While on my honeymoon this fall, I tried snorkeling.  After exploring several of Kauai’s beaches, I now am a huge fan of this water sport.  Here are my top five reasons why you should try this water sport:

5.  Great prices.  Even if you have to rent snorkeling equipment, it is a very economical activity.  Renting equipment for both of us for a week cost only $50.

4.  Great exercise.  If you’re on vacation and eating indulgently, this is a fun way to burn a few of those calories.

3.  Great views.  When you are snorkeling, you can see all sorts of marine life up close and personal.

2.  Great activity.  Being able to glide through the water like the fish around you is an amazing sensation.

1.  Great memories.  Not only will you be able to see animals in close proximity, you also will be able to do amazing things like swim alongside a sea turtle, if you are lucky.

Here’s a deal that you may not want to miss out on. Sunapee Mountain in New Hampshire offered something along these lines until December 24th, but now it is Vermont’s turn.

Offered by the Vermont Ski Area’s Association, this deal allows you to take one lesson in skiing or snowboarding, get a pair of rental skis and poles or a snowboard (along with the respective boots, of course), and you’ll have a lift ticket valid for the lower beginner mountain. If the lower mountain becomes too easy or boring for you, then you can buy a midday ticket for a semi-low price!

Some of the participating mountains are Mount Snow, Jay Peak, Magic Mountain, Okemo Mountain Resort, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Stratton, Mad River Glen, and Bromley. I would suggest trying out Mount Snow as a first choice.

If you do not know whether or not you want to learn how to board or ski, I would suggest trying out skiing. Yes, I am a little bit biased because I am a skier, but, as almost every skier/snowboarder will tell you, skiing is easy to learn and hard to master while snowboarding is hard to learn and well “easy” to master. With skiing, you could be flying down the mountain by the end of the day, but with snowboarding, you’ll probably be satisfied with the lower mountain ticket and taking that green circle trail for the 20th time. Both can be frustrating, but I find that snowboarding is much more frustrating to learn, and you get a whole lot wetter. Trust me, you’ll be on your butt a lot.

If you’ve never skied or boarded before, this is your chance to try out, what I think, is the best sport ever! It’s so much fun and it is such a great feeling–that snow rushing below your feet and you just gliding around.  Join the rest of us snow bums, and have some fun! Check out Ski Vermont’s website for more information.

The Colorado Rockies is a popular destination during winter for a very good reason. Pure white snow and the brisk cold wind feel inviting. The sense of excitement is palpable among tourists and locals during wintertime. Colorado is most popular for its skiing. But once you’re there, you’ll discover a whole range of activities that will open new doors for you:

Nordic Skiing

Cross-country skiing across the magnificent trails of America is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It will give you good memories of hushed land that is filled with the beauty and majesty of nature. Nordic skiing is a low-impact aerobic activity, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Colorado Rockies. Most facilities offer equipment for rent- everything you need to explore the wilderness is there.

Snowshoeing

An avid hiker will love snowshoeing. It is the perfect way to go for a walk during winter. Winding trails abound in the Colorado Rockies with some of the best trails in the world located at the Rocky Mountain National Park and the ski resorts in Aspen. This is also a low-impact aerobic activity like Nordic skiing.

Snowmobiling

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell of Colorado through snowmobiling. A snowmobiler has 3,000 miles of trails open for exploration. There is no need to worry about the activity’s impact on natural resources if you follow the approved trails.

Ice Skating

If there is a winter activity that’s seen everywhere there’s snow, it is ice skating. It is a good way to have clean wholesome fun with the entire family. There are numerous ice skating rinks throughout the country and the Colorado Rockies have some of the best outdoor rinks. So link your arms and practice your moves this wintertime.

Ice Climbing
Colorado has been deemed the climbing capital because of its astounding natural and man-made ice walls. Climbing enthusiast with varying level of expertise will find something that’s just right for them in Colorado.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Wasabi Media Group is launching the Doubly Good December Contest.  This contest will reward one reader and one writer with a cash prize of 25 dollars each.

In order to qualify for the reader’s prize, all you need to do is have a comment published* for any article posted during the month of December.  Comments will be accepted for this contest through January 7th.  One comment will be chosen randomly, and the author of that comment will receive $25!

So, start reading, and submitting comments.  The more comments you submit, the more likely you are to win.

*In order for a comment to be published, an editor will determine if the comment is relevant to the article and meets WMG’s standards for appropriate language.

**Employees of Wasabi Ventures are not eligible to submit comments for this contest.

A lot of families look forward to their annual fishing trip because it is the time to unwind, relax, and spend time with each other. But without proper planning, a potentially enjoyable fishing trip can turn into a disaster. It is important to be mindful of the necessities associated with the trip. Here are some things you need to look into:

Decide on the destinations

There are countless scenic spots for fishing. However, some fishing spots are more suitable for advanced fishermen. You need to determine which fish you want to catch, which weather you prefer, and whether you will be renting a fishing boat or taking your own.

Choose your fishing companions

Many friendships are built because of fishing. Avid fishermen understand the passion of their comrades, and this becomes a basis for their friendship. But the opposite is also true: a passionate fisherman cannot get the most out of his trip if he takes the wrong fishing partner. So, choose a partner who genuinely loves to fish.

Share responsibilities

If there are more than two people on the fishing trip, it would be a good idea to share responsibilities with everyone. For example, one person can handle cooking while the other can do the cleaning. It divides the responsibilities so the whole group will have more time for enjoyable recreation.

Carry the essentials

Some of the things you should check and recheck before going on the trip is the equipment. Make sure that the fishing tackle, bait, and food are stocked before you make the journey. If you are renting a fishing boat on your destination, book it in advance.

Choose your accommodations

Some people prefer to camp on their fishing trip while some prefer to stay in luxurious accommodations. Do detailed research on your destination before making the trip.

From east to west, the United States is filled with exciting white water courses that will get your adrenalin pumping. White water kayaking is a perfect sport for both adventure-seekers who want to try out a new activity and old fans who are addicted to this sport. Here are recommended destinations for white water kayaking:

Gauley River, West Virginia

A lot of tourists claim that Gauley River is among the top ten rivers for paddlers. When the Summersville Dam opens, adventure-seekers can enjoy weeks of white water kayaking in the fall. The 26-mile kayak trip has a 650 feet drop. The Gauley River is renowned because kayakers will have a great time riding waves and dodging boulders on their trip.

Upper Yough, Maryland

Definitely one of the best white waters in the East, the Upper Yough is all about paddling, pushing through the rapids, and dipping in and out of holes. This Class IV-V river is bound to give you an unforgettable experience.

South Fork American River, California

The South Fork American River is divided into two classifications. Kayakers with different skill levels can enjoy this river because it has a Class II section. Meanwhile, experienced adventure-seekers can try out the Class III section and Gorge runs.

New River, West Virginia

Named “America’s Best Whitewater”, the New River has the best flow during spring. This is the time when snows melt from higher areas. But even in the summer, the New River still offers excitement to serious kayakers.

Salmon River, Idaho

Famous for its white water, Idaho is home to Salmon River, which is over 100 miles in length and it drops more than 3000 feet. You can kayak in and out of its pools and rapids.

Many are concerned with running during winter time. As a result, some people stop their regular running routine. However, it is important to realize that the body actually generates heat during exertion, so running in cold weather is actually less dangerous compared to running during the summer. With the right clothing and some common sense, anyone can continue this activity in the winter.

Winter Clothing

The key to remaining comfortable is to wear dress for the occasion. This is especially true if you intend to run in cold weather. Take note that the clothing required for a sedentary walk in the park is not the same as running. A popular guideline among runners is the “20 degree rule”. That is, when a person intends to run, it is recommended for him to dress abound 20 degrees warmer compared to the temperature.

Of course, there are occasions when dressing more warmly is required to be on the safe side. With experience, winter runners will discover what type of clothing they should wear to be comfortable and safe every time they run. Most dress in layers because it is easy and convenient to get rid of layers one by one, depending on the weather condition.

Some runners with sensitive skin are concerned about winter fabric. There is no reason to worry about this today because modern fabric uses a technology that rids moisture away from the skin. This helps the runner avoid being clammy, wet, and cold underneath the layers. Aside from protecting your torso, though, it is critical to remember your neck, hands, and feet.

Wear a stocking-type hat because it provides additional warmth while being easy to stash in your pockets. Wearing gloves is a given because it keeps the hands warm while special winter shoes should be used to minimize the risk of slipping.

When you read the word “camping,” what comes to mind? The image that first fills my mind is one of a decent sized plot of dirt surrounded by trees. Then little rocks in the dirt, some roots sticking above the land, and some dips. All small obstacles in picking the perfect spot for your tent, but they do give you a true feeling of being in the outdoors. The trees around this plot prevent some of the sunlight from coming in, and there are countless amounts of leaves surrounding these trees from years upon years of fall seasons. I also see a fire pit– perhaps for roasting marshmallows. There may be a trickling brook nearby, there is a wooden pole that dispenses water from a faucet nearby, and the bathrooms are not the most pleasant in the world. Ahh, camping at its finest (at least that is how it is in my world).

So, here we go. I was in Holland with my sisters and my aunt and uncle. My aunt and uncle decided to bring us camping. I was so excited!

When we got there, I could not believe my eyes. The campground was a well organized area with cut grass, paved roads, and wide open spaces. There were no forests to be seen! When I asked if this was typical of European campgrounds, my aunt and uncle responded yes. That was a shock to me, this wasn’t real camping. There weren’t even fire pits to cook s’mores in. Actually, my aunt and uncle did not even know what s’mores were, so we went out to the nearby major grocery store and tried to find the materials. This also proved to be a challenge, but we settled for some interesting substitutes.

I did end up having a lot of fun camping in Europe. However, I’m just letting you know that it isn’t the same as it is here in New England.

Probably an activity that most hikers look forward to is camping. It gives them a chance to appreciate nature and bond with each other under the stars. But, of course, in order to enjoy camping, it is important to choose a good campsite. Some hikers are not picky when it comes to location. There are others who spend hours looking for the perfect site; they choose their campsite with the attention that newlyweds give when choosing a house. Comfort is an important consideration when choosing a campsite, but it is not the only thing you should look for. Below are some tips on how you can find the best campsite:

Look for even surfaces – it might surprise a novice camper to realize that the most comfortable sleeping spot isn’t in the meadows. Instead, it is in the mineral soil, gravel, sand, and even forest duff. This is because soft meadows tend to be wet, bumpy, and infested with insects. A hard, concrete surface will help you avoid these problems.

Lie on the spot – sometimes, it’s almost impossible to find an even surface. The ground may be too rocky or vegetated. Once you see a possible campsite, try to lay down with your groundcloth first. Checking out if there are any rocks that will poke you the whole night before setting your campsite there will help you sleep more comfortably.

Drainage – choose campsite that won’t accumulate water and will drain well. You have to look for flat areas that don’t have slight depressions because you and your gear will be soaking wet in the event of a downpour.

Windy nights – during windy nights, try to find a campsite that is hidden in the bushes or one that is behind a big rock. If a storm is brewing, safety comes first. Comfort becomes a secondary consideration, so you need to choose a protected spot over a comfortable spot.

\Going hiking provides an incredible relief from stress and anxiety. It is not surprising that a lot of busy individuals make it a point to go outdoors to hike weekly or bi-weekly. Hiking can clear up the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. If you want to derive the advantages of hiking also, here are the following tips:

Go Early. It is always recommended to start your hike early, preferably at dawn. It is better to start in the dark. You may lose some sleep, but it is definitely worth it. Besides, you can sleep after you get your dose of the outdoors. It is also better to start early so you can reach the summit at 11 am, you can go back down during the afternoon.

Go Light. Don’t be weighted down by large baggage. Take the minimalist approach, and bring only the essentials such as food, water, and clothing. If you carry less, you can go further and faster. No one is suggesting you shouldn’t bring your digital camera to capture these moments. The point is, you should be careful about what you carry in your bag.

Go Consistently. If you notice novice hikers, you can observe that they will hike with a burst of speed at the start of the hike, slow down to rest, and then hike quickly again. The result is they have a slower and more tiring trip. The best way to hike is to set a pace you’re comfortable with so you can go consistently with minimal stops for resting.

Go High. Starting early in the morning and carrying minimal baggage will enable you to go high up the mountain. Some hikers take it as a challenge to reach as high as they can because it brings on an exhilarating high.