lush green lowlands with terraced fields to alpine meadows and high mountain passes. Manaslu, Annapurna II, and other peaks in the Manaslu range provide stunning views. Crowds And Infrastructure: Everest Base Camp Trek: The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular in the world, and the paths can be congested during peak seasons. Infrastructure: Along the road, there are well-developed teahouse lodgings that offer a variety of amenities. Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded than Everest, providing a more secluded experience. Its popularity, however, is gradually growing. While there are tea houses along the way, infrastructure must be established in the Everest region. Both treks offer unique and awe-inspiring experiences, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences, time constraints, and the kind of trekking experience one seeks. Day-by-day itinerary For Everest Base Camp Trek And Manaslu Circuit Trek; Day-By-Day Itinerary For Everest Base Camp Trek: Day 1: Kathmandu To Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) Followed By Phakding (2,610m/8,563ft). Early morning flight to Lukla, one of the most exciting airports in the world. Begin your trip to Phakding by passing through beautiful scenery along the Dudh Koshi River. Day 2: Namche Bazaar Acclimatisation Day In Namche Bazaar, you can rest and acclimatize. Hike to the Everest View Hotel for spectacular views if time allows. Day 3: Trek From Namche Bazaar To Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft). Trek through rhododendron forests with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Visit the famed Tengboche Monastery, one of the world's highest. Day 4: Tengboche To Dingboche (4,410m/14,468ft) Descend to the Imja River and ascend to Pangboche. Continue to Dingboche, with spectacular views of Island Peak and Lhotse. Day 5: From Lobuche To Gorak Shep (5,140m/16,863ft) And Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft). Trek to Gorak Shep, the final town, before arriving at Everest Base Camp. Continue to the legendary Everest Base Camp, a truly fantastic achievement. Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,208ft) to Pheriche (4,371m/14,340ft) on day nine. Hike to Kala Patthar early in the morning for the best sunrise views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Descend to Pheriche for some much-needed relaxation. Read Also: Prepping For Your Winter Trip To Salt Lake City Day-By-Day Itinerary For Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 1: Kathmandu To Soti Khola (700 Metres/2,297 Feet) Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola through picturesque villages and terraced fields. Day 2:Soti Khola To Machha Khola (930m/3,051ft) Begin your trip by following the Budhi Gandaki River via Gurung settlements and lush forests. Day 3: Machha Khola (1,410m/4,626ft) To Jagat Continue along the Budhi Gandaki, past terraced fields, and Gurung communities. Day 4: Jagat To Deng (1,804m/5,919ft) Cross the Deng River after trekking through woodlands and terraced farmland. Day 5:Namrung To Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft) With views of the Manaslu range, ascend through rhododendrons and pine trees. Day 6: Dharamsala To Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,929ft) To Bimthang (3,720m/12,205ft) Early start for the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass, offering incredible views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and Manaslu. Descend to Bimthang for a well-deserved rest. Please note that itineraries can be subject to changes due to weather conditions, the group's pace, and other unforeseen circumstances. It's always recommended to be flexible and consult with experienced guides for the most up-to-date information. Tips For A Successful Trekking Experience; Physical Preparation: Being in good physical form is critical before beginning on a hike. Regular cardiovascular, strength, and endurance workouts can prepare your body for the rigors of trekking in various terrains and elevations. To lessen the danger of altitude sickness, it is also recommended to gradually acclimate to higher elevations through shorter treks or day walks. Nutrition And Hydration: Maintaining energy levels throughout a journey requires staying well-hydrated and well-nourished. Bring a reusable water bottle and a water filtration technique with you to ensure a clean water supply. Bring light, nutritious items like trail mix, energy bars, dried fruits, and fast meals. Focus is more important at higher elevations, where appetite may be reduced. Safety And Communication: Travel with an experienced guide or in a group, and always listen to and obey their directions. Carry a fully charged phone or satellite communicator in an emergency, and notify someone at home or the base camp of your itinerary. Familiarise yourself with the route, landmarks, and potential emergency exits. Weather Awareness: Stay informed about the weather conditions throughout your journey. Pack suitable rain, snow, and extreme temperature gear for rapid weather changes. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be flexible with your plan if safety reasons require changes. Mindset And Attitude: Maintaining a positive and adaptive mindset is critical for a successful trek. Accept the obstacles, take in the gorgeous surroundings, and cherish the one-of-a-kind experiences that trekking provides. Listen to your body and be ready to change your plans if necessary. Keep in mind that the trip is just as important as the destination. By following these guidelines, Trekkers can improve their chances of having a safe, fun, and successful trekking trip. Always prioritize safety and respect for the natural environment and the local populations you pass through. Conclusion; In conclusion, embarking on a trekking adventure, whether to the or along the Manaslu Circuit, promises a transformative journey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Each trek offers its own unique set of challenges, cultural encounters, and panoramic views. Whether you choose the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek, with its Sherpa villages and unrivaled views of the world's tallest peak, or the more secluded yet equally stunning Manaslu Circuit, with its diverse terrain and rich cultural tapestry, both promise memories that will last a lifetime. Ultimately, a successful trek is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for exploration and endurance, leaving trekkers with a deeper appreciation for the magnificence of our planet. Whether you're drawn to the allure of Everest's grandeur or the untamed beauty of Manaslu, each step taken in these majestic landscapes is a step closer to an experience that will forever be etched in your memory. Read Also: Best Restaurants In Honduras To Visit While Traveling Indian Buffet Near Me In Florida – Best Buffets For You Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling