Appointed the masterpiece of humanities heritage, day of the dead is one of the holidays depicting Mexico all over the world. While the celebrations last two days, the preparations, research, and meaning goes far beyond. There are several traditions that surround this holiday and also depend on the culture of each place in where it is held.

On November 1st and 2nd, the Mexican people come together to host a party to greet the souls, leaving them their favorite foods during their life existence at an altar, as well as some elements that will help them find the way back. These altars of the dead are well known around the world and there are even several contests that are dedicated to preserving this tradition, as well as the altars that are easy to assemble.

The “dead altars” are made up of different steps or levels, which represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. There are altars that have seven steps; these represent the seven deadly sins according to the Otomi belief, or seven levels that a soul must go through to rest, according to other beliefs. The items offered on the table are, apart from food for the deceased, marigold flowers, pan de muerto; elements such as fire, wind, and earth are represented by candles, incense, spiritual confetti, and salt.

The sugar and chocolate skulls are another important part of the altar and of the traditions of this holiday.  The little skulls represent the deceased person and bear the name of the person on the front. Also, taken as a joke some dedicate a skull to a living person. At the end of the festivities, these skulls can be consumed by relatives and friends of the deceased. However, in some cultures it is believed that the food that was offered loses the flavor and essence when the deceased has made his visit and the food cannot be eaten anymore.

In addition to the sugar skulls, there is another type of skull in Mexico’s day of the dead traditions. The tradition of writing a composition in verse, which has a comical touch, called calaverita literary. These skulls were born in the 19th century with the need to discuss serious problems or unhappy topics about policy, which outside comedic tones, would be very difficult to express. Therefore, they were censored for many years, before integrating them into tradition.

Another important tradition of day of the dead is to visit the cemeteries where the faithful departed are buried. Some cultures spend days and nights beside the grave of their loved ones and others only visit the place to bring them flowers and dedicate them prayers. Marigold flower bows are also made and people will visit with several candles for the deceased to help them find their way home.

All of these traditions together represent one of the largest in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times, enriched with Spanish culture and the Catholic Church to become what we now know as day of the dead. Many cultures celebrate their own versions of this holiday, as part of the family heritage and homeland. All of these celebrations converging on the idea that someday the deceased will be back with those people who loved them in life and that, for now, only come to visit them one day of the year, on the day of the dead.

November is filled with celebrations and historical and mystical traditions around the world. In countries such as United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa celebrate the tradition of Bonfire Nightor, Guy Fawkes Night, and bonfire night. This tradition is celebrated on November 5th of each year in United Kingdom and celebrates a historical fact with fireworks, bonfires, burning scarecrows, many lights, and rich snacks.

In 1605, began the reign of James I and all of the Catholics hoped to have a better deal by the monarchy. Previously, under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, Catholics were not allowed to attend mass or be faithful to the pope. There were many dissatisfied citizens, who saw that the abuse wasn’t going to change, decided to assassinate the king one night, in Parliament. They took 35 barrels of explosives and waited to set fire to the place and had planned to abduct infants and families from any Member of Parliament, however, they were discovered. This historical fact is known as the failure of the gunpowder plot.

The celebration has taken on several names, such as, Guy Fawkes Night, since the kings guards captured a subject by the name of Guy Fawkes, who was indicted for attempted murder. Each year, the English celebrate having saved the king that night by burning figures of a man, alluding to Guy Fawkes. Nights before November 5th, children of England used to go from house to house asking for “a penny for Guy”. With the money they collected, they bought the material needed to manufacture these dolls thus being able to burn them during the night of the fire.

In addition to the construction and burning of these figures, Englishmen have adopted the tradition of burning fireworks to make the celebration more colorful. Every year they make a parade dressed in black striped sweaters and red hats, of clothing of the time, carrying torches, dolls, and other items with fire. As a part of this celebration families gather to dine with traditional dishes, such as, roasted potatoes, sausages, mash, and candied apples.

It is important to point out that today this holiday does not have an anti-Catholic nature. The official party was abolished in the 19th century now this tradition is very popular. Locals have even come to burn figures of important characters in English culture that have nothing to do with the original tradition. Every country has its deeply-rooted traditions and it is important that they are not lost. To have this anchor to the past helps remind all mankind the place where we come from and who we are today.

The same as day of the dead is celebrated in Mexico and Halloween is celebrated in United States, there are many other countries with celebrations for the deceased. On the beautiful island of Haiti, as a part of their heritage of the voodoo religion, the Fet TEAP , or, all souls day is celebrated. This celebration takes place on November 2nd, and as of day of the dead, is to celebrate the feast of all the souls in the country.

This festival consists of various voodoo rituals which are represented through dance, music, and Haitian traditions. The capital of Haiti, Port au Prince, celebrates all souls day by wearing traditional colors of the holiday; black and red. Early inhabitants celebrate with dances, food, singing, offerings, and religious prayers. It is customary to make a trip to the cemetery, where lies the souls of the believers, Baron Somedi, who is the god of death, and his son Gede. Bringing those offerings and other important entities for the voodoo religion.

Embellishments are also an important part of the celebration and are why all of the graves are filled with flowers and candles. Similarly, Haitians dress their heads with scarves and colorful necklaces and images of saints’ voodoo during the entire celebration.  In the main cemetery, believers dance and worship these entities important to their religion gathered under the cross of Baron Somedi and Maman Brigitte, another important entity of religion. Offerings, like traditional bread and rum, are carried to the graves of the deceased family members.

While all worship, some believers are possessed by spirits and begin to rub their bodies with chile and rum while others sing and dance. At the peak of the celebration, the priestess or mambo frees the souls of his acolytes with the help of a hen and whites doves to perform the ritual. In this ritual the mambo is possessed by Maman Brigitte and begins to predict events of next year. She continues to dance and sing around the cross of Baron Somedi, which is sprayed with rum and ignites in a fire, while she regains consciousness.

It is important to point out the importance in the religiousness and sacredness of the music, since this is the link that connects the world of the living to the dead in voodoo religion. The island becomes really shocking scenery in which the drums are heard in unison. Full of mysticism, religion, tradition, and music, this celebration is one of the most important in Haiti. While their voodoo religion has been hunted by French colonizers, neither the years nor the wars have failed to uproot Haitians of their roots and traditional celebrations. Open minded travelers have come from all over the world to enjoy Port au Prince on this date to admire this anachronistic holiday and live it in person.

Day, December 11, 1620 European pilgrims arrived to North America, fleeing poverty and extreme conditions which were in their land. Tradition says that the first winter was really tough for all travelers in the new land; however, with the passing of the months, the American Indians and the pilgrims came closer and together planted, which harvested a year later on Thanksgiving in America in 1621.

It is said that the pilgrims invited the Indians who had planted on their land, to a dinner in a celebration of good the harvest. It is rumored that the Europeans brought this tradition from their continent and that the Indians did something similar to thank the good harvest. It was until February 19, 1795 that the first president of the United States, George Washington, proclaimed this day as Thanksgiving Day. Abraham Lincoln moved the date to October 3rd years later, and in 1941, Theodore Roosevelt dictated that Thanksgiving would be held on the fourth Thursday of November each year.

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most important holidays of the year, along with Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A dinner is served on this day with special seasonal dishes, such as, oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, or gravy juice from the turkey. The turkey is stuffed with vegetable, cornbread, and sage. Dessert consists of traditional pumpkin pie, which is accompanied with drinks like hot apple cider. Now a days this dinner is a mere pretext for American families to get gather to thank for food, material possessions, wealth in the home, family health, and a good life in general.

Also associated with Thanksgiving is next Friday, also known as black Friday, is a day in which all stores in the United States have significant rebates and discounts. The shops open very early and the buyers take full advantage of these sales. However, the most important part of this holiday is that the Americans recognize that the pilgrims and Indians who, at the time, were able to join together and move forward through difficult times.

One of the most exciting tendencies in the world of travellers, without a doubt, is adventure tourism. Full of high-risk sports, extremes, nature, emotional challenges, and pure adrenaline, adventure tourism has much to offer to the danger lovers. If you consider joining this group of people, you may also be interested in knowing the highest ranked countries to experience the opportunities that adventure tourism has to offer you.

1. Switzerland

This country is the paradise of snow sports, and is waiting for you with unlimited activities that you can enjoy all year round.  Scuba dive under ice and pass through sledge if you decide to visit during winter; if you plan on travelling during the summer, take a suspension course about ropes and try classic sports such as rafting, hiking, fishing, and more.

2. Costa Rica

Its biological diversity is ideal for excursionists that love extreme camping, Tyrolean, hiking, and water sports. Also, this is the favourite destination of those who love to explore nature and no body can resist its impressive, natural beauty.

3. New Zealand

The magical personality of this small country is enough to fill your adventure agenda with activities. If you have a surfer spirit, this is the destination you are looking for, as the coast of New Zealand is ideal for this sport. Also, put your abilities to the limits hiking on ice, exploring caves and underground rivers.

4. Brazil

Do not miss the chance to experience the tropical jungle of this magnetic country. Observe the wild life and incredible landscapes while travelling on boat or canoe. Hike enormous mountains, discover the amazon, scuba dive, and learn the Brazilian culture in which ever of its beautiful cities.

5. Canada

Canada is the country to spend hours of fun in the open air. Its fresh climate makes you want to experience all the activities it has to offer, such as, visit authentic goat farms, ride horses in the most beautiful mountains, cross its waters in canoes, and many more attractions.

6. Madagascar

The vast ecosystem of Madagascar gives travellers much more opportunity of adventure on this island. If you dare, scuba diving with sharks is one of the most requested activities. You can also go whale watching or see venomous frogs and chameleons. If you search you can find mountain paths that can be walked or done on bicycle.

7. Australia

The coast of this country, located on the smallest continent of the world, stays busy every season of the year thanks to the endless activities it has to offer. From snorkelling and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef to surfing kayaking, rafting, and windsurfing in its beautiful beaches. In the mountains you can practice cycling, trekking, caving, and hiking.

8. Nepal

As incredibly as it seems, Mount Everest is not the only peak that reside in this country. Nepal is home to 8 of the highest peaks in the world and for that reason offers the best quality of mountain sports. Also, its cultural diversity and nature allows it to have national parks and shocking reservations in which you can enjoy elephant rides, admire rhinoceros, tigers, and crocodiles.

Adventure tourism is available for you in whichever country in the world with endless options for all likes and abilities.  Remember to always have a safe trip, following the rules of the tour guides and professional instructors. Which of these destinations is the best for your spiritual adventure?

You have chosen your destination and your travel companions. You are planning the perfect interary for this expedition, the best of your lives. Never the less, you cannot be ready for your adventure if you lack any of these items that will facilitate life on this trip.

1. Tent and sleeping bag: If you are an inveterate adventurer, never accept to stay in a luxury hotel. You may not want to bring a tent either, but we suggest that you prepare to protect yourself overnight and avoid risks at all costs. In fact, some destinations it is mandatory to sleep in a tent and not take the risk.

2. Required food: It is the law of travellers to not over carry, but you cannot leave without some packed food, which you will need during your expedition. We recommend you always carry water bottles (1 liter per person), energy bars, and dried food. This will help you maintain energy during your trip until you can stop and eat.

3. Emergency kit: Whatever the environment that you decide to venture, there are certain risks. Whether you have minor burns, or insect or animal bites, it is important that you pack antidotes against these evils. Some companies bring medicines needed in each of these trips, but it is important to take extra material needed for any situation.

4. Elements of survival: By this we mean ropes, knives, tape, batteries, or any other tool that you think is appropriate. It is always better to prevent any difficult situation you may go through if you do not have the means to overcome it at the time.

5. GPS and compass: Todays technology allows us to have guidance at any time, but in some corners of the earth, the little signal on your phone is not enough to avoid getting lost. It never hurts to carry a good compass or radios so that each of your companions can communicate.

6. Sunscreen: Hats, Jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeved clothing, and light colours are basics to prevent sun damage. Do not spend hours exposing yourself to the sun without protection, even when you’re in the shade.

7. Flashlight: So the unknown of the night darkness does not catch you off guard. It is important to take a good flashlight with enough batteries to last the whole trip.

8. Adequate shoes: Depending on your destination, choose the right pair of shoes for your expedition. Hiking boots or tennis shoes with non-slip soles are recommended for all around walking. Also if you can, pack a couple extras for any accidents you may have.

9. Nightwear: We do not recommend pyjamas that do not cover you entirely. Bring enough changes of clothes to relax in while you are dry and keep as covered as possible to avoid diseases. Do not under estimate the weather or diseases you can get.

10. Personal Hygiene accessories: You are probably not going to be able to wash up as much as you wish during your trip, but do not neglect your personal hygiene completely. Pack deodorant, wipes, antibacterial gel, body lotion, and soap at least. Keep your skin moisturized and try to wash your hands before you eat to prevent disease.

Would you add an item to this list? Always remember that your safety and health come first, so it’s important to not risk your life or that of your companions by not taking some basic survival items. Enjoy your adventure and we wish you the best trip of your life.

Thousands of travellers search their whole lives for the best adventures that the world has to offer. If you are one of them, you may be interested in knowing more about adventure tourism. Practically, this type of tourism is based on visiting places on every continent on the planet that contains these three characteristics: Physical activity, cultural activity, and coexistence with nature. These are the three traits of adventure and will vary depending on the activities itself and what the tourist is looking for.

The main objective of this type of tourism is to stimulate the sense of the adventurer. Usually, adrenaline lovers and all of those who enjoy putting their physical and emotional skills to the limit pursue adventure tourism. For this reason, it is recommended, that those who like to practice these activities be in perfect health to avoid any risk. The destinations of these attractions have the relevant medical care and are always current with the security measures necessary for the dynamic.

Adventure tourism is divided into different types:

1. Accessible tourism: This type of tourism is considered inclusive as they represent activities that can be preformed by anyone, even with a disability or illness.
2. Cultural tourism: the act of traveling to any country other than there own and learning all about its history, art, traditions and even lead their lifestyle for a period of time.
3. Disaster tourism: Travellers traveling to areas affected by a natural disaster to help the community while learning about building and nursing.
4. Ecotourism: includes a trip to a naturally protected area and allows recreational activities that teach about the importance of the visit.
5. Ethno tourism: Refers to visits to indigenous areas to observe and learn about their culture without any formal scientific research communities.
6. Extreme tourism: Are all sports and activities that threaten the life of the traveler with their consent, either because the area is dangerous or because of its dynamic.
7. Ghetto tourism: Refers to visit communities in extreme poverty or developing areas.
8. Jungle tourism: Collect all the information of the visit made in a tropical and jungle areas.
9. Earth tourism: A road trip done by truck, van or motorcycle, is usually done in groups and can take up to months to complete. The remote travel destination may be unknown or the journey may not have as much adventure as the main attraction.
10. Urban exploration: The boarding and inspection of abandoned buildings or man made ruins, which may have some historical value.

If the unknown calls you, the danger does not scare you and you are ready to embark on an unsurpassed episode in your life, then the adventure is for you.  Remember that the activities undertaken vary depending on your destination. Among the most common are also the cultural exchange that the community offers, especially extreme sports like trekking, mountaineering, parachuting, rappelling, rafting, surfing, hiking, scuba diving, hunting, snowboarding, paragliding, motorcycling, and others. We are sure that we will find activities to suit your desires and curiosities.

The capital of the Christian Church is the smallest independent state in the world. Vatican City declared its independence from Italy in 1929, and has been faring well so far.

Religious or not, if you visit Rome Vatican City is a mist. The city is full of the most amazing art pieces created by humans. Not just sculptures or paintings, the buildings and the gardens are also something to truly admire.

Vatican Museums

Within Vatican City you can find several museums filled with art collections which have been gathered by the Popes throughout history. Here you can appreciate the centuries of work made by the most famous artists of all time. There are museums dedicated to just sculptures, paintings, the Vatican history and more. If you travel to Rome you are invited to see one of the most amazing collections of art in the World.

Gardens of Vatican City

These are the private gardens of Vatican City, they cover almost half of this tiny country. The gardens are full of fountains and statues, most of them from the Renaissance and Baroque era. Unfortunately, this area is closed to the public. There are, however, guided tours to a limited number of people. So if you are lucky you may be able to take advantage of one of these tour options.

St. Peter’s Basilica

This is one of the largest churches around the globe and it’s considered one of the holiest places of the Christian Church. St. Peter’s is the most renowned work in Renaissance architecture; designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Here is where the Sistine Chapel and The Pietà by Michelangelo are displayed.

According to the Christian lore, this church was built over the grave of St. Peter; one of Jesus Christ Apostles. This place gathers around 50,000 people each time the pope makes an announcement. It is especially full when a new pope is being presented. It should be noted that woman are not allowed to enter if the shoulders or knees are showing.

This place is sacred,not because it is the capital of Christianity, but for the amount of art and legacy we as human kind have left here. Vatican City has gathered the work of geniuses in architecture, painting, sculpting and more. Although this country is small it has a lot to offer its visitors.

This city, which is located in the west of Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city of the Muslim religion. Despite being a small city it is filled every year with millions of visitors for the hajj, a Muslim pilgrimage. It’s a tradition that all the able practicing Muslims should visit The Holy City of Mecca at least once in their life time.

 
The importance of this city comes from the fact that Muhammad, an Islamic prophet, was born here. Also, it was here where he had the first revelation of the Quran, the central religious book of the Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God.
 

The fact that it is the most sacred place for the Muslims makes this place forbidden for non-Muslims. They enforce this with a lot of checkpoints in the major access ways and police check points to the tourist. Some people try to visit pretending to be Muslim, saying an Islamic name, being accompanied with several other Muslims; however, if they are caught the violators can spend a month or two in jail. So, you have been warned.

If you still decide to visit Mecca here are some recommended places to visit:

Masjid al-Haram

This is the largest mosque in the world and the place where Muslims worship their God. It is surrounded by the Kaaba which is the Islam’s holiest place. Here is where all the pilgrims perform their daily prayers. With 88.2 acres it can accommodate up to two million people during the hajj.

The “Quran Gate”

This structure marks the point where non-Muslims are not allowed to cross. It’s the entrance to the birthplace of Muhammad (Makkah). It was designed in 1979 by Samir Elabd, an Egyptian Architect. It represents the book of Quran resting on a book stand.

Zamzam Well

According to Islamic legend this is a miraculously-generated source of water from God.   According to the tale, a mother and her baby where left in the desert and when the newborn boy was on the brink of death an angel descended to them. The angel kicked the ground and the water started to flow and has been flowing ever since. Millions of pilgrims each year visit the well in order to get the chance to drink from its water, which is said to have healing powers.

Mecca is a place with a lot of meaning for those practicing the Muslim religion and should therefor remain holy according to them. This is the reason non-Muslims are not able to enter the city.

This tough city has survived two destructions, 52 attacks and 44 captures and recaptures. Although this might sound like a lot of violence for this small city, it is because of the importance of this city to its various world religions. Jerusalem is divided in 4 major quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.
 
According to the bible stories, this city was first conquered by King David and years later his son King Solomon was the one who built the first temple and it was around that time Jesus Christ was crucified in this same city. Since this is a very historic site, especially for the Jews, a lot of synagogues are built here so that the Holy Ark is facing Jerusalem.
 
Despite the cities violent history it is a beautiful place to visit. This city is home to a lot of natural sights, museums and wonderful architectural structures.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

 
In the Christian quarter you can find this stunning church which is said to be the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. This being the reason why this is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage for Christians all around the World.
 
This medieval looking church was the place where many crusades originated. The importance of this building for non-believers is purely the magnificent architecture and the history behind the walls of this house of prayer.

Tower of David

 
This ancient citadel is located on the outskirts of Jerusalem. This edification has been there since the Ottoman period. Right now it serves as a museum, with the chambers transformed into exhibitions of the artifacts found right there on site. This place has a large archeological value since many artifacts dating back over 2,000 years ago have been found here.
 
This is a wonderful and amazing place to wander around and to get lost in the past of early modern human history.

Gihon Spring

Also known as the Fountain of the Virgin, the Gihon Spring is the main source of water for the city of David (the original site of Jerusalem). This spring made it possible to settle for the first people who arrived here. Since modern days the park, “Garden of the King”, was constructed so the waters of Gihon can flow along their natural course.
 
Jerusalem is home to one of the world’s most dominant religions. The city holds a lot of mysticism and history throughout its streets. It is a spectacular place to visit and to get lost in.