There are many beautiful places to hike whether during a trip abroad or a nearby national park. Inexperienced hikers may one to choose a guided tour, especially if you are abroad in a new place while experienced hikers may venture out on their own. Regardless of your experience level or location, there are some things to which every hiker must heed.

Finding and investing in a good pair of boots is important, but you might be surprised to find that selecting socks can be even more challenging than finding that perfect boot. Let me explain.

Hiking socks are not just socks. Sport socks will not serve your hiking needs. The socks you wear for tennis or basketball are not adequate for a long hike. Good hiking socks are thick, comfortable and sturdy and have great moisture-wicking and thermal properties.

Moisture-wicking is a must in hiking. “Wicking” is simply transporting sweat away from your foot. Without this feature, you can develop such things as fungi, blisters or chafing among others. It’s not even about the smell at this point, but rather health problems. That alone should get you out to the store purchasing a quality pair of socks!

If your hike is of any significant length, you will want your socks to have good thermal properties. In hot climates, the sock needs to pull the heat away from the foot and exit it out of the boot. In colder climates, the socks help keep the feet in a comfortable range of warmth.

It is quite a technological wonder that socks can perform these to opposite goals, but they do. Even better, they do that while providing comfort, support and moisture-wicking as described above. For those who are still skeptical, go out and try a good pair of socks with some good hiking boots. You will be impressed.

Cotton is a good choice as far as material, but clever manufacturers have gone beyond nature’s material and now offer other excellent choices in socks. They have combined blends such as Lycra or wool and micro-geometry to provide excellent thermal control, comfort, support and moisture-wicking capabilities.

As far as fit, socks should have thicker areas around the heel, ankle bone and toe. These areas incur the most wear and tear. Also, avoid socks that have ridges near the toes or ankle bone especially, as ridges can irritate your foot similar to having a small stone in your boot.

They should be long enough to be pulled up and folded over your boot. Even if they have some elasticity at the top, folding them down helps prevent the sock from sliding inside your boot.

Keep in mind that hiking socks are more expensive than other socks, ranging from $10 per pair and higher. But, you do not want to find yourself replacing hiking socks every other month. So, invest in several good pairs and take care of your feet!

Article Source: http://www.go-see.info

Ken Morris continually pens news stories on ideas associated to Calpe and Murcia. You might discover his contributions on la manga golf courses over at www.alicante-spain.com .

As the Great Ocean Road winds its way past the treacherous yet beautiful Skeleton Coast most of it's travellers are too captivated by ocean views, sheer cliffs and impressive limestone formations to contemplate the treasures that lie inland from the coast. But the lush rainforests, the cool creeks and the crashing waterfalls of the Otway Ranges are luring more and more of them into the mountainous hinterland that lies behind Lorne and Apollo Bay, and none have left disappointed.

The rainforests of this region are part of a rich temperate ecosystem that supports a huge diversity of plant and animal life. The dense and colourful vegetation that covers the mountain slopes has a mystical quality to it, which, together with the magnificent views and the serpentine water system gives the whole area an enchanted feel that will delight you and your family. There are thirteen waterfalls in the region which provide a focal point for visitors to the ranges, who also enjoy the numerous bushtrails that cater to all level of bushwalker, from the fit and energetic to the plain lazy!

The most visited waterfall in the Otways is the Erskine Falls, which is just a short drive north of Lorne. There is also a bushwalking trail from the town to the falls, it is about 7.5 kilometres long and will take about three hours one way. On the way you are rewarded with a sighting of two other waterfalls, Straw Falls and Splitter Falls, and the path goes through a large natural amphitheatre that in centuries gone was used to hold church services. The Erskine Falls themselves consist of a sheet (more of a ribbon in the drier months!) of water pitching over a vertical thirty metre high drop into a leafy, fern lined valley below. An array of birdlife inhabits the surrounding trees, and all the vegetation close to the falls is covered in a fine mist from the falling water.

Another popular waterfall often seen as a flagship of the Otways is Triplet Falls, situated on the Colac-Lavers Hill road. A broad rock face has the effect of splitting the stream into three distinct flows that cascade downwards parallel to each other. Tall mountain ash and beech trees tower high above this quaint and charming falls, which has only recently been reopened to the public after undergoing a two million dollar redevelopment scheme. A two kilometre loop walk has been built around it, complete with raised boardwalks, viewing platforms and a picnic area. Its a perfect days outing for fans of nature and tranquility.

To complete the days outing pay a visit to the infamous Otway Fly, which is located adjacent to Triplet Falls. The fly is a 600 metre long treetop walk that rises twenty five metres above the ground, taking the walker on a journey through the upper reaches of the rainforest vegetation strata. A forty five metre high viewing platform is reached via a spiral staircase, placing the viewer at the very top of the rainforest and providing chilling yet spectacular views in all directions. This is definitely recommended for anyone wishing to come into intimate and unique contact with the plants and animals of the Otway Ranges.

Heading out to the town of Beech Forest will bring you close to two of the more spectacular waterfalls in the Otway Ranges, the Beauchamp and the Hopetoun Falls, which are both just a short drive off the Aire Valley Road. You will hear the crash of the Hopetoun Falls from the carpark before you see them, as the water plunges into the deep crevice it has carved. There is a viewing platform here from which you can look at them, or if you are feeling energetic take the steep walk down to the base of the falls. This one kilometre walk will take about forty five minutes, and requires a bit of caution. If you fancy a longer walk then go to the Beauchamp Falls, which has a three kilometre return track to the picnic area at the base of the falls. Thick forest surround the fern fringed pool down here, which is perfect for swimming.

Dotted throughout the Otways are a range of accommodation options and styles, all with unique characteristics and all taking advantage of the astounding scenery. If it seems a bit overwhelming choosing somewhere to stay, it shouldn't be. Just head to otwaysaccommodation.com.au, which is a simple and easy to navigate website that lists the details and information of all the accommodation options in the Otways, as well as providing vital information on local tourism operators and sites to see in the region.

Browsing through the site you will no doubt be captivated by The Boomerangs, which are an award winning series of cottages situated near Johanna. Architecturally designed in the shape of boomerangs, the interior decor is also themed around local indigenous artwork and culture. These quintessentially Australian cottages have glorious ocean views and are set against a backdrop of native forest. Its impossible not to relax there!

If you are planning a trip to this part of the world, try and include the date of October 13th in your travel plans. On that day an inaugural festival celebrating food, wine and opera is happening in Melba Gully. 'Gumboots and Pearls - Opera in the Otways' is showcasing a sensational opera group from Melbourne, as well as many local musicians, all in the mystical and enchanting confines of the lush fern gully. The dramatic beauty of the surroundings is sure to complement the drama of the opera, so if you are in the area be sure not to miss this exciting event.

Article Source: http://www.go-see.info

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Melbourne Car Hire

Thailand is a newly industrialised country. After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1996 - averaging almost 9% annually - increased pressure on Thailand's currency, the baht, in 1997, the year in which the economy contracted by 1.9% led to a crisis that uncovered financial sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the currency. Pegged at 25 to the US dollar from 1978 to 1997, the baht reached its lowest point of 56 to the US dollar in January 1998 and the economy contracted by 10.8% that same year. The collapse prompted a wider Asian financial crisis.

Thailand exports over $105 billion worth of products annually ^[2]. Major exports include rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances. Thailand is the world’s no.1 exporter of rice, exporting 6.5 million tons of milled rice annually. Rice is the most important crop in the country. Thailand has the highest percent of arable land, 27.25%, of any nation in the Greater Mekong Subregion About 55% of the available land area is used for rice production

Substantial industries include electric appliances, components, computer parts and automobiles, while tourism contributes about 5% of the Thai economy's GDP. Long stay foreign residents and their business investments also contribute heavily to GDP.