cost – Page 18 – besthike.com

August 2, 2009August 3, 2009

#8 best hiking region in the world is …

The Italian Dolomites.

by site editor Rick McCharles

I write from Europe. This is the first adjustment to our Top 10 hiking regions since we first published them. Northern Italy has been added.

High altitude adventure and colourful sunsets. Wow! The Dolomites are far better than I expected. This was my first trip.

At besthike we rank all mountain vistas in the world against Paine in Chile, and Fitz Roy in Argentina.

The scenery in the Dolomites may be just as good. And there are far, far more stunning jagged peaks in Italy than in all of South America.

Many, many Europeans get out hiking during the Summer. Trails are crowded everywhere throughout the Dolomites and the Alps. There’s a great shared sense of community here.

Instant gratification. You can ride chair lifts up to the very tops of some of these peaks. How convenient is that? Almost anyone can find a best hike for themselves in this range.

WW I history in the Dolomites is sobering. German, Austrian and Italian soldiers were stuck digging tunnels through these mountains through several winters. This was the “Front”. Needless to say, far more young men died from the elements and falls than by fire fights. There are reminders of the Great War everywhere.

Here is the home of via ferrata (Italian for “iron road”). (In fact, our next trip to the Dolomites will be dedicated to doing some of the best of those assisted climbing routes.)

Not everything is perfect in the Dolomites. I prefer the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, overall.

In the Sierras I can put up a tent anywhere I want. Fantastic.

Unfortunately, in the Dolomites you are required to sleep in alpine buildings called Refuges. (Refugios – Italian). Their locations are stunning. Many people love them. But – personally – I prefer my tent over sleeping on the floor. Or in bunk beds.

Happily you can reach almost any place in the Dolomites by day hike. Public transportation in the valleys below is good!

The two regions – the Sierras and the Dolomites – are similar in that everywhere is a best hike.

Rifugio Locatelli - click for larger version

I do like the food and drink at Refugios. Prices are regulated.

The main reason I had not hiked in Europe in 30yrs is cost. Italy can be expensive.

It’s possible to hike on the cheap. Putting up my tent in a campground in Cortina only cost 9€ (US$12.80) / night in 2009. Bread, chocolate, soft cheese and wine are inexpensive. What more do you need?

Dan & Janine Patitucci relocated from California to the Dolomites. A good site in English for inspiration. A partner offers Dolomite hiking and biking tours.

For specific information on how to hike these limestone mountains, check our Dolomites Information page.

Leave a comment if you have your own favourite hike in the Dolomites.

July 22, 2009

sleep cheap – The Tent – Munich

This place is ideal for European hikers in transit who have the gear and experience to sleep on the ground, outside.

The hostels and low cost hotels in Munich are often full. As an overflow, you can always stay at “The Tent”, a non-profit organization.

It’s a campground. A big tent full of bunkbeds.

bunk-beds

Or a big tent where you can sleep on the Floor.

sleep-on-the-Floor

Cost in 2009 depending on which you choose varies from 7.50 – 11 Euro / person. Even less if you put 2 or more people in your own tent.

See more photos. The many services offered.

official website

read some reviews

They have a tent in Berlin, Germany, as well. A real party “scene” at both places.

I’ve always felt there’s a market for low cost accommodation. You could make money offering cheap sleeps in many parts of the world where hostels are over-priced.

June 4, 2009May 30, 2009

hiking Iceland

… I’ve been thinking about hiking Iceland. …

Iceland? The closest European land to North American shores is more like Halfpriceland these days. Its krona has plummeted against the dollar, bringing what was one of the most-expensive spots on Earth back down to affordable levels, and with travel deals ramping up for the summer season this is the best time in at least five years to take the short flight over to Reykjavik. …

the adventure life – Adventure Next Door: Iceland Has Never Been So Cheap

Iceland
larger version

flickr – orvaratli – more Iceland photos

May 22, 2009

researching the North Coast Trail, B.C.

I’m looking for first hand advice on the lastest, greatest hike on Vancouver Island, B.C.

The North Coast Trail has been on our list of best hikes in North America since before it opened officially in 2008.

Nathan Derksen hiked it in 2004 – trip report

North-Coast-Trail
one of Nathan’s excellent photos – larger version

… The 43.1 km trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park runs along beaches and in forest around the northern tip of Vancouver Island from Shushartie Bay to Nissen Bight. At Nissen Bight it links up with an existing 15 km trail which leads to the trailhead at San Josef River[1]. The total distance for hikers between the trailheads is 61 km. The trail is in a wilderness area and hikers may see deer, elk, black bears, cougars, wolves, sea birds, seals, sea lions, grey whales and sea otters. …

It’s often compared with the famed, nearby West Coast Trail.

I have already contacted the 3 main trailhead transportation companies as I won’t have a personal vehicle.

Cape Scott Water Taxi
Box 580 Port Hardy B.C. V0N 2P0
Phone (250) 949-6541
Toll Free: 1-800-246-0093
info@capescottwatertaxi.ca
capescottwatertaxi.ca

Catala Charters Jim & Cathy Witton
Box 526 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0
Phone/Fax (250) 949-7560;
Toll Free 1-800-515-5511
catalacharters@hotmail.com
northcoasttrailwatertaxi.com

North Coast Trail Shuttle
Box 977 Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0
Phone: 250-949-6888 Cel 250-230-1994
shuttle2@telus.net
northcoasttrailshuttle.com

Leave a comment if you have recommendations for me.

May 12, 2009May 11, 2009

Canadian National Park fees frozen

I’ve long complained that Parks Canada Fees are too high.

Some good news:

National park gate fees … are being frozen in a bid to entice cash-strapped Canadians to visit more often.

A two-year fee freeze at national parks and historic sites, described as”some of the most magnificent and fascinating places to visit in the world,” was announced Saturday by Environment Minister Jim Prentice.

“In this time of global economic recession, our government is doing what it can to encourage Canadians to enjoy these places,” said Prentice. “For many families, every dollar counts.” …

Individual rates for 2008 will stay in place until April 1, 2011. For the travel trade, the 2009 rates now in effect will be frozen until April 1, 2012.

“This important economic decision will help make Canada’s best vacation destinations more affordable to Canadians, and will help make our parks more attractive worldwide,” Prentice said. …

The move comes in time for the unveiling of Parks Canada’s new national advertising campaign, designed to encourage Canadians to plan vacations to visit parks and sites. …

Calgary Herald

kids-on-glacier
jocorvera/PINDUTERO – The Columbia Icefield – larger version

Annual Pass entry to 27 participating National Parks

Adult – $67.70
Senior – $57.90
Youth – $33.30
Family/Group – $136.40

National Parks of Canada

April 3, 2009April 1, 2009

Is hiking dying or not?

I remember all the hiking blogs jumping on the gloom and doom prediction that “hiking was dying“.

From Feb. 2008:

… Since the late 1980s, the percentage of Americans taking part in such activities has declined at slightly more than 1 percent a year. … participation is down 18 percent to 25 percent from peak levels.

NPR – Americans Spending Less Time in Nature

I pooh-poohed it at the time.

Now, a year later, what’s the buzz?

take-a-hike-arizona
Take A Hike Arizona – flickr – larger original

Outdoor camping’s popularity jumped 7.4 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to a report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Overnight backpacking is up 18.5 percent …
Backcountry.com – The Goat – Camping Stock Rises in Weak Economy

In our current economic crisis, more families are ditching the hotel room and learning how to pitch a tent …
Backpacker – Daily Dirt – NEWBIE CAMPERS ON THE RISE

Backpacker – Daily Dirt – BACKPACKING ON THE CHEAP

Trail Space – Trend Alert: Camping is Chic!

Let’s proclaim this year The Year of the Hiker.
The Trailmaster

March 31, 2009March 31, 2009

avoiding trailhead vehicle break-ins

From Rocky Thompson:

Colorado police arrested a four-person burglary crew that would run a smash-and-grab on cars parked at trailheads. The four thieves-who are kind of like supergroup combination of Bonnie and Clyde plus Thelma and Louise-would wait until hikers had left their cars before smashing windows and stealing credit cards to buy video games and electronics. …

The Goat Hikers Targeted by Criminal Masterminds

I’ve tried just about everything over the years, including leaving an empty vehicle unlocked.

There’s no perfect solution. Each trailhead needs be considered individually.

In Hawaii last year I left my rent-a-car miles from the (reportedly dangerous) trailhead at a campground. Walked the extra distance to the trail, for security.

At many trailheads in Canada there’s no worry. Remote hikes in the Rockies are almost all safe.

Leave a comment if you’ve a strategy to share.

March 24, 2009March 21, 2009

Mountain Travel Sobek – half price

Outside reports:

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Mountain Travel Sobek is doling out 40 free adventures. Travelers who book a trip by Apr. 17 can bring a friend for free. Destinations include: Machu Picchu, Morocco, the Swiss Alps, and more.

40 Free Trips

40-free-trips

home page – Mountain Travel Sobek

There are some good deals out there for guided hikes. Shop around.

Leave a comment if you’ve seen any good value deals on treks.

February 19, 2009February 15, 2009

National Park or Disney World?

I’ve never entered Disney World.

Since I’ve never owned a house, I could not spend the “profit” on rapidly escalating market value on a holiday.

Now many others in North America join me in comparative poverty.

Kurt Repanshek on National Parks Traveler posted on this topic – With or Without a Stimulus Package, National Parks Can Be Economical Vacation Destinations.

… If you take a family of four (three members age 10 or more, one under 10), to Disney World for one day, you’ll pay nearly $300 (you can do the calculations at this site) for the privilege of passing through the gate. The Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida? Buy online and one park for one day will only cost you $73 per ticket.

How much more you’ll spend on hotels and meals, well, you can imagine. …

Now, if you go to Yellowstone National Park, it’ll cost that same family of four just $25 to pass through the gate — and that entry pass is good for seven days. Go to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it won’t cost you anything, as there are no entry fees at that park. …

piggybank2-main_full