Recumbent Bicycles

Recumbent bicycles are special type bicycles in which the rider is seated as in a chair. The back of the rider is supported and the rider's legs are extended forward to pedals. They give a very relaxed riding position with no weight on the wrists. They also provide a natural view. Recumbent bicycles are more comfortable to operate than normal bicycles and are great for touring and day rides.

Recumbent bicycle designs date back to the middle of the 19th century. But they became popular only recently. Depending on the length, there are three types of recumbent bicycles - long wheel base (LWB), short wheel base (SWB), and compact long wheel base (CLWB). Most of them are powered by pedaling with legs. But some types are hand powered.

Recumbent bicycles are more expensive than other bicycles, but the costs are coming down all the time as the market expands.

Recumbent bicycles are mainly used for exercise. As they provide different benefits for men and women, most physicians and personal trainers recommend them for people of all fitness levels. They offer you a few cardio exercises that put no force on your knees and other joints. Since their seats are much larger than other exercise bicycles, they are perfect for people who are overweight. Athletes choose these bicycles as a challenge. Recumbent bicycles are easy to use even for people with back and knee problems.

Compared with traditional upright bicycles, recumbent bicycles have several advantages. Their steering and handlebars are placed above the seat at shoulder level or below the seat. As the rider's body is comfortably maintained in a sitting position, there will not be any stress mounting on the hands. Their aerodynamic designs make long distance ridings free from saddle sores, neck strains, and wrist pain.

Holidays in New Zealand South Island and North Island

New Zealand didn't get the title 'Adventure Capital of the World' from promoting sock darning classes -- No Sir-eee, this title comes from the layout of high mountains off which glaciers roll, vast craggy gorges and lakes, and wide open space that make the whole country seem like a giant's Adventure Playground. And extreme sports peeps can't help but heed the call and want to spend their holidays in New Zealand and particularly South Island.

Bungee jumping, in its modern form, was invented in New Zealand, so it's the perfect introduction to all holidays in New Zealand. So was black water rafting, but this playground is also known for extreme staples: jet boating, white water rafting, heli bungy, tandem parapenting, tandem skydiving, heliskiing, snowkiting, snowboarding, sand yachting, zorbing, sphere-ing, rock climbing and abseiling, canyoning, and more gentle pastimes, kayaking, cycling or mountain biking and trekking: all worth considering when planning holidays in New Zealand.

This South Island extreme adventure itinerary is an extremely scenic model to base your own extreme holidays in New Zealand around.

Day 1: Wellington -- Nelson Many holidays in New Zealand start in Wellington, North Island, and from there head out across the Cook Strait, passing between the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson -- maybe doing a spot of fishing, or kayaking or wreck diving on your way.

Day 2 & 3: Abel Tasman National Park An unmissable part of any holidays in New Zealand, days in the Able Tasman National Park are for kayaking and walking in an extremely beautiful setting.

Day 4 - 6: Via the blowholes at Punakaiki to the Franz Joseph Glacier On the way past Punakiki to Franz Josef stop off at the Pancake Rocks, eroded rock formations that facilitate some very impressive ocean v. blowhole action, and not something most holidays in New Zealand factor time for, then spend a couple of days around the glacier cross county quad biking, ice climbing or rafting - or even heli-rafting - on the river. The face of the Franz Joseph glacier is constantly changing, it's one of the world's only advancing glaciers -- it can move up to 70cms a day - and the walk up to its icefields and icefells is though temperate rainforest, rising almost 2500m in under 12 kms. If the half day glacial hike up it, over its ice fields on the way, sounds a little too easy for your extreme holidays in New Zealand, opt for the heli-hiking option -- you do the work on the way up and then get lifted down over some spectacular scenes -- bound to be a highlight for holidays in New Zealand.

Day 7: Lake Wanaka In winter Lake Wanaka is the ultimate wintersports holidays in New Zealand destination, come on down skiers! cross country and otherwise, snowboarders! for the snow park and ice climbers. In summer it's time for fishing, swimming, boating and of course jet boating holidays in New Zealand.

Day 8 - 10: Queenstown and Milford Sound Queenstown has more than once been referred to as 'the Adventure Capital of the Adventure Capital'. This town has the original commercial bungee jump, as well as one of the highest - if that's not high enough go skydiving! Or try something new on your holidays in New Zealand and get catapulted about on the Shotover Canyon Swing - it's like a huge fairground ride - go high-wire-bungee-ing, try canyoning, or heli-mountain biking. There are a lot of sports that New Zealanders like to add the word 'heli' to the front of. In winter there's extreme wintersports to keep you entertained in Queenstown as well. Milford Sound is close by if you prefer extreme watersports.

Day 11: Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook Climbing Mt. Cook or heli-climbing her is one of the highlights of spending your holidays in New Zealand -- either way this snowy peak is a spectacular view -- but for an even more extreme view skydive over her.

Day 12: Christchurch Surf, do the rapids at Rangitata Gorge, or recover.

Arcade Golf Games

Arcade games are quite popular, including sports games like rugby, basketball, golf, etc. Such games focus more towards faster game plays and high scores, adding to their competitive nature.

Arcade golf games make a great sales tool for trade show contests, parties, corporate events and even putting practice. They even boast of realistic sounds and running commentary. They come fully equipped with a golf course graphic screen, PVC golf balls and tethered balls, electronic mat, a putting hole, putting green mat, tee, electronic module and flag. All you will have to do is get the clubs.

The Golden Tee is one such golf arcade game phenomenon. It has rivaled the pool table and the dartboard as a popular bar game. Since it is a coin-operated game, the money it makes goes to the distributor. The trajectory of the ball, usage of the backspin and controls to increase your shot accuracy can all be found in such golf arcade games. Some enthusiasts, who can afford to, also buy and keep such games at home. If they are married, then all they need is an extremely supportive and understanding spouse! The electronic golf arcade games need batteries to run, though they are not included in the package itself. You can buy them online or otherwise. These games have options for single or multi-player tournaments. Some have ticket dispensers, coin mechanisms or a free play mode. They also have built-in wheels, which makes them easily portable. The PGA Tour Golf 2006 Challenge Home Edition is an awesome design which even allows you to tee off during your choice of dawn, dusk or midday, with effects like fog and rain which actually affect the game. Everything is incredibly detailed, from the waterfalls and trees to the dimples on the ball. You can even make the golfer look like you or your best friend!

Such versions of these arcade games give you an experience of unparalleled reality and remarkable play at that.

Exploring the Tropical Rainforests of Australia

It's getting harder and harder to find land left that's not been touched by man, it's unfortunate but this is the direction our world is headed, and these lands will never be the same after being altered. Australia's Tropical North Queensland region is still one of the place that has this natural beauty still to be seen. There is much historical importance to this area also and many schools of higher education use the area for their school to teach and learn as much as possible.

The rainforests of this region have been placed on the World Heritage list as being a natural, living museum, so to speak. A place where you can come and explore the natural beauty, wonder, and amazement of watching creatures thriving in the natural habitat, the Australian rainforests are considered the oldest naturally preserved rainforests potentially dating back one hundred thirty five million years.

The rainforests have been left as natural wilderness but to help keep the human impact light boardwalks and other types of walkways were constructed. This small human touch has been very helpful to keep everything as natural as possible in the rainforests.

There are brochures for the rainforests if someone wants to wander this habitat on their own time, and guided tours for those who want some guidance. If you wish to stay close by there are quite a number of accommodations to make your stay comfortable during your tour of this unusual natural area. And most of these places to stay will offer some type of guided tour either day or night so their guests can see this incredible place and learn more about all of it. The tours encompass all of the uniqueness of the rainforests, from the white beaches to beautiful creeks to tumbling waterfalls.

The Tropical North Queensland region has something no other area in the world offers so among the tourist destinations to choose from it draws a lot of tourists. It offers an untouched natural habitat unlike anything else people can see anywhere else.

Sarasota Florida Hotels

It is not without any reason that Sarasota along with its islands is known as the gem of the Gulf coast of Florida. The beautiful beaches and the mangrove lined waterways make this place one of the most exquisite holiday destinations. Whether it is a canoe ride through the clear waters, shopping in the numerous malls or feasting on exquisite and scrumptious delicacies, Sarasota sounds like a perfect place for all this and more.

Like all other holiday destinations in Florida, even Sarasota offers a variety of options for accommodations for families, couples, and people on business trips and lonely explorers. So if you are considering Sarasota for that long planned for romantic getaway or the holiday with your family that never materialized, then you will not be disappointed.

Resorts and vacation homes will fit your need for privacy perfectly. While resorts will make your stay more comfortable with luxuries such as club facilities and room service, a vacation home on rent is the best idea if you wish to be left undisturbed alone or with your loved one.

A number of people feel obliged to stay at home and take care of their pets while the rest of the world is vacationing but, if your destination is Sarasota then you will no longer have to make the impossible choice between a few days of fun and your most beloved pet. A number of hotels in Sarasota offer your pets a grand accommodation, allowing them to get away and relax at the same time as you do!

Like most holiday destinations and tourist getaways, even Sarasota hotels offer online reservations. Some of the websites also let you take a virtual tour of the room that you have reserved for yourself. A cautious choice of hotels is all that you need to get set for the ultimate vacation experience.

Discount Florida Hotels

If you are on a limited budget tour to Florida and do not want to settle for a sleazy motel which rents room at dirt cheap rates but is situated at a downtown part of the city, then discount hotels are your next best option.

With the option of discount hotels you can get rooms for as low as $50 per night even on a twin sharing basis. Some of the high end hotels situated in the posh areas of the city also offer huge discounts. If you are lucky enough then some of the discounts can even go up to as much as 70% of the regular rates. However, these discount offers are at their best during the off seasons, when there are not that many tourists in the cities.

Your web browsing ability can help you find a decent deal which includes all the facilities provided by a five star hotel for as low as $75 a night. This may include a luxurious room, a swimming pool, complimentary meals and the facility to use the gymnasium.

While making these deals online one needs to be extremely cautious as a number of websites often display fraudulent information. They display photographs which are supposedly of the hotels at which you are making reservations but upon arrival, the actual hotel bears little resemblance to the one in the photographs.

It is a good idea to go through unbiased reviews posted by former customers before you make any reservations, otherwise you might discover that your vacation turns out to be quite disastrous. You might find that the room service is extremely slow, or your room might not even have the most basic facility of a shower. The food could be bad and there might be a number of other hidden expenses that surprise you only later in the bill.

So, for an experience which will leave you with fond memories, be sure to make your hotel reservations with extreme caution.

New Zealand Travel - See the South Island in 15 Days

Most people start their South Island holiday In Christchurch. I'd like to suggest an alternative. How about flying into Wellington. That may sound crazy, but it allows you to catch the Interislander ferry across to Picton, which is a great way to start your holiday. As you approach Picton you travel through the Marlborough Sounds, and you will get a much better look at them from the ferry than you would by road. You then collect your hire car from Picton and commence your journey at the top of the South Island, which means you won't need to backtrack over the same ground.

My suggestion for a 15 day trip is:

Day 1 fly to Wellington. Stay in the city or the Oriental Bay area so that you have a short trip to the ferry the next morning.

2. Wellington to Picton on a morning ferry (about 4 hours). Then collect your hire car at Picton and drive to Kaikoura (about 2 hours). You travel along the coast for most of the journey. The Kaikoura Range comes down to the sea and depending on the time of year there may be plenty of snow still.

3. Go whale watching in the morning in Kaikoura before the winds start, then drive to Hanmer Springs (about 2 hours). Visit the thermal pools in Hanmer. A lovely clean, alpine resort.

4. Hanmer to Christchurch (about 2 hours)

5. Christchurch

6. Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (about 3 hours) and stay the night (try for a lake view room. The scenery is amazing).

7. Drive from Tekapo to Queenstown (3.5 hours). Spend four nights in Queenstown. There is plenty to do and see, and four days is my recommended minimum time here. Try and book a lake view room if you can.

8 to 10 Stay in Queenstown. This will give you a chance to relax for a few days, although you should plan a bus trip to Milford Sound on one of these days (and a bungy if you are game). The trip to Milford Sound is a big day, but at least someone else is doing the driving. A trip on the old steamship TSS Earnslaw is also recommended as is a trip up to Bob's Peak on the gondola.

11. Drive from Queenstown to Wanaka. Make sure you travel over the Crown Range rather than through Cromwell, as it's shorter and has better scenery (about 1 hour). About 20 kilometres before Wanaka stop of at the old Cardrona Hotel for morning tea or lunch. Stay the night in Wanaka. The scenery is similar to Queenstown, but the town is less hurried. A beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Wanaka. Visit Puzzling World while in Wanaka.

12. Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier (about 4 hours). Spectacular scenery past endless lakes and then to the West Coast which is wild and rugged. Better to stay at Franz Josef rather than Fox Glacier as FJ has more variety in accommodation and places to eat. And you can see the glacier from the centre of the village. New Zealand weather can change quickly, but if the weather and funds allow, take a helicopter flight on to the glacier. Unbelievable!

13. Drive from Franz Josef to Punakaiki to visit Pancake Rocks and the blowhole. Not much else there other than a small village, but there is a motel called the Rocks Resort which is beachfront. We have stayed there a few times. The rooms look over the ocean and the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows so you can watch the sun setting over the ocean. Beautiful.

14. Drive from Punakaiki to Greymouth (about 30 minutes). Drop your car off then catch the Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch. Along with Milford Sound, this is one of the "must do" things in NZ. The train takes about 4 hours to go from Greymouth on the West Coast to Christchurch on the East Coast, and travels through the alps. Have your camera ready, sit back and enjoy a wine, and watch the world go by. A taste of New Zealand rail travel is a wonderful way to finish your holiday.

15. Fly home.

This itinerary doesn't take you to Dunedin. My personal opinion is that Dunedin is a bit over-rated, and that there are better things to see in your limited time on the South Island.

Hope this gives you plenty to think of. Enjoy planning your New Zealand travel.

P.S. 1. Don't forget your New Zealand travel insurance.

P.S. 2 When making your New Zealand hotel reservations, always try and book somewhere close to amenities, and if possible, with a view.