Spiritual Travel Is Not A New Concept

Traveling is a great way to find something to take your mind off everyday routines though sometimes you may come away feeling dissatisfied when you return home from your travels which is the main reason to consider the benefits of spiritual travel. Cathedrals and Madonna portraits can only provide a certain level of satisfaction and often you won't feel spiritually awake and so it pays to consider traveling to be spiritually awake.

Spiritual travel is more than a catch phrase meant to make you seek some far off destination. As a matter of fact, traveling for spiritual reasons is not new because from the very earliest times in our history people have made pilgrimages. Traveling for religious purposes is not a new concept and as far back as in the early 16th century Spanish nationals (Jesuits) used to travel to places such as Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina to build missions where natives would be educated in the Christian religion.

In these modern times, traveling for spiritual reasons has become more popular and there are numerous options to choose from that include going to places other than Yucatan, the Vatican and also Egypt. The best way to lift up your spirits is to travel to places where the surroundings are idyllic and a good example is a Buddhist monastery which is mainly found in Asia though some are also located in Europe and in the United States.

To get the true Buddhist spiritual experience you will want to choose Bodhgaya as your destination. This is a place that is part of the Indian state of Bihar and it is here that Lord Buddha sat under a Bodhi tree and finally became enlightened about the meaning of life. This part of the world where Lord Buddha became enlightened has become the home of a giant complex called the Mahabodhi Temple.

This is truly an exceptional place where the surroundings are perfectly serene and where everything is truly peaceful. Here, monks from different parts of the world sit under a huge carved Lord Buddha statue. They spend their time here reading from the Holy Scriptures and spend their time in deep and thoughtful contemplation.

Bodhgaya is really the true home of different Buddhist monasteries that in turn are maintained by some Buddhist monks that have come here from their respective countries. For those people that wish to fly to Bodhgaya there is the close-by airport of Gaya that is just seven miles from here. However, flights arrive here infrequently and whatever flights that do land here are those that are coming from Kolkata.

To get the best out of your visit to Bodhgaya you need to plan your travel during the months November until February. You should also avoid coming here during June up till September which is when the rains lash Bodhgaya and make it hard to do any contemplation.

There are few better places to find spiritual peace than Bodhgaya that has kept itself pure and untouched by the ravages of modern civilization. So, a visit to Bodhgaya will not only be very pleasant and productive; it will also be a very different and unique experience as well.

Howie Holben writes about spiritual journeys. Spirit Journeys, Howie's company, puts together amazing spiritual travel events and they have a spiritual journey for most everyone.

December 09 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Gay Travel Tips For Brazil

Gay and straight travelers alike flock to Brazil in droves to enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful people, exciting nightlife, diverse culture and lavish annual celebrations, such as Carnival. As one of the most welcoming and accepting gay travel destinations in South America, Brazil is a popular choice for both gay men and lesbians looking for fun in the sun or a relaxing respite in a tropical paradise. From luxury gay vacations in exclusive beachfront resorts, to exotic excursions into remote Brazilian jungles, Brazil has much to offer to every type of traveler and is an ideal setting for international gay travel.

Among the most well-known Brazilian gay vacation destinations is Rio de Janeiro, which offers circuit parties, gay beaches, bathhouses, lesbian and gay clubs, drag shows and a wide variety of shopping, cultural activities, recreation and dining options that lure travelers from around the globe. While Rio de Janeiros gay establishments and culture are weighted more toward gay men, most gay events and establishments welcome lesbians and ladies can enjoy their own lesbian club, as well as womens nights at local gay establishments. Of course, Rio de Janeiro is perhaps most famous for its annual New Years celebrations and the world-renowned Carnival, each of which includes an abundance of parades, parties and activities for gay men and lesbians.

Rio de Janeiro might be the most well-known gay tours destination in the country, but there are many other gay travel options throughout Brazil. Annual gay pride festivals and gay pride parades are held in several cities, such as Belo Horizonte and Sao Paolo, and travelers will find thriving gay communities in the vast majority of urban areas. And, if the party and pride scene is not your style, other Brazilian gay travel options include luxurious all-inclusive eco-gay cruises and historical and cultural tours organized by tour companies serving the gay and lesbian travel community.

Planning a gay trip to Brazil is an exciting endeavor that is sure to lead to many memorable once in a lifetime experiences. Partaking in gay travel in Brazil is much like traveling throughout the United States when it comes to safety and necessary precautions. Just as in the U.S., some areas of Brazil will be more welcoming and accepting than others and using your best judgment in determining the safety of a given area is always a good idea. Also, for travelers interested in visiting Brazils bathhouses, keep in mind that Brazil, like the U.S., is combating the spread of HIV and appropriate precautions should be taken to ensure that you play safely.

To ensure a fun-filled, relaxing Brazilian gay vacation, your best bet is to work with a travel agency that is familiar with vacation packages, optimal travel dates for your vacation goals, local attractions and the particular information that is of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. Whether your ideal vacation is an adventure into the jungle, a relaxing week at the beach or a wild time in Rio, working with a travel agency dedicated to gay holidays will allow you to sit back and relax and have the Brazilian vacation you have always dreamed of.

A gay travel tours in Brazil suggestions post by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys can suggest incredible gay travel sites.

categories: metaphysical,spirituality,self improvement,motivation,inspirational,gay,travel,vacations,tours,tourism,health,fitness,recreation

November 15 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Here Are 6 National Parks to Enjoy Without the Crowds.

So, you're planning an outing with the family this summer and you've chosen to tour some of the best national parks the United States and Canada have to offer. However, you cringe at the thought of the crowds you are about to encounter and the accompanying lack of privacy. Don't despair. If solitude is your thing, these six parks may just be the answer:

1. Arches. Located in southern Utah, the stunning sandstone arches are an amazing scene. Two not to be missed are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the latter of which happens to be the park's largest. Because of the terrain, hiking is the main activity of choice.

2. Badlands. South Dakota's Badlands National Park is truly a marvel of nature. Amid the wandering bighorn sheep and bison, you'll notice the vast prairies along with the buttes and canyons. It truly does feel like two parks (or three) in one.

3. Big Bend National Park. This is truly the park for the water enthusiast. Located in western Texas, river rafting on the Rio Grande is a popular attraction. Canoeing and kayaking are perfect ways to take in the breathtaking views. The park, situated on more than 3/4 of a million acres, got its name because of the very large bend in the river.

4. Biscayne. The uniqueness of Biscayne is the fact that you can really only get there by boat. Located about 25 miles from Miami, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing that the 40+ keys have to offer. If viewing marine life is your thing, the crystal clear waters make it a snap to observe the many stingrays, small sharks, fish, and turtles you are likely to encounter.

5. Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Looking for different experiences at different times of the year? This Nova Scotia wonder is just the ticket. Believe it or not, depending on the time of year, this is one place where you can hike in the fall, play on the beach in the summer, or even ski in the winter. Once home to Alexander Graham Bell, Cape Breton offers breathtaking views of the highlands and coastlines regardless of the time of year.

6. Congaree National Park. Some 75 species of trees and multitudes of animals call Congaree National Park home. Located near Columbia, South Carolina, the park is the largest floodplain forest in North America. It also is one of the newest, earning its national park status in 2003.

You really can't go wrong with any of these destinations, especially if you're looking to enjoy the experience of the national park without the hassle of crowds. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you'll find. A whole new world is just waiting to be explored.

April 10 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Is Vertigo Keeping You from Flying?

Since I travel for both personal and business reasons, I fly a lot. In doing so, I've engaged in many conversations with a number of different people all over the world.

People have brought up the subject of vertigo on more than one occasion. They've mentioned that it seems to be brought on by travel or that travelling makes it worse.

Those with vertigo are very familiar with what it is. It can be a feeling of spinning or of objects moving which disturbs balance.

Vertigo can be accompanied with dizziness, although not all episodes of dizziness or light headedness alone indicate that vertigo is present. Inner ear disorders usually cause vertigo. However disorders with the brainstem, cerebellum or vestibular nerve can also be responsible.

Fear of heights has been confused with vertigo - likely due to the Alfred Hitchcock flick. Bear in mind that the phobia of heights shares common vertigo symptoms (dizziness.) It is not however, necessarily vertigo. Conversely, people who are afflicted with this phobia do not tend to mind flying.

BPPV is the most common type of vertigo. It tends to be caused by sudden head movements.

Nausea and vomiting can accompany this. Certain exercises are known to be helpful to either prevent the attack or to lessen the episode.

BPPV sufferers don't usually have a problem with travel itself but head position when sitting. This can bring on the symptoms.

Alcohol is known to trigger vertigo at least temporarily, so it is recommended to avoid it when flying and of course when driving.

Anxiety or panic disorders are responsible for a less common type of vertigo known as psychogenic vertigo. Travelling can trigger this or make it worse.

The discomfort most travellers suffer is motion sickness. Motion affects the balance system which can bring on the nausea and dizziness. While boats are best known for bringing this on, planes and automobiles can also create the problem.

Symptoms tend to occur rather quickly as they do with vertigo. Cold sweats, dizziness and nausea tend to indicate that motion sickness is present.

Keeping a stead gaze and still head can help. Refrain from drinking, smoking and reading can also help prevent motion sickness. Fresh air is also very helpful.

Although there are many drugs that can provide some relief, side effects tend to occur as well such as drowsiness.

An all natural treatment is my Dizziness and Vertigo Program. It is very successful at curing and alleviating vertigo and dizziness. It is also very effective for motion sickness.

EL331001

February 18 2009 | air travel | No Comments »