Not for the faint-hearted: Adventure travels

The Adventure Travel Development Index (ATDI) defines adventure travel as an interaction with nature, culture, and a physical activity, with at least two or preferably all three present on a trip. If your idea of a fun vacation includes adrenaline-pumping getaways, then below are some of the places you should consider visiting on your next holiday:

France

If you're a seasoned mountain biker, you will enjoy visiting Avoriaz in France. Travel the French Alps on your bike through man-made trails and alpine tracks over 650km long. I suggest going there in June to make it in time for the Pass'Portes du Soleil mountain bike festival and join more than 4,000 other bikers in a 75km downhill race. In September, the lifts are closed to make way for skiers who want to race down the mountainside.
 

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Slovenia

There is much to do in Slovenia, which was formerly part of Yugoslavia. You have a choice of hiking, biking, or water sports like river rafting. Discover the beauty of 8,000 caves in Slovenia by hiring a guide and go by foot or bike. White river rafting takes you down from Soca River to Bled. Cultural tourists will enjoy the ancient architecture and the rich history of Slovenia.

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China

Take an adventure of taste and culture by experiencing authentic Chinese cuisine. Visit Shanghai or Beijing for this culinary adventure. You can also visit Yangshuo, a former fishing village that was dubbed the adventure capital of China, if you’re into rock climbing. The best time to visit is between September and December so you can take part in the climbing festival in November.

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The perfect brew: Dream destinations for coffee lovers

If you're getting tired of your usual Starbucks concoction, why not make a trip to these lovely destinations where you can get the best coffee? Here are the top three places where you can find the best brews to start your morning:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A goat herder named Kaldi from Ethiopia discovered the first coffee berry and since then, Ethiopia has been considered as the birthplace of coffee. There is no doubt that coffee is a huge part of Ethiopian culture, its history, and many of its traditions. Drop by its capital city, Addis Ababa, for a first-class coffee experience. Join the coffee ceremonies (where you can enjoy making your brewed coffee) or go café-hopping to taste the city’s special brews.

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Rome, Italy

Rome is not only a home of fine cuisine but also a place where coffee is strong and delicious. There are many notable cafes to visit. If you enjoy a full-flavored brew with little to no sugar or cream, then Rome is the place because most locals love their coffee black.

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Taipei, Taiwan

Locals would much rather have brewed coffee over espresso because they find the latter to be too strong. Taiwan’s coffee is always freshly brewed and of high quality, making a cup of joe very pricey but well worth it. You've got to try the Taiwanese slowly brewed coffee at least once in your life.

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Take a Vacation in Your Home City of Los Angeles: Part II

In Part I of this series, you learned ways to appreciate your own city by taking weekend vacations exploring the colleges and universities of the area, as well as visiting downtown. Part II of this series will give you a wider appreciation for some of the destinations in the area that may be familiar, yet unexplored.

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Venice Beach: The boardwalk along the beach is about 1.5 miles long. Spend weekends exploring it three different ways: By foot, by bicycle, and on inline skates. Walking by foot, you will be able to view the interesting people and sights. On one side of the boardwalk is the ocean and beach. On the other side are buildings that look like they could be at home in Miami Beach. In front and to the side of you are people with painted faces, bathing suits, parrots on their shoulders, and folks performing juggling and feats of strength. And make sure you visit Muscle Beach, the outdoor gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger and other body builders worked on their physiques.

The Strand: On the day that you decide to bike the Venice Beach boardwalk, make sure you continue on the 20 mile strand that runs along the coast from Torrance Beach to Pacific Palisades. During your ride, you will pass plenty of places to stop for a bite or a beer. If you are riding with one other person, consider renting a tandem so that you can easily talk during your ride. College students often schedule a pub crawl along this route, which means that they walk, bike, or skate from one bar to another, meeting up with friends at each one.

Louis Habash is a travel writer based out of Los Angeles. He will be the first person to tell you that he, Louis Habash, does not appreciate his fair city often enough.Visit this Facebook page for more.

Take a Vacation in Your Home City of Los Angeles: Part I

The greater Los Angeles area is such an interesting blend of cultures, landmarks, diversions, and types of entertainment that people visit from around the world for their vacations. Those who live in this city do not consider the fact that they spend every day in a location that others choose as a vacation spot. If you live in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, you can create vacations for yourself every weekend.

The College Weekend: Los Angeles is home to USC, UCLA, Whittier College, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, and many more. Spend a day walking around the expansive and beautiful UCLA campus, watching students throw Frisbees and relaxing in the sun. Walk into some of the old and new buildings. Visit adjoining Westwood for lunch. Check out the Pepperdine campus, which overlooks the ocean at Malibu. Walk around the USC, urban campus. Get a feel for the differences in cultures and student bodies at these institutions.

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The Downtown Weekend: This part of the city holds great interest for its art, Asian and Latino cultures, its Red Line and its architecture. You can see multicultural murals in many locations, including parts of the subway. Visit the Central Library and gasp at the painted ceiling in the lobby and the Ivanhoe paintings around the building. Get lunch in Little Tokyo, then take a ride up Angel’s Flight. On a different weekend, visit the Jewelry District to find a special ring at discount prices. Then top off your wardrobe at the Fashion District. On a third weekend, visit Olvera Street, the birthplace of the city and home to a Mexican-style plaza and buildings dating to 1818. And make sure you run across the street to Union Station to sit in the lobby and look up at the ceiling.

Louis Habash is a travel writer based out of Los Angeles. As a person, who understands the appeal of vacation spots to visitors, Louis Habash also appreciates the appeal of his hometown.Visit this blog site for more about him.