“Juste avant une partie de golf à Sierre… c’était top”

After a couple rounds of golf, i like to relax by Bedjumping.

“We are an aerobics team who recently travelled to Adelaide for the Australian National Championships. We used bed jumping as part of our pre-competition preparation (but we also discovered that synchronising 5 people to jump at the same time on 1 bed is a bit hard) – and also as part of the celebrations after we won!”

Wow….5 people Bedjumping on 1 bed. Thats unheard of. I have never seen this done before. I use to dream about it when i was a young child, but seeing it here is simply amazing. I’ve seen 2, and even 3, but 5. Thats out of this world. I am in shocked for the very first time in my bedjumping career. Kudos to you and your team. And you guys won too to top it all off. Wow. To see the kind of power BedJumping is capible of is spectacular.

If rugged beauty has a true home, it may well be in the Scottish Highlands. Vast, mountainous and sparsely populated, the region has an almost mystical quality that draws scores of explorers throughout the year. If you love a challenge and yearn for rustic scenery, traverse this spectacular part of the world while you can.

Here are twelve Highlands highlights to keep in mind.

Inverness

The capital and main hub of the Scottish Highlands is the fastest growing city in Europe. With a current population of over 70,000, projections are that by 2030, Inverness will crack the 100,000 mark. St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness Castle and the River Ness are the city’s chief landmarks.

Get deals on hotels all over Inverness.

Gail Loch

Scotland is famous for its Lochs, or lakes, of course, and Gair Loch is one of the most scenic. A village of the same name provides hikers with a quaint attraction, as do the lakeside fishing communities of Bad a’ Chrodha, Port Henderson and Shieldaig.

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Duich is home to one of the most notable and photographed points of interest in the Scottish Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle looms over the lake from a small island perch and dates back to the early 13th century. Originally built to discourage Viking attacks, the castle now serves as a popular film set.

Durness

On the northwestern tip of the Highlands lies a lonely township of breathtaking beauty. With barely 500 full-time residents, Durness is barely on the map. Tourists do come from far and wide however, for the natural scenery, namely in the form of cliffs, sea caves, beaches and marine life.

Ben Nevis

The highest point in the United Kingdom draws tens of thousands of visitors a year, most of whom aspire to ascend the mythical peak. While Ben Nevis may not approach the Swiss Alps in grandeur, its presence from Fort William and Loch Linnhe is nothing less than regal.

Great Glen Way

As much an activity as it is an attraction, the Great Glen Way is one of several remarkable long distance footpaths in the Scottish Highlands. The British Isles abound with tramping opportunities of course and this one is nothing if not spectacular. Covering some 117 km, the Way runs from Fort William to Inverness.

Isle of Skye

One of Scotland’s most prized gems, the Isle of Skye is a large island in the Inner Hebrides area of the Highlands. Famous for agriculture, fishing and whisky, the island’s de facto capital of Portree is a great place to soak up authentic Gaelic charm. Try to catch a game of shinty if you can.

Cairngorms National Park

With over 3,800 km² of Highlands wilderness to explore, Cairngorms National Park is a winner. The largest national park in the British Isles covers the Cairngorms range, charming communities, castles and whisky distilleries.

Outer Hebrides

Remote and relatively difficult to access (though ferry service from the Inner Hebrides and mainland is reliable), the inherent challenge posed by the Outer Hebrides is also the archipelago’s best asset. With only nine people per km², this exquisite part of the British Isles makes the rest of Scotland look like Dhaka. At any rate, this bastion of Gaelic is truly pristine.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

At 1,865 km², Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is about half the size of Cairngorms but no less brilliant. Home to some of the most historic counties and villages in Scotland, the lake, mountain range and park offers endless scenery, most usually of the photogenic, awesome variety.

Rannoch Moor

Scotland and indeed, the Highlands, are famous for moors. But what exactly is a moor? Well, head to Rannoch to find out. The marvelous, boggy expanse of acidic soil is a National Heritage site.

West Highland Way

Perhaps the best long distance footpath in Europe, West Highland Way stretches over 150 km and provides avid trekkers with gorgeous views. From Milngavie to Fort William, the walkway lures over 85,000 people a year. The village of Kinlochleven is an absolute must-stop en route.

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Just 10 kilometers away from Bangladesh’s mainland, one can find one of the smallest yet naturally beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean. Saint Martin’s Island is the only coral island under the rule of the Bangladesh government, a perfect destination for all the tropical lovers. With…

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Summer isn’t over until it’s officially over and there are still a few weeks left to squeeze in a few more summer activities – even if you have to cram them in on the weekends between school days.

There are tons of classic summer activities scattered throughout the United States and if you look carefully you might just find something you’ve never considered trying before.

10. The Edible Garden – New York

The Edible Garden is an 11-week festival hosted by the New York Botanical Garden. The festival features gardening demonstrations, lectures, and classes and talks featuring some of the area’s hottest celebrity chefs. The festival, held in the Bronx, will run until September 13^th.

9. All Points West Music & Arts Festival – Jersey City

It’s too late to make it in 2009 but the All Points West Music & Arts Festival held at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ (across the river from Manhattan) is an event you won’t want to miss in 2010 and beyond. Favorite bands like Coldplay, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Beastie Boys entertain crowds for 3 full days.

8. Clam Box – Ipswich, Massachusetts

In Ipswich, Massachusetts you’ll find a seafood landmark. The clam Box has been part of the town for more than 70 years. The building itself was built to resemble a take-out container but the quality of the food is so much better than your standard to-go style fare. The gigantic serving of friend clams you take home will make the long wait in line outside well worth the time spent.

7. Yankee Stadium – New York

Head on over to the Bronx for an amazing day in Yankee Stadium, a trip you can even make in the early fall. What you really need to do while you’re there, though, is take a trip away from your seats to explore some of the awesome dining establishments located inside. You’ll enjoy eggplant parm from Mike’s Arthur Avenue Italian Deli, barbeque from Jimmy’s BBQ, and delicious mojitos from Tommy Bahama’s Bar.

6. Festival del Sol – Napa Valley, California

Wine lovers will really appreciate the Festival del Sol, an annual event held in Napa Valley California each year. This year’s event, held in July, was located in a variety of different venues throughout the area and featured wine tastings and classical recitals by the likes of Renee Fleming.

5. Vermont Festival of the Arts – Mad River Valley, Vermont

The Vermont Festival of the Arts will be held in Mad River Valley from August 1^st through September 6^th. The month-long festival features local artists and musicians as they share their love of the arts in events scattered throughout the entire month. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the stellar Vermont Philharmonic while you’re there.

4. Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival – Santa Fe, New Mexico

The summer of 2009 proudly hosted the inaugural event for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. The festival schedule features concerts to be held at various locations throughout the city between July 19^th and August 24^th. Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s events to make sure you don’t miss out on professional narrations and stellar performances.

3. Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is one of the newest water sports to bring beachgoers to the waves and if you haven’t given it a shot you still have time. Paddleboarding is like surfboarding except the board is wider, making it easier to stand, and the paddle makes it easier to move around. You can learn to paddleboard in just about any beach town but if you head towards Waikiki you’ll find a few sports shops giving out lessons as well.

2. Crab Claw – St. Michaels, Maryland

The Crab Claw, a Maryland favorite, is well known for serving some of the best blue crab in the area. If you visit early in the morning you’ll get to see local fisherman dropping off the crabs they’ve caught for the day. The menu features not only spiced crabs but coleslaw, rock fish, and a myriad of other delicious seafood dishes.

1. Liberty Hotel Bike Rentals – Boston, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for something really different to do, try renting a bicycle from either the Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill or the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square – both Boston establishments. Both hotels are now renting bicycles to guests so that they can explore the five mile section of the city located between each. Gliding along the Charles River on an Electra Amsterdam Classic bicycle will prove a really wonderful way to wrap up a summer afternoon.

Summer doesn’t have to end just because Labor Day rolls around. Enjoy the few weeks of warmth and sunshine you have left by embracing all the United States has to offer!

Have you ever gone canyoning? It’s a new way to get down a river or a rapids using only your own body. You swim, slide, repel, jump, fall and float your way down a body of water. Watch this guy take a guided canyoning tour in Japan.

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With a metro population in excess of 5.5 million, Toronto is a big city by any measure and overtook Montreal decades ago to claim top spot in Canada. Thankfully for visitors however, the population is spread out over a massive urban area that comprises a virtual “Megacity”. With most attractions well within short distance of downtown Toronto, the city is a joy to explore. A first-rate public transportation system helps a great deal as well.

A superb four seasons destination, suitable for family fun and romantic escapades alike, Toronto has it all. Here then, are ten of the best, must-see attractions in the city known as “Hogtown”.

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

Though lacrosse, believe it or not, is the official sport of Canada, hockey is the country’s most famous export and beloved pastime. Toronto is Maple Leafs territory of course and the historic NHL club is well-represented at the beautiful Hockey Hall of Fame. The world class museum however, is all about hockey lore, both in and out of the NHL.

9. The Beaches

One of Toronto’s most prominent neighborhoods, The Beaches provides visitors with a welcome respite from the occasional crush of the downtown core. From funky Queen Street East to Kew Beach on Lake Ontario, a wonderful getaway district.

8. Chinatown

Toronto has a significant Chinese population and while spread out across the Megacity, most notably in the Agincourt, Scarborough area, in addition to Markham and Richmond Hill, the classic, historic Chinatown district is must-see.

7. Toronto Zoo

Only two zoos in the world encompass more land and animals than the remarkable Toronto Zoo. In order to enjoy all that the facility has to offer, book at least a day. The zoo has over 5,000 animals spread out over six different regions.

6. Art Gallery of Ontario

Though world famous architect Frank Gehry is a Toronto native son, his epic transformation of the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2008 was his inaugural work in Canada. The brilliant museum is one of the best in North America, now even more so thanks to Gehry, and contains close to 70,000 works of art.

5. Casa Loma

The most famous castle in Canada creeps up on drivers abruptly in the uptown district of Toronto. Built between 1911 and 1914 for a wealthy financier, Casa Loma is one of the most popular landmarks in the city and a frequent backdrop in film and television productions.

4. Eaton Centre

While the West Edmonton Mall is Canada’s most famous mall, the Eaton Centre may well be the best. Even if malls are not your idea of tourism fun, this is a central, ideal spot to people gaze and maybe grab a coffee or bite before going out on the town again.

3. Queen’s Park

Without a great park, a city is incomplete. Toronto has a slew of green space but none more beautiful, accessible, landmark-laden and enjoyable than Queen’s Park.

2. Kensington Market

A paramount National Historic Site, Kensington Market is a multi-ethnic enclave in diverse Toronto, flush with cool architecture and great shops, cafés and restaurants. From upscale to bohemian, counterculture to hipster chic, the district has it all. All in all, a terrific place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.

1. Royal Ontario Museum

One of the most prolific world culture and natural history museums in the world, the Royal Ontario Museum is a treasure. Next to Queen’s Park in the tony Yorkville district of Toronto, the museum looms over the vital intersection of Bloor Street and Avenue Road. Count on at least a few hours to fully appreciate what the R.O.M. has to offer – namely over 150,000 specimens that span a variety of disciplines.

Discover deals on great Toronto hotels.

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