Travelers booking online are "not so fond" of last minute offers and still prefer to book on desktop rather than mobile, according to a study by a US analytics firm.
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Monday, July 31, 2017
Last minute offers unpopular and desktop still preferred booking device
Europe “not working” for Travelzoo as deals dry up
Deals publisher Travelzoo has managed to add more members in the second quarter of the year but the overall performance of the business remains "disappointing", according to global CEO Holger Bartel.
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Melia attributes 34% profit boost to ‘bleisure’
Travelers mixing business with leisure - bleisure - helped boost profits by Spanish chain Melia by 34% in the first half of the year.
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Hotel room key cards could disappear within five years
According to experts smartphone "keys" will be found as standard in hotels within five years, as big chains are replacing outdated key cards with the new hassle-free technology.
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Evolving in a digital world where convenience is the new loyalty
Digital has changed consumer expectations so much that convenience is now what drives customer loyalty - not love for any particular brand.
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How marketing will change in 2017
Here are some of the biggest trends on the horizon that stand to change the way businesses reach consumers.
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Top 3 rate shopping trends to watch in 2017
One of the most effective ways to keep your competitive edge is to understand the direction of rate shopping trends.
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What craft beer teaches hotels
Over the past few years, the U.S. beer industry has experienced quite the reshuffle in consumerism. Across the nation, craft breweries of all shapes and sizes have emerged from the shadows of Big Beer to bask in a light of newly-found reverence.
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2nd + Main by Create Properties in Mount Pleasant
On the corner of 2nd and Main Street is the new 226 residence building composed of 23 studios, 145 1-bedrooms, and 58 2-bedrooms. Vancouver based, Create Properties brings a unique vibe to their properties where you can live, work and play. This development will feature: a green roof for residents with garden plots and storage for gardening supplies, electric vehicle charging stations, four artist studios, bicycle stalls, 13000 square feet of retail space, and culture space.
This fabulous development is situated within walking distance to the Olympic Village, close to breweries and dining spots.
The post 2nd + Main by Create Properties in Mount Pleasant appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.
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2nd + Main by Create Properties in Mount Pleasant
On the corner of 2nd and Main Street is the new 226 residence building composed of 23 studios, 145 1-bedrooms, and 58 2-bedrooms. Vancouver based, Create Properties brings a unique vibe to their properties where you can live, work and play. This development will feature: a green roof for residents with garden plots and storage for gardening supplies, electric vehicle charging stations, four artist studios, bicycle stalls, 13000 square feet of retail space, and culture space.
This fabulous development is situated within walking distance to the Olympic Village, close to breweries and dining spots.
The post 2nd + Main by Create Properties in Mount Pleasant appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.
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Technical Diving for Beginners
The phrase “technical diving” often evokes images of divers carrying several tanks and lots of additional gear. These heavily laden, heavily experienced divers head off into deep waters towards challenging shipwrecks, or into caves. And while some of these images are truly awe-inspiring, technical diving for beginners can be much simpler. Here we’ll feature some entry-level tech diving courses and explain who’s a good fit for each. You might be surprised just how early on in your diving life you can get a taste for tech.
Where do future technical divers start? Initially, it’s all about getting to know tech equipment and improving foundational diving skills — most of all buoyancy control and awareness underwater.
Technical diving courses for beginners
Like recreational divers who join ‘try dives,’ many technical divers catch the bug during a tech trial. What’s involved depends on the dive center or the instructor offering the course. Options range from a short equipment trial in a swimming pool to a full one-day program. PADI has formalized this trial as Discover Tec, which involves a single dive, either in confined water or limited open water. In no more than 32 feet (10 m), divers can try out twinsets, side-mount equipment or single tanks fitted with an H or Y valve. Discover Tec is open to Open Water divers, with an option to complete technical diving skills on the dive as well. Those who fulfill all the prerequisites can receive credit toward PADI’s Tec 40 course.
Intro to Tech is open to Advanced Open Water divers with a minimum of 25 logged dives. Divers can be as young as 15 years old, providing they have parental consent. The same prerequisites exist for PADI’s Tec Basics specialty. This distinctive specialty covers the first 50 percent of the PADI Tec 40 course. As well as being a way to introduce teenagers to the world of technical diving, Tec Basics is a good option for those who don’t have three to four days to complete the full course.
Similarly, SSI offers Extended Range Foundations for divers who want to hone existing skills and improve them in confined water. Dives only go to a maximum of 39 feet (12 m). Participants must be Open Water divers and nitrox certified before embarking on this course.
In-depth courses
Arguably the most in-depth basic technical diving course is GUE Fundamentals, conducted by Global Underwater Explorers. The course usually takes four days and includes six dives to a maximum depth of 59 feet (18 m). GUE offers a recreational and a technical version of their Fundamentals. Both versions start with a timed swim test. Next, divers progress through advanced buoyancy-control skills, such as staying within 3 feet (1 m) of a target depth to no-visibility communication methods like touch contact. Divers consider “Fundies,” as it’s called, one of the more challenging introductions to technical diving. Open Water Divers of at least 16 years of age ca participate, but it’s most appropriate for those who are already fairly sure that they’ll enjoy technical diving and are happy to commit to GUE’s strict equipment configuration requirements.
Trying technical diving doesn’t have to break the bank or take up a diver’s whole vacation. Most training agencies have introductory technical diving classes on offer no matter if you’re at home or on vacation. Two or three days are often enough to get a taste of what’s involved when it comes to equipment requirements, diving skills, time needed to progress and, of course, the increased risk involved in diving beyond recreational diving limits.
The post Technical Diving for Beginners appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Technical Diving for Beginners
The phrase "technical diving" often evokes images of divers carrying several tanks and lots of additional gear. These heavily laden, heavily experienced divers head off into deep waters towards challenging shipwrecks, or into caves. And while some of these images are truly awe-inspiring, technical diving for beginners can be much simpler. Here we'll feature some entry-level tech diving courses and explain who's a good fit for each. You might be surprised just how early on in your diving life you can get a taste for tech.
Where do future technical divers start? Initially, it's all about getting to know tech equipment and improving foundational diving skills — most of all buoyancy control and awareness underwater.
Technical diving courses for beginners
Like recreational divers who join 'try dives,' many technical divers catch the bug during a tech trial. What's involved depends on the dive center or the instructor offering the course. Options range from a short equipment trial in a swimming pool to a full one-day program. PADI has formalized this trial as Discover Tec, which involves a single dive, either in confined water or limited open water. In no more than 32 feet (10 m), divers can try out twinsets, side-mount equipment or single tanks fitted with an H or Y valve. Discover Tec is open to Open Water divers, with an option to complete technical diving skills on the dive as well. Those who fulfill all the prerequisites can receive credit toward PADI's Tec 40 course.
Intro to Tech is open to Advanced Open Water divers with a minimum of 25 logged dives. Divers can be as young as 15 years old, providing they have parental consent. The same prerequisites exist for PADI's Tec Basics specialty. This distinctive specialty covers the first 50 percent of the PADI Tec 40 course. As well as being a way to introduce teenagers to the world of technical diving, Tec Basics is a good option for those who don't have three to four days to complete the full course.
Similarly, SSI offers Extended Range Foundations for divers who want to hone existing skills and improve them in confined water. Dives only go to a maximum of 39 feet (12 m). Participants must be Open Water divers and nitrox certified before embarking on this course.
In-depth courses
Arguably the most in-depth basic technical diving course is GUE Fundamentals, conducted by Global Underwater Explorers. The course usually takes four days and includes six dives to a maximum depth of 59 feet (18 m). GUE offers a recreational and a technical version of their Fundamentals. Both versions start with a timed swim test. Next, divers progress through advanced buoyancy-control skills, such as staying within 3 feet (1 m) of a target depth to no-visibility communication methods like touch contact. Divers consider "Fundies," as it's called, one of the more challenging introductions to technical diving. Open Water Divers of at least 16 years of age ca participate, but it's most appropriate for those who are already fairly sure that they'll enjoy technical diving and are happy to commit to GUE's strict equipment configuration requirements.
Trying technical diving doesn't have to break the bank or take up a diver's whole vacation. Most training agencies have introductory technical diving classes on offer no matter if you're at home or on vacation. Two or three days are often enough to get a taste of what's involved when it comes to equipment requirements, diving skills, time needed to progress and, of course, the increased risk involved in diving beyond recreational diving limits.
The post Technical Diving for Beginners appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Sunday, July 30, 2017
Are big OTAs abusing their power?
The two global giants are not being fair to the consumer or to accommodation owners, argues David Weston, chairman of the UK B&B Association.
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UK association hits out at Booking.com ‘abuse’
The UK association of small accommodation providers has complained to the UK's Competition and Markets Authority and to the European Commission alleging Booking.com and Expedia engage in unfair and anti-competitive practices.
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How Kayak is using AI for travel planning
Steve Hafner, Kayak's chief executive officer and co-founder, discusses the company's partnerships and artificial intelligence's impact on the travel industry.
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HotelFlex lets you check in and out of a hotel at whatever time you want
HotelFlex wants to change the way hotels operate so guests can check in and check out at whatever times they want – and pay accordingly.
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Accor’s onefinestay becomes global leader in luxury private rentals
AccorHotels announced the grouping of Travel Keys, Squarebreak and onefinestay with the intention to integrate the three companies under the onefinestay brand before the end of the year.
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The future of social media is here: These are the trends you need to know
Facebook has changed the world, mobile and video are here to stay, ads are they way forward, and it's time to leverage AI. But for all the change that has happened, inbound is still the way forward.
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Why the right hotel images are so important for your OTA listings
The advantage of having a standard design across all OTA sites is that travel shoppers know what to expect. The major drawback for hotels, however, is the limited options they have for setting their property apart.
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Why travel needs to tap into the power of dynamic weather
Weather is one of our favorite Dynamic Creative solutions. Here's why travel brands should take full advantage of this innovative solution.
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Top Five Places to Dive with Seals
Diving or snorkeling with seals (or sea lions) is one of the most thrilling underwater experiences of all. There are numerous species all over the planet, and many of them are quite curious about people. For the cold-water lovers, diving with the leopard seal, Antarctica's apex predator, is one of the ocean's most unique experiences. For those who favor warmer waters, Baja California is famous for the sea lions that congregate there in the hundreds. Whatever your preference or location, there's a seal or sea lion encounter waiting for you. Here are our picks for the top five places to dive with seals.
Baja California, Mexico
About 45 minutes by boat from La Paz, Los Islotes is home to a colony of California sea lions that spend their day sunbathing on the rocky outcroppings. Visitors can see other marine species on the journey to the colony as well, such as humpback and gray whales. During the summer, the tranquil, warm waters feature lots of young pups that are extremely jovial and interactive with visitors. While the sea lions can get extremely close to snorkelers or divers, even nipping their fins, the shallow-water outings are nonetheless safe and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Rated one of the top 10 wildlife experiences in the world by Lonely Planet, snorkeling with seals on New Zealand's South Island means lots of interaction with the inquisitive New Zealand fur seal. You'll head out in small groups of only two to six people on an intimate tour that runs from October to May. The tours usually last around 2.5 hours and companies will typically provide appropriate exposure protection.
Ross Sea, Antarctica
By far the most expensive of all the encounters, Antarctica and its leopard seals are also the most impressive. These apex predators are highly intelligent and fascinated by humans. They often play with their food, usually penguins and, to the mixed emotions of onlookers, offer their prize to the snorkelers. Flanked by colossal icebergs and amazing polar wildlife, many high-end travel companies offer dive expeditions to Antarctica, where the water temperature is barely above or at freezing.
Farne Islands, United Kingdom
In the cold waters (46 F or 8 C) of northeast England, the Farne Islands provide a home to thousands of grey seals and, in the winter months, their pups. You'll want to don a drysuit before splashing in to explore the shallow canyons and gullies, home to giant sea stars, kelp beds, cod and diving guillemots. Nothing prepares you for you for that moment that you bump into a sleeping seal, however, while another chews on your fins.
False Bay, South Africa
In a country known for its plethora of shark species, it's no surprise that divers can see Cape fur seals, the prime target for white sharks, by the thousands in the sheltered area of False Bay. In the dense kelp forests, broadnose sevengill sharks patrol the shallow waters, yet the Cape fur seals are the real masters here, spiraling and pirouetting, sending trails of bubbles behind. If you go, expect seal congregations of up to 50 at one time. Cape waters are cold but dive-able year-round; you'll want at least a 7mm wetsuit.
Hornby Island, Canada
Every winter off Hornby Island, British Columbia, divers suit up and take the plunge into a group of Steller sea lions. Reaching numbers up to 100 strong, these raucous creatures zip back and forth, their 10-foot (3 m) bodies are an impressive sight. Although these large animals can reach speeds of up to 30 knots, the sea lions are not dangerous. They are playful however, with a reputation for nibbling the odd camera or dive fin, so hold tight to your gear. Many area dive operators conduct safe and knowledgeable tours, and divers often see other creatures as well, including wolf eels, octopus and giant marine crustaceans.
The post Top Five Places to Dive with Seals appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Top Five Places to Dive with Seals
Diving or snorkeling with seals (or sea lions) is one of the most thrilling underwater experiences of all. There are numerous species all over the planet, and many of them are quite curious about people. For the cold-water lovers, diving with the leopard seal, Antarctica’s apex predator, is one of the ocean’s most unique experiences. For those who favor warmer waters, Baja California is famous for the sea lions that congregate there in the hundreds. Whatever your preference or location, there’s a seal or sea lion encounter waiting for you. Here are our picks for the top five places to dive with seals.
Baja California, Mexico
About 45 minutes by boat from La Paz, Los Islotes is home to a colony of California sea lions that spend their day sunbathing on the rocky outcroppings. Visitors can see other marine species on the journey to the colony as well, such as humpback and gray whales. During the summer, the tranquil, warm waters feature lots of young pups that are extremely jovial and interactive with visitors. While the sea lions can get extremely close to snorkelers or divers, even nipping their fins, the shallow-water outings are nonetheless safe and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Rated one of the top 10 wildlife experiences in the world by Lonely Planet, snorkeling with seals on New Zealand’s South Island means lots of interaction with the inquisitive New Zealand fur seal. You’ll head out in small groups of only two to six people on an intimate tour that runs from October to May. The tours usually last around 2.5 hours and companies will typically provide appropriate exposure protection.
Ross Sea, Antarctica
By far the most expensive of all the encounters, Antarctica and its leopard seals are also the most impressive. These apex predators are highly intelligent and fascinated by humans. They often play with their food, usually penguins and, to the mixed emotions of onlookers, offer their prize to the snorkelers. Flanked by colossal icebergs and amazing polar wildlife, many high-end travel companies offer dive expeditions to Antarctica, where the water temperature is barely above or at freezing.
Farne Islands, United Kingdom
In the cold waters (46 F or 8 C) of northeast England, the Farne Islands provide a home to thousands of grey seals and, in the winter months, their pups. You’ll want to don a drysuit before splashing in to explore the shallow canyons and gullies, home to giant sea stars, kelp beds, cod and diving guillemots. Nothing prepares you for you for that moment that you bump into a sleeping seal, however, while another chews on your fins.
False Bay, South Africa
In a country known for its plethora of shark species, it’s no surprise that divers can see Cape fur seals, the prime target for white sharks, by the thousands in the sheltered area of False Bay. In the dense kelp forests, broadnose sevengill sharks patrol the shallow waters, yet the Cape fur seals are the real masters here, spiraling and pirouetting, sending trails of bubbles behind. If you go, expect seal congregations of up to 50 at one time. Cape waters are cold but dive-able year-round; you’ll want at least a 7mm wetsuit.
Hornby Island, Canada
Every winter off Hornby Island, British Columbia, divers suit up and take the plunge into a group of Steller sea lions. Reaching numbers up to 100 strong, these raucous creatures zip back and forth, their 10-foot (3 m) bodies are an impressive sight. Although these large animals can reach speeds of up to 30 knots, the sea lions are not dangerous. They are playful however, with a reputation for nibbling the odd camera or dive fin, so hold tight to your gear. Many area dive operators conduct safe and knowledgeable tours, and divers often see other creatures as well, including wolf eels, octopus and giant marine crustaceans.
The post Top Five Places to Dive with Seals appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Saturday, July 29, 2017
Reef Check EcoDiver Program
The international non-profit Reef Check Foundation is dedicated to conserving two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits.
Reef Check's goals include educating the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life. The agency also facilitates collaboration to produce ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions and stimulates local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.
Getting involved
To those ends, the foundation has created a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods. Volunteers regularly monitor and report on reef health, and the program welcomes anyone with an interest in the ocean, from children to adults. Divers will learn to identify marine life, conduct surveys, and record the data. The 3-day program includes classroom and fieldwork sessions, starting with an introduction on the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face, survey methods, and target species. The other three sections of the Reef Check EcoDiver program are substrate identification, fish identification and invertebrate identification, each detailed below.
Substrate identification
After completing the substrate identification component of the course, divers will look at coral reefs like never before. Divers will learn how to identify what's under each point along a transect line, as well as how to recognize disease and coral bleaching.
ID points include:
- Hard coral
- Nutrient-indicator algae
- Rubble
- Soft coral
- Sponges
- Sand
- Recently killed coral
- Rock
- Silt/clay
Fish identification
Divers will learn how to differentiate target fish species from non-target fish species, dependent on the location, as well as how to estimate fish size underwater. This section of the course is key, as many of the world's reefs are heavily overfished. Reef Check tallies certain fish because they are popular food or aquarium fish. Consequently, some reefs may be home to very few of these target species. In the Caribbean, EcoDivers will learn to identify:
- Grunts
- Margates
- Grouper
- Nassau grouper
- Moray eel
- Parrotfish
- Butterflyfish
- Snapper
Invertebrate identification
Searching for invertebrates on a reef takes a good eye. Divers will learn not only how to identify invertebrates, but also why Reef Check uses them as indicators for various things. They will also learn how to recognize reef damage and what caused it, and note other human impacts, such as trash and pollution. Divers will learn to identify the following invertebrates in the Caribbean:
- Banded coral shrimp
- Long-spined black sea urchin
- Pencil urchins
- Collector urchin/sea egg
- Triton
- Flamingo tongue
- Gorgonians
- Lobster
Improved buoyancy
The Reef Check protocol requires divers to perform simple tasks underwater. These include hovering motionless near the reef, often in an upside-down or horizontal position, identifying and counting target organisms, and writing these observations on a slate. Multiple tasks often require extra concentration underwater and buoyancy control can easily disappear, even for experienced divers. Good buoyancy is therefore essential for collecting high-quality data. As part of your training, your instructor will help you practice buoyancy skills if required and offer useful tips and techniques. Practice will lead to good buoyancy control, which will not only enhance your skills as a Reef Checker, but will also enhance your recreational diving experience in general.
With teams established in more than 90 countries and territories, a multitude of reefs require surveys at nearly every diving destination worldwide. After the dives, divers will enter their data with the instructor's assistance. Everyone from local marine-park managers, to national fisheries and environment managers and international organizations, including United Nations agencies, will use the data you've helped collect to care for coral reefs.
For more information on becoming a Reef Check volunteer, check the website. If you would like to become an EcoDiver at Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas, send an email to training@stuartcove.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas
The post Reef Check EcoDiver Program appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Reef Check EcoDiver Program
The international non-profit Reef Check Foundation is dedicated to conserving two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits.
Reef Check’s goals include educating the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life. The agency also facilitates collaboration to produce ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions and stimulates local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.
Getting involved
To those ends, the foundation has created a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods. Volunteers regularly monitor and report on reef health, and the program welcomes anyone with an interest in the ocean, from children to adults. Divers will learn to identify marine life, conduct surveys, and record the data. The 3-day program includes classroom and fieldwork sessions, starting with an introduction on the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face, survey methods, and target species. The other three sections of the Reef Check EcoDiver program are substrate identification, fish identification and invertebrate identification, each detailed below.
Substrate identification
After completing the substrate identification component of the course, divers will look at coral reefs like never before. Divers will learn how to identify what’s under each point along a transect line, as well as how to recognize disease and coral bleaching.
ID points include:
- Hard coral
- Nutrient-indicator algae
- Rubble
- Soft coral
- Sponges
- Sand
- Recently killed coral
- Rock
- Silt/clay
Fish identification
Divers will learn how to differentiate target fish species from non-target fish species, dependent on the location, as well as how to estimate fish size underwater. This section of the course is key, as many of the world’s reefs are heavily overfished. Reef Check tallies certain fish because they are popular food or aquarium fish. Consequently, some reefs may be home to very few of these target species. In the Caribbean, EcoDivers will learn to identify:
- Grunts
- Margates
- Grouper
- Nassau grouper
- Moray eel
- Parrotfish
- Butterflyfish
- Snapper
Invertebrate identification
Searching for invertebrates on a reef takes a good eye. Divers will learn not only how to identify invertebrates, but also why Reef Check uses them as indicators for various things. They will also learn how to recognize reef damage and what caused it, and note other human impacts, such as trash and pollution. Divers will learn to identify the following invertebrates in the Caribbean:
- Banded coral shrimp
- Long-spined black sea urchin
- Pencil urchins
- Collector urchin/sea egg
- Triton
- Flamingo tongue
- Gorgonians
- Lobster
Improved buoyancy
The Reef Check protocol requires divers to perform simple tasks underwater. These include hovering motionless near the reef, often in an upside-down or horizontal position, identifying and counting target organisms, and writing these observations on a slate. Multiple tasks often require extra concentration underwater and buoyancy control can easily disappear, even for experienced divers. Good buoyancy is therefore essential for collecting high-quality data. As part of your training, your instructor will help you practice buoyancy skills if required and offer useful tips and techniques. Practice will lead to good buoyancy control, which will not only enhance your skills as a Reef Checker, but will also enhance your recreational diving experience in general.
With teams established in more than 90 countries and territories, a multitude of reefs require surveys at nearly every diving destination worldwide. After the dives, divers will enter their data with the instructor’s assistance. Everyone from local marine-park managers, to national fisheries and environment managers and international organizations, including United Nations agencies, will use the data you’ve helped collect to care for coral reefs.
For more information on becoming a Reef Check volunteer, check the website. If you would like to become an EcoDiver at Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, send an email to training@stuartcove.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas
The post Reef Check EcoDiver Program appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Friday, July 28, 2017
Running a Green Fins Top 10 Dive Center: Scuba Junkie
Scuba Junkie is an award-winning dive operator with resorts in Sabah, Malaysia, as well as Komodo and Sangalaki in Indonesia. Conservation of the local environment both above and below the waves has been at the heart of Scuba Junkie's ethos from inception. It's the No. 2-ranked Green Fins dive center in the world. The center also won the BlueGreen360 "Dive Operator of the Year 2017" award for its commitment to marine conservation and community engagement. The shops also have a dedicated conservation arm, Scuba Junkie SEAS, which runs six conservation projects.
Conservation does not need to be complex for dive operators. Through simple initiatives such as reducing environmental footprint, raising awareness of issues, and giving back to the local community, dive operators can meaningfully contribute to marine conservation. Scuba Junkie's success shows that conservation and business can work together as a viable business model.
[See image gallery at scubadiverlife.com]Divers are conservation advocates
The world's oceans face many threats: coral reefs are suffering from climate change and overfishing. Marine life is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Pollution and plastics in the ocean are causing problems throughout the entire marine food chain, to name just a few.
But through this haze of problems two things have become clear: divers are passionate advocates for conservation issues, and dive operators such as Scuba Junkie are making positive inroads for local conservation. The more dive operators that become involved in conservation, the better the overall effect for conservation worldwide. The dive industry is, after all, a community of locally-based businesses, ideally situated to make a significant contribution to global marine-conservation efforts.
Scuba Junkie believes that regardless of level (dive operator, dive professional or fun diver) enjoying the underwater world comes with a responsibility to protect and conserve. Giving back to the ocean enhances the customer experience and benefits the business. Divers choose Scuba Junkie because of its environmental ethos, and some customers come back year after year. Most of Scuba Junkie's positive reviews are about the staff's passion and their conservation-minded ethos.
Going back to basics
Start with the basics: minimize the environmental footprint of your resort and diving practices. Scuba Junkie's operations are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, as per the Green Fins guidelines. For example, all resorts have rainwater catchments to reduce reliance on local freshwater sources. They use solar heaters to heat water. Resorts have dedicated recycling stations, free drinking water refills for guests, and refillable cleaning products to reduce plastic waste.
Underwater, Scuba Junkie's most important act of marine conservation is ensuring responsible diver behavior. All staff adhere to an in-house code of conduct to make sure divers don't negatively impact the reef ecosystem. As a Green Fins member, Scuba Junkie has access to resources such as posters explaining the code of conduct in different languages, enabling effective communication. Divers are not allowed to touch or stress marine animals in any way. They also cannot collect any "souvenirs" from the ocean. Divemasters help all divers achieve proper neutral buoyancy as well.
It is easy to engage divers in these behaviors with the proper training. New Scuba Junkie staff are fully briefed on local marine life, environmental impacts and how to educate guests on the harm that irresponsible behavior can cause. Providing divers with this information enhances their experience far beyond the usual entry in logbooks.
Passing on the passion: raise awareness
Go beyond the basics. Raise divers' awareness and draw attention to some of the issues threatening the species they love without being too pessimistic. Suggest straightforward actions that people can take, and inspire them to make a difference.
Begin by getting to know your environment and its local conservation issues. Share your knowledge with your guests and the local community through talks and small projects. For example, marine debris is a massive, worldwide issue but taking part in local beach and reef clean-ups can make a visible difference.
A major part of Scuba Junkie's conservation work is raising awareness and getting people involved in their conservation programs. The shop encourages divers, staff, visitors and the local community to take part because conservation is most successful when many people are engaged.
On Pulau Mabul, guests can watch as we release turtle hatchlings. They can then "adopt" one of the hatchlings, allowing the hatchery to become a self-funded program. In Komodo, Scuba Junkie supports 'Trash Hero Komodo' and carries out beach clean-ups with guests and the local school. In Kota Kinabalu, Scuba Junkie has a local school conservation program that connects students with the unique biodiversity of their home by taking them snorkeling or diving and teaching them how to protect the environment.
Engaging the local community
Giving the local community opportunities to take part in conservation efforts not only improves the environment but also fosters good relations and partnerships. Scuba Junkie's conservation weeks feature activities aimed at engaging local schools and colleges in conservation issues.
Dive operators must also support the conservation activities of local volunteers by donating boats, venues, time or money. Give back by enabling locals to become dive professionals, which in some places may otherwise be beyond their means. Scuba Junkie has a Local Divemaster Internship program, where the shop covers all training costs and participants receive a paid working contract after completion. This course emphasizes conservation, producing not just local divemasters, but local ocean guardians.
Win-win
A reputation as a conservation-minded dive operator with a passionate, expert staff and high training standards sets Scuba Junkie apart. As more guests come to Scuba Junkie and get involved in conservation, more money cycles back into conservation programs, creating a positive feedback cycle. As we develop more programs, we protect more of the surrounding environment, helping ensure the area's long-term health.
Dive operators make money from the ocean, so they should use some of their resources to help protect it. The dive industry relies on a healthy marine ecosystem. This means it's an intelligent business decision to invest time and resources into marine conservation. Scuba Junkie proves that it's possible for dive operators to make a positive impact on marine conservation while running a successful business.
By Cat Cassidy, Conservation Manager, Scuba Junkie, Malaysia
The post Running a Green Fins Top 10 Dive Center: Scuba Junkie appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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Running a Green Fins Top 10 Dive Center: Scuba Junkie
Scuba Junkie is an award-winning dive operator with resorts in Sabah, Malaysia, as well as Komodo and Sangalaki in Indonesia. Conservation of the local environment both above and below the waves has been at the heart of Scuba Junkie’s ethos from inception. It’s the No. 2-ranked Green Fins dive center in the world. The center also won the BlueGreen360 “Dive Operator of the Year 2017” award for its commitment to marine conservation and community engagement. The shops also have a dedicated conservation arm, Scuba Junkie SEAS, which runs six conservation projects.
Conservation does not need to be complex for dive operators. Through simple initiatives such as reducing environmental footprint, raising awareness of issues, and giving back to the local community, dive operators can meaningfully contribute to marine conservation. Scuba Junkie’s success shows that conservation and business can work together as a viable business model.
[See image gallery at scubadiverlife.com]Divers are conservation advocates
The world’s oceans face many threats: coral reefs are suffering from climate change and overfishing. Marine life is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Pollution and plastics in the ocean are causing problems throughout the entire marine food chain, to name just a few.
But through this haze of problems two things have become clear: divers are passionate advocates for conservation issues, and dive operators such as Scuba Junkie are making positive inroads for local conservation. The more dive operators that become involved in conservation, the better the overall effect for conservation worldwide. The dive industry is, after all, a community of locally-based businesses, ideally situated to make a significant contribution to global marine-conservation efforts.
Scuba Junkie believes that regardless of level (dive operator, dive professional or fun diver) enjoying the underwater world comes with a responsibility to protect and conserve. Giving back to the ocean enhances the customer experience and benefits the business. Divers choose Scuba Junkie because of its environmental ethos, and some customers come back year after year. Most of Scuba Junkie’s positive reviews are about the staff’s passion and their conservation-minded ethos.
Going back to basics
Start with the basics: minimize the environmental footprint of your resort and diving practices. Scuba Junkie’s operations are as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, as per the Green Fins guidelines. For example, all resorts have rainwater catchments to reduce reliance on local freshwater sources. They use solar heaters to heat water. Resorts have dedicated recycling stations, free drinking water refills for guests, and refillable cleaning products to reduce plastic waste.
Underwater, Scuba Junkie’s most important act of marine conservation is ensuring responsible diver behavior. All staff adhere to an in-house code of conduct to make sure divers don’t negatively impact the reef ecosystem. As a Green Fins member, Scuba Junkie has access to resources such as posters explaining the code of conduct in different languages, enabling effective communication. Divers are not allowed to touch or stress marine animals in any way. They also cannot collect any “souvenirs” from the ocean. Divemasters help all divers achieve proper neutral buoyancy as well.
It is easy to engage divers in these behaviors with the proper training. New Scuba Junkie staff are fully briefed on local marine life, environmental impacts and how to educate guests on the harm that irresponsible behavior can cause. Providing divers with this information enhances their experience far beyond the usual entry in logbooks.
Passing on the passion: raise awareness
Go beyond the basics. Raise divers’ awareness and draw attention to some of the issues threatening the species they love without being too pessimistic. Suggest straightforward actions that people can take, and inspire them to make a difference.
Begin by getting to know your environment and its local conservation issues. Share your knowledge with your guests and the local community through talks and small projects. For example, marine debris is a massive, worldwide issue but taking part in local beach and reef clean-ups can make a visible difference.
A major part of Scuba Junkie’s conservation work is raising awareness and getting people involved in their conservation programs. The shop encourages divers, staff, visitors and the local community to take part because conservation is most successful when many people are engaged.
On Pulau Mabul, guests can watch as we release turtle hatchlings. They can then “adopt” one of the hatchlings, allowing the hatchery to become a self-funded program. In Komodo, Scuba Junkie supports ‘Trash Hero Komodo’ and carries out beach clean-ups with guests and the local school. In Kota Kinabalu, Scuba Junkie has a local school conservation program that connects students with the unique biodiversity of their home by taking them snorkeling or diving and teaching them how to protect the environment.
Engaging the local community
Giving the local community opportunities to take part in conservation efforts not only improves the environment but also fosters good relations and partnerships. Scuba Junkie’s conservation weeks feature activities aimed at engaging local schools and colleges in conservation issues.
Dive operators must also support the conservation activities of local volunteers by donating boats, venues, time or money. Give back by enabling locals to become dive professionals, which in some places may otherwise be beyond their means. Scuba Junkie has a Local Divemaster Internship program, where the shop covers all training costs and participants receive a paid working contract after completion. This course emphasizes conservation, producing not just local divemasters, but local ocean guardians.
Win-win
A reputation as a conservation-minded dive operator with a passionate, expert staff and high training standards sets Scuba Junkie apart. As more guests come to Scuba Junkie and get involved in conservation, more money cycles back into conservation programs, creating a positive feedback cycle. As we develop more programs, we protect more of the surrounding environment, helping ensure the area’s long-term health.
Dive operators make money from the ocean, so they should use some of their resources to help protect it. The dive industry relies on a healthy marine ecosystem. This means it’s an intelligent business decision to invest time and resources into marine conservation. Scuba Junkie proves that it’s possible for dive operators to make a positive impact on marine conservation while running a successful business.
By Cat Cassidy, Conservation Manager, Scuba Junkie, Malaysia
The post Running a Green Fins Top 10 Dive Center: Scuba Junkie appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.
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RSS speakers tackle industry’s most pressing issues
Put 300 like-minded professionals in the same room and your chances of solving industry challenges grow exponentially.
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Sojern and Google reveal latest MENA travel insights
Phocuswright expects that the Middle East travel market will reach nearly $100 billion in gross bookings this year. To maximise the enormous potential for the region, Sojern and Google present the latest travel insights for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
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Thursday, July 27, 2017
Expedia on the changing world of hotel distribution in Asia
WIT sat down with Mieke de Schepper, head of hotel relationships in Asia Pacific for Expedia, to discuss the WIT Hospitality Think Tank Summary Report which outlines four opportunities for hoteliers to grasp in the changing world of hotel distribution.
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Indonesian travel startup valued at $2 billion after Expedia deal
Traveloka Holding Ltd. raised $400 million in a funding round led by Expedia Inc. that conferred a $2 billion valuation on Indonesia's largest online travel startup.
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HotelTonight now lets you upgrade to a suite for 50% off
HotelTonight just launched a new feature that lets users upgrade to suites on the cheap. If available, the option will pop up during checkout, and will always cost less than 50 percent of the standard upgrade rate.
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Travel trends in the twenty-tens: What marketers need to know
It seems that many people have come to grasps with the transitory and superficial nature of material objects. Instead, all signs point to people opting for the immaterial, and sometimes more profound, experience of travel.
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Revenue and cost strategies for boutiques, independents
With many moving parts and no brand systems or guidance to assist, it is essential to a hotel's revenue success to invest in the right tools, most of which will save dollars.
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How AI will change the way we make decisions
Economic theory suggests that AI will substantially raise the value of human judgment. People who display good judgment will become more valuable, not less.
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Everything you need to know about visiting Canmore, Canada
My name is Marta and I am the voice behind In A Faraway Land. A travel website dedicated to providing information on outdoor activities and photography tips via my New Zealand, Iceland and Canada Travel Guide.
I moved to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa last year and headed straight for the mountains. After road tripping for a few months in the fall last year I decided to base myself in Canmore, a little town tucked in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It was without a doubt the coldest winter I have ever experienced with temperatures sometimes reaching -45 celsius (<40f). However with the cold came some beautiful Albertan winter landscapes so I can't complain too much.
Enjoy the read and hope to see you in the mountains soon and enjoy my best advice to visit Canmore Canada.
Situated in the proverbial shadow of the world-famous mountain town of Banff, Canmore isn't somewhere that should be overlooked while planning your road trip to the Canadian Rockies. Don't get me wrong Banff and Canmore aren't exactly Yin and Yang. They are both located in the Bow Valley, around an hour east of the closest international airport of Calgary in Alberta, are similar in size, and they both share an infectious eclectic adventurous spirit.
I lived in Canmore for 6 months while planning and researching for my outdoor guide to Canada. I found it to be much more stable than Banff, still touristy for sure, but nowhere near the level of its neighbor. Banff is like a steroid-crazed body builder talking smack whilst bench pressing twice his body weight whilst Canmore is the mixed martial artist, planking in the corner, quietly confident, biding their time.
Canmore is more sophisticated; it isn't tacky souvenir stores, overpriced steak restaurants and two for one jäger bombs. It's local craft beer and artisanal bakeries, if you are catching my drift. Much more up my alley, you know?
When Calgary had the opportunity to host the Winter Olympics in 1988, back then, the little mountain town of Canmore was suffering as the mining industry had just collapsed in the previous decade, but it soon saw a huge development and a sharp increase of world class athletes, that later became permanent Canmorons.
Yes, you read that correctly.
It's not something I came up with myself however, the term 'Canmoron' must have been the self-deprecating humor of founding few that was carried forward over time. The official terminology however is Canmorite which I personally find a little predictable. This influx of new Olympian Canmorons, and the installation of many multimillion dollar world class facilities, coaxed the rest of the town into exploring the outdoors.
Today Canmore has skiing of all types, mountain biking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, rock climbing, ice climbing, a bunch of lakes and a myriad of some of my favorite hiking trails in Canada plus loads more. Additionally, Canmore has the best access to Kananaskis Country and there's a big possibility that it might bid to host the Winter Olympics again in 2026.
Kananaskis Country is an amalgamation of over 10 provincial parks that surround the town.
However (and thankfully) Canmore isn't inside any of these parks so doesn't have to comply to the building cap that such places like Banff do. For locals and visitors alike it means cheaper accommodation, better supermarkets, more outdoor activities and less government interference.
My two favorite activities, photography and hiking, dance gleefully hand in hand around this place. Some of the best photos I've ever taken have been from here, especially those from the eventful time I decided to hike up Ha Ling Peak for sunrise.
Ha Ling Peak, in Kananaskis Country, is the most popular trail here and for good reason. It starts 8km south west of Canmore on the Smith Dorien Highway (742) at the Goat Creek Trailhead. The trail is a semi steep series of switch backs which takes the average hiker 2 hours to summit.
From the top you'll be able to see east over Canmore to the peaks of Mount Lady McDonald and Grotto Mountain, situated on the other side of the Bow Valley, north toward the 7 peaks of Mount Rundle, south into the lake ridden Spray Valley and west toward Mount Lawrence Grassi, which Ha Ling peak is actually a part of.
Ha Ling peak is one of my favourite day hikes not only in the Kananaskis country, but it's high up on the list of all day hikes I have completed in the Canadian Rockies!
Further into the heart of Spray Valley down the Smith Dorien Trail (742) lies an expansive wilderness area. A true drive into the Canadian wilderness. It's a gravel road, but during the summer any car can manage it.
In the winter make sure you have decent snow tires or better yet snow chains and please drive carefully. When I was based in Canmore I saw at least 20 car crashes in the winter, every single one of them on this road! If you are visiting Canmore in the Winter, the Spray Lakes Road is where you can become a musher and go dog sledding! I had the opportunity to participate in a tour and it was one of the best winter experiences of my life. The cool air blowing through your hair, chocolate brownies by an open fire and the sound of over 100 excited huskies!
I went with a company called Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, one that supports humane mushing and takes extremely good care of their dogs. I only did a two hour tour, but if I could have afford it I would have seriously considered joining one of their overnight tours! Here's a picture of me with one of the dogs on my team, the goofball Hugo.
Even if you don't feel like dog sledding or decide to visit the Rockies in the summer, you can still go and play with the pups! In the summer Snowy Owl offers kennel tours. You can go and play with the dogs and learn all about the life of a musher.
If you are lucky you may even see puppies! OMG.
Further down into Kananaskis Country, past the dog sledding is an excellent chance to see moose, eagles, elk, wolves, cougars, coyotes, lynxes, weasels and in the summer black and grizzly bears. Just promise me to respect all wildlife and never approach any large mammal as they can be unpredictable.
NEVER FEED any of the animals either.
Thankfully there's a hefty fine if you get caught, like $25,000 hefty!!!! And with good reason too, in my eyes. If bears, for example, become habituated and used to being fed by humans, they pose a threat in all future human interactions and have to be euthanized. Basically if you feed it, you kill it. Don't be that person.
The border between Kananaskis Country and the stunning Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is one of three central hubs in the Canadian Rockies where mother grizzly bears favour raising their offspring.
On a lighter note back to hiking!
Another mountain close to Ha Ling Peak is Mount Rundle, which runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway all the way from Canmore to Banff. The East End of Rundle (EEOR), known as the Eeyore (like Winnie the Pooh's friend), is the end closer to Canmore. Certainly a harder hike than Ha Ling peak, it can take up to 6 hours to complete, even though it's only 6km long.
However the views are much more frequent because you're in the trees less of the time compared to its counterpart Ha Ling on the other side of White Man's Pass.
The summit views are spectacular.
I have personally attempted three times to summit EEOR, twice being interrupted by bad weather conditions. But as they say, third time is a charm and I finally got to witness both sunset and sunrise from the top of EEOR, involving camping on a very narrow ridge line at the top.
If you're a little more extreme then you might consider hiking the Pocaterra Ridge. It's tougher than Ha Ling and the East End of Rundle but the views are out of this world.
If one of the many peaks around doesn't give you your fill of exercise, or it happens to be raining that day, then Elevation Place should be your next port of call.
The newly built, architectural masterpiece offers a huge climbing wall, a full aquatics centre including a sauna, a gym, an award winning library, a café and a small art gallery which showcases the work of local artists. Hopefully one day my work will be hanging there!
The town of Canmore is named after Malcolm III of Scotland. It was his nickname and translates to "Big Head" in Gaelic which is quite contradictory of the aforementioned colloquialism "Canmoron". That always cracks me up inside.
Growing up the town was a popular mining destination and was once inside the perimeter of Banff National Park. When inside the National Park however logging and mining could not continue to flourish and after significant pressure from the big coal corporations in 1902 Banff National Park shrunk and Canmore was excluded. Mining continued to grow and coal production was eventually ceased in 1979.
It's location next the Bow River, then the Canadian Pacific Railway and then the Trans-Canada Highway meant that tourism in the area has always been rife but it's only in the recent years that Canmore has begun to blossom into your next holiday destination. You may now wonder, when's best time to come?
The best time of the year, in my opinion, is summer and fall ranging from June to early October, with September being my favorite month. That's when most of the hikes are accessible and not covered in snow.
No promises about the snow though. It could be there at any time of year!
The mild alpine climate boasts average summer time temperatures of a whopping 15C/59F (with highs of normally around 22C/72F). However the weather here is unpredictable and very tempestuous, it's possible to have extreme high's breaking into the early thirties (more than 90F).
The winters are also a very nice time to visit. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and dog sledding are very popular. Temperatures at this time of year can be brutal though, especially in January.
On extreme cold nights the temperature can go as low as -50C (-58F) and the monthly average is a bone-chilling -9C. Thank the heavens above for the Chinook Winds.
If you haven't heard of Chinook Effect before, it's basically a really really warm wind that comes over the mountains, known as Föhn winds in the rest of the world but Chinook Winds in North America. Chinook Winds occur when moisture rich coastal air coming in from the west coast is forced upward by the mountains, it drops its moisture by the means of snow or rain, and then falls down the eastern slopes.
The adiabatic warming of downward moving air causes these warm winds. And trust me they are warm. They can raise the temperature of the entire town by easily 20C/68F in just few hours and maybe even 30C/86F for a strong one. The strongest Chinook world wide was experienced just south of Canmore in Montana in the US, where the temperature rose from -48C to +9C or -54F to +49F. A change of 57 degree celsius, or 103F, in 24 hours!!!
Winter becomes summer for maybe a few hours, snow melts for maybe a day or two before returning to normal.
When Leo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy were down in Kananaskis Country filming the incredible movie The Revenant a Chinook blew through and melted a lot of snow, it forced the entire production to move down to Ushuaia in Patagonia. DiCaprio was later heard blaming the problem on global warming even though this phenomenon has existed since the mountains were erected by Mother Nature, a good 300 million years ago.
Leo you're beautiful, and you're right about global warming but not about this one sorry!!!
However dark and cold winter is I can't complain too much, I used it as an excuse to drink multiple hot chocolates a day, stay at home, bake cinnamon rolls and lounge in front of the fire.
When I couldn't be bothered to make myself treats I became an expert on all the local eateries around town. The best café without a doubt is the Bagel Co.
There are two of them in Canmore but my favorite is the one on Main Street (8th Street). It's got a great atmosphere and it has the best goodies and a really wide selection of freshly made sandwiches.
Communitea is another great place if you are tea lover like me!
My favorite place to drink was The Wood on the corner of 8th and 8th, lots of local craft beers, 4.50$ per pound of chicken wings on Mondays and 10$ steak on Tuesday.
For a place as expensive as the Bow Valley, the deals came as a welcomed change. I still must have spent a small fortune in there though. Well in between there and the Grizzly Paw Brewery I probably spent enough money to invest into a property
When I wasn't stuffing all manner of pastries into my face or double fisting 2L pitchers I was out taking photos.
Most of the time I took pastries with me too but regretfully couldn't take the beer because I was driving.
There's so many photography spots in Canmore, some of which are roadside stops, some of which are huge mountains. I was lucky enough to visit many photography spots in the Canadian Rockies but the one's around Canmore stood out amongst the rest (maybe apart from the jaw dropping Icefields Parkway). Canada is pretty beautiful, especially in the Rockies.
Canmore's topography includes everything a photographer could ever dream of. Rugged mountains, alpine lakes, wild flowers in the summer and mesmerizing ice formations in the winter.
All in all, Canmore is stunning and you should visit, that's a fact and I hope when you will be planning your Canadian Road Trip Itinerary , that you will add Canmore to your list of places to stop, at least for a few days.
As always feel free to like and share and I'll try to answer all the questions you may have about Canmore and the Bow Valley. Happy travels!
Have you ever been to Canmore or Alberta? Have any of your own tips to share? Spill!
The post Everything you need to know about visiting Canmore, Canada appeared first on Young Adventuress.
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