December 7th, 2011  Posted at   Travel

If you are someone who likes to make vehicle travelling trips and are always worried about how you would squeeze in all your sporting equipment and essentials, then a roof rack might just be the answer to your problem.

With the help of a roof rack you can carry almost everything from a suit case to bulkier items such as kayaks, canoes, camping equipment and fishing gear without using the passenger space.

The market is flooded with options for roof racks however if your vehicle already has factory fitted roof rails then all that is required are cross bars to attach to the side rails. These racks consist of a clamp around the rail to which is also attached to cross bars. They are easily fitted

There are other types of racks that have straps that attach to the roof mounts to hold it firmly to the edge of the roof. The cross bars are attached to the mounts making a complete assembly.

Car design is a key factor in determining the roof rack to be chosen. If your vehicle has rain gutters then you will need a roof rack that will fit into the gutter and also be mindful that height of the support is related to the height of the roof. Some roof heights may be as low as 130mm while others may need a height of 290mm.Newer model passenger vehicles generally are not made with rain gutters

Vehicles that do not have a rain gutter are designed for attachments, or straps, that are fixed to the roof mount and cross bars. Straps are not universal and must be selected to suit the make and year model of the vehicle,which the rack manufacturer will specify. It is possible that when changing vehicles the same rack can be used if the mount is comparable to the replacement vehicle simply by fitting a different strap specified for the vehicle

Before you purchase a roof rack it would be desirable that you discuss your requirements with experienced roof rack specialists to ensure that the rack is suitable to your needs and also meets the manufacturer’s requirements. Read more… »

December 7th, 2011  Posted at   Travel

In Canada, “Voluntourism,” or Volunteer Tourism, has become a popular way to travel abroad and help others in need. More people are taking their vacation time to give back whether they are professionals, students, or even retirees. It is a chance for people not only to travel, but to learn from others while making a wonderful humanitarian contribution.

If you are a Canadian looking to travel and make a difference, below is a list of the top 10 Voluntourism Organizations for 2011:

Canadian Voluntourism

1. The Land Conservancy of British Columbia: This organisation offers Conservation Holidays for volunteers ages 19 and older. Volunteer opportunities include caring for TLC properties. You will learn about conversation projects such as salmon habitat and agriculture.

2. Volunteer Canada: The organisation, Volunteer Canada, is focused on advancing volunteerism with the goal of boosting Canadians quality of life.

3. WWOOF Canada (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms): Open to all ages, the group, WWOOF, organises volunteer vacations on organic Canadian farms.

International Voluntourism Organizations for Canadians

4. Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP): The CADIP is involved with international and national volunteer projects, both short and long term that includes restoration, conservation work, and international youth exchange.

5. CompaƱeros: This organization organizes and implements volunteer services and cross cultural learning excursions in Nicaragua. It is available for volunteers of all ages and from all careers. These programs promote safe and adventurous volunteer experiences.

6. Cross Cultural Solutions: This group gives people the chance to volunteer in such places as Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Volunteer experiences for Cross Cultural Solutions can range from 1 week to 12 weeks.

7. Travel CUTS’ Gap Year Abroad: The organisation, Travel CUTS’ Gap Year Abroad, offers volunteer programs for all ages. Volunteers will take a year to learn a language abroad, work abroad, or volunteer abroad. They can also create their own 12 month excursion.

8. Gap Adventures: The group, Gap Adventures, concentrates on offering gap year adventures that encourages sustainable travel and discovery.

9. Volunteer Abroad: The group provides international volunteer trips to Latin America, Asia, and Africa. When people volunteer, they share their knowledge and skills with people in great need.

10. Projects Abroad: The organisation offers a wide variety of international service projects and internships abroad. Volunteers are given the chance to become part of a volunteer abroad community. Read more… »

December 7th, 2011  Posted at   Destination Tips

Croatia is a wonderful country to visit year round. There are many things to do in Croatia like seeing the Ancient City Walls, the Island of Lokrum and the scenic European Route E65. Once you are there, you will be able to find many adventure tours that will allow you to see an entirely different side of Croatia. There are also a myriad of ethnic foods that you can try. You may want to go on a hike afterwards in one of the scenic routes or simply wander the beautiful streets. However, when you visit Croatia, you should make sure that you are travelling with international travel insurance for many reasons.

Medical Insurance for Travellers in Croatia

No one wants to think that they may get hurt while away on vacation, but it can happen. If you are going to be doing activities that you would not normally do or are in unfamiliar places then medical insurance will save you from an extreme financial debt upon your return trip, should you fall ill or be hurt. If you are walking around in parts of Croatia that are “off the beaten track”, you should know that there are areas that have unexploded landmines. Although it is very unlikely that you may become hurt by one, this is just one of the unexpected scenarios that you could come across while visiting Croatia.

Insurance for Personal Belongings in Croatia

Sometimes your medical policy may cover your personal effects abroad but in case it only covers you partially, you should make sure you policy covers your personal items. Also, this is not the only reason why this insurance is necessary. When you are travelling around in Croatia, you may incur some sort of damage to your baggage and in a very unlikely event, your personal belongings may be stolen during transport. If this is the case, then travel insurance will help to replace stolen or damaged items.

Travel Insurance for Delayed or Cancelled Plans in Croatia

It is not uncommon when travelling to endure delays of some type. Croatia is a country in development which means that not all of the services run like clockwork. Depending on the weather and the circumstances it is not unusual for flights to be delayed or cancelled in Croatia. When this happens, you may end up having to spend a lot of money replacing car rentals, hotel reservations and even plane tickets. But if you have travel insurance, then you will be able to recuperate your losses very easily. Read more… »