Top 10 Exotic Holiday Destinations for 2011

As 2010 winds its way down, it's time to start planning for the new year - and that means booking in your holidays. Today travelers are looking to book more and more exotic holiday experiences and many new destinations are popping up on the radar. So before you start scouring the web for cheap flights to Fiji or looking for accommodation in New York - consider some of these top holidays for 2011.

1. Boracay, the Philippines -  affordable accommodation, a relaxed culture, great seafood and natural wonders, make Boracay a great choice for beach lovers looking to check out a new region. Families, couples and those flying solo will have plenty of fun activities to choose from including snorkeling amid vivid coral gardens to trekking across jungle-covered volcanoes - or just enjoy soaking up the sunshine.

2. Sabah, Malaysia - For those interested in Bali holidays that was soooo last year as Malaysia is the must-see destination for 2011. Here, you can discover the dense forests or climb Mount Kinabalu. Get close to orangutans at the sanctuary or simply relax on the unspoiled beaches framed by crystal clear azure water. Pair cheap airfares to Malaysia with affordable luxury accommodation - so you won't blow your budget.

3. Christchurch, New Zealand - this is one of the most affordable destinations to get to from Australia, with cheap airfares flying the Trans Tasman route every day. Think food and wine trails for leisure travelers, heli-skiing for thrill seekers and self-drive holidays for families. Next year’s Rugby World Cup tournament, from September to October, has put the spotlight on New Zealand - don't miss out!

4. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eastern Europe - the Southern Alps have become the new hot destination for skiing and eco-adventure. Bosnia’s city of Sarajevo is ideal for history buffs drawing plenty of influence from the Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman and Venetian eras.

5. The Cotswolds, United Kingdom - literature fans can dust off pages of history and see the sights that inspired the books written by Shakespeare, Jane Austen and some of the most inspired authors. Find cheap flights to UK and enjoy small group tours that take you through the most distinctive landmarks in the area.

6. Reunion, Africa - this is one of the most underrated stopovers for travelers en route to France but if you're after a unique nature getaway - this is it. The island’s active volcanoes, cirques and mountainous landscape make it ideal for hikers. Meanwhile, for a relaxing escape, luxury resorts and an authentic French-ambiance set the mood for a little indulgence. 

7. Buenos Aires, South America - this cosmopolitan metropolis is back on the travel radar for its bustling vibe, frenzied nightlife and seductive edge. Affordability and accessibility are better than ever - with more direct flights available from major airline operators.

8. Zambia, Africa - get into the latest travel trend - “glamping”. This the full safari experience for the new millennium with luxury tented camping. A new form of tracking animals by micro flight is an exciting new experience for safari enthusiasts, while the wildebeest migration in Kenya and bird watching in Okavango Delta remain hot favourites for next year.

9. Yabuli, China - powder seekers will be thrilled to learn that China is now one of the fastest growing and most exciting skiing destinations in Asia, with new resorts planned for January. Yabuli has been on the alpine radar over the past few months and is expected to welcome millions of skiers in next year. Asia flights will get you there.

10. Estonia, Eastern Europe - a great place to stretch your Aussie dollars even further next year. Estonia is the smallest of the Baltic countries, yet is widely known for its unique seaside charm, medieval history and verdant forest trails. 

Where will you heading in 2011?

Who Among Us?

Wear Your Passion.

Go Ahead and JUMP!

There are no words that come close to expressing how much gratitude I have for being able to experience this adventure alongside my children. To watch life come alive in their eyes. To see them learn, grow and strive for the very dreams that come from deep inside them.

The challenges we face help us grow closer together. I have never learned as much from anything as I have when I became a Mom. Oh yes, my patience has been tried beyond reason, yet my heart has grown leaps and bounds, and my spirit, that glorious spirit, has been strengthened more than I could possibly have imagined it to be. I know without a doubt that I still have much to learn, and funny enough, at times, my children are my very best teachers. There have been times in my life where I've grown weary and tired, taken too much on and taken life WAY too seriously. This is changing. I am grateful. Life is too short to beat ourselves up over trivial little things. We are meant to LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE to the end! And, even though you may not have a child of your own, you can always find one to make friends with, laugh with and enjoy the sheer innocence of remembering how to play. My children have taught me much about keeping my child-like spirit, for without it we most assuredly die before it's time. A friend of mine wrote this to me, this morning, "Why ponder.... when you can be doing something else. There's no time for all that. It's just a habit our society/system gets into. So when that happens, do something else...LIKE JUMPING. Pretty hard to ponder and JUMP!!! but JUMPING will get you to the next level." How wonderful and how playful! So, what Gratitude can do for our soul, Jumping can help celebrate our spirit! And, I dare you to take that on! Go ahead and JUMP!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melodie Beattie

North Shore: Forks-Skyline Circuit

Three days ago I submerged myself into the mountains of the North Shore. It was my day off and nature was calling. Every single cell in my body needed this break away from society and the Forks-Skyline Circuit proved to be the perfect antidote to my plea for another serene adventure. It's a bit of a windy drive to the base of this hike, however well worth it as soon as you throw the gears into park and begin. It starts off as an old logging road with not a lot of incline at first. However, the path turns quite stony within ten minutes of your walk, then proceeds to climb gradually into quite a nice cardiovascular workout. As I climbed higher and higher, crossing several deep ravines, the broken trees from logging expeditions seemed to blend endlessly into the mossy covered rocks and overgrowth of years passed by. The death that once was, became life once again, thus giving this forest an entirely new life all its own.

I must share with you the pull that was calling me to take this hike. Earlier on that day I learned of an eleven hundred year old Douglas fir that stands one hundred feet high, and ten feet in diameter. Why this giant was left, among so many that were not, remains a mystery to me. But despite any stories that run amuck in my mind, the glory that stood standing before me as I took the time for this fifteen minute side step, was well worth the entire trek. The sign posted along the path is quite easily missed. Gratefully a fellow trekker took the time to carve out some instructions on where this tree could be found. You may not be able to make out the words, however this sign that says 'Brewis Trail' is easily seen. I thought perhaps this photo might be of some assistance being that I myself almost missed this glorious find.

My steps slowed down to almost a halt as I honoured this old friend of the forest. There is a peacefulness and grandeur in its company, one that I am thankful I took the time to meet.

As you follow the Skyline Trail along its alternating landscape doorways, you'll dive in and out of open land stretches that will take you underneath the power lines. They're not as distracting as one might think. These walking trails cross several creeks which flow down from the Hollyburn into the Burrard Inlet. And, if you hike this trail in the summer, perhaps you'll be as lucky as me as to have a Swallowtail butterfly dance across your path. My colourful winged friend landed only a few feet away from me as if to bask in the sunlight to strike a pose just to have its picture taken on this beautiful day.

The descent from this trek can be a little tricky. I found the trail marks to be far and few between. There are many paths to take, and some of them bare witness to many tread marks of mountain bike tires. These are great ones to follow and can take you further into lush green blue forests while still leaving some sense of surprise not really knowing where it will come out. However nearing the end of this hike, you'll notice that the majority of each trail seems to bring one back to the exact same place you started, thus bringing the name Circuit into play. Driving back home through British Properties, I stopped to climb a lumber pile of a castle that is beginning to be built. The sky was simply spectacular and the view somewhat speaks for itself.

Driving across the Lions Gate Bridge I noticed the rays of the sun pouring out over the mountains and the water. I stopped to take this photo at Prospect Point in Stanley Park. A wonderful way to bring this serendipitous day to a close.

Forks-Skyline Circuit (North Shore)

Round trip: 7 km (4.5 miles)

High point: 650 m (2100 feet)

Elevation gain: 270 m (900 feet)

Hiking time: 3 hours

I'm curious if any of you knows why this one old tree was left behind and not taken? Grateful as I am, it seems so peculiar to me that most of the trees that surround it are of new growth or have been laid to rest and yet this gentle giant still stands proud and yet so alone.

What Lies Beyond Degradation?

This tree has been uprooted through soil erosion and despite the setbacks it has weathered over the years, this magnificent giant has simply continued to keep growing! When I look beyond the degradation and other obstacles that have crossed its path, I see persistence, patience and perseverance, and I'm inspired. More often than not, I notice how the challenges of hardship can produce a beauty that goes well beyond the naked eye. It's the depth of character that seems to shine right through. And, it's this kind of character that I'm most drawn to in life. This old tree has a lot to teach its passerbyers...and if you happen to be one of them, may you enjoy this one in all its glory!

Shoot me a comment if you're planning on visiting this ol' gal! Or if you've already had the pleasure, I'd love to hear your thoughts about meeting her in person!

Mount Seymour: Dog Mountain Trail

Easing back into trekking terra firma, Dog Mountain is a hidden little gem with so much to offer. I absolutely love this hike! Surrounded by lush vegetation, this gentle trail is a great way to stretch the legs and hamstrings before warming up for more intermediate climbs. You'll find some well thought out wooden bridges along the journey making the fresh water mountain streams a dream to cross over. Note, there are quite a few muddy spots along the way as well, so prepare yourself for a little muck here and there. It's all a part of the adventure!

Gnarly exposed tree root brings a little more adventure to this picturesque hike. I recommend a good pair of lightweight trailrunners along with a sturdy sense of balance to make this journey an enjoyable one. Fortunately there's a lot of trees extending a helping hand while ascending and descending along this trail. The roots make it interesting to say the very least, so hang on and have some fun!

About half way through this hour long hike, there's a small plateau worth stopping for. This is a great place to take a breather and enjoy some beautiful scenery. From early Spring to mid-July, the ground is still covered with snow in some parts. I recommend wearing a pair of Yak Trax to make it easier on yourself. Come late July early August, the climb is free of slush and saves you about 30 minutes.

When you reach the summit, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. The rock that sits on the edge of this mountain is really quite something. This is a perfect place for a picnic, and a great place to take some extraordinary shots. I thought I'd leave the view up for you to discover, so please let me know what you think of the hike!

Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Round trip 9 km (5.5 mi)
Allow 3 hours
High Point (Third Peak) 1453 m (4767 ft)
Elevation gain 450 m (1475 ft)
Best July to October

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