Love Camping And Biking? Try Kamp-Rite’s Midget Bushtrekka

by Jessica Festa on

For those interested in ecotourism as well as the great outdoors, here is a piece of gear that is perfect for you. Kamp-Rite has introduced a unique kind of bike trailer that allows campers to set up a special Kamp-Rite Oversize Tentcot tent on top of the trailer. While this may sound like you’d be sleeping on unsteady ground, the company insists that the product’s fully adjustable leveling jacks ensure a comfortably horizontal sleep on any terrain.

The Midget Bushtrekka also features a pivoting wheel set, which the website explains makes it excellent for off-roading.

“By utilizing two wheels under each side of the trailer, harnessed to a pivoting rocker frame, the trailer can easily absorb most of the uneven terrain in its environment,” says the Kamp-Rite website.

These “midget” contraptions are actually quite large, weighing 56 pounds with 41 gallons of storage capability. The tent itself is comfortable for one person, and a tight-squeeze for two, at 90 inches in length, 32 inches in width and 40 inches in height. While at $899.99 the product is pricey, though it does include the tent.

For a better idea of this innovative product, check out the gallery below.

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Video: Biking In A Malaysian Forest

by Elizabeth Seward on

When watching stereotypical, travel-related videos, you don’t usually get to see places the way locals see places. Flashy editing and touristy destinations often yield generic travel videos that are about as helpful as a rest stop brochure. I prefer to see what locals see. This often results in me scouring Vimeo or YouTube for videos that show me what I want to see: destinations from a local’s perspective. When I came across this video, I wanted to share it with Gadling readers. This video simply features a cyclist, Muhammad Raydi Koto Cham (who also directed and edited the film), making his way through a thick and lush forest in Malaysia. The woods in Bukit Kiara are green and shaded. In under two minutes, Cham and camera operator Riki Adi Setiawan, give me a visceral sense of what it would look and sound like to ride through these trees.

Adventurous Options In Turks And Caicos

by Jessica Festa on

While many people think of Turks and Caicos as being a relaxing beach getaway, the islands have a lot more to offer than just that. In fact, adventure enthusiasts will feel right at home with an array of daring options in a beautiful setting.

Barefoot Waterskiing

Forget skis and boards; barefoot waterskiing lets you feel completely free during your adventure. Because the coral reef system runs the length of the north shore beach, the water remains calm and creates the perfect conditions for the sport. Also known as “barefooting,” you’ll get the chance to zoom over the water at 40 mph.Eco-Kayaking

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, kayaking is an excellent way to explore the unique flora and fauna of the area. As you paddle through lush mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for Lemon Sharks, Pufferfish, Snappers and Bonefish in the sea, and Herons, Oystercatchers and Brown Pelicans overhead. Feeling adventurous? Pre-dawn bird watching and secluded island camping can be added to a multi-day kayaking itinerary.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding, a combination of windsurfing and snowboarding, is a unique adventure that is rapidly growing in popularity. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a great destination for kiteboarding, as the area features warm waters and cool winds that help to propel boarders at quick speeds.

Because kiteboarding poses inherent risks, it is wise to get acquainted with the sport through a professional tourism company. Big Blue Unlimited‘s Kite Safari is a three- to four-hour action packed adventure for anyone who wants to get their adrenaline pumping.

Scuba Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast the world’s third largest barrier reef with some amazing sheer drop walls. Divers will be able to spot rays, turtles, sharks, exotic shoals of fish, beautiful coral and sometimes Humpback whales and dolphins. While the islands host a multitude of diving companies, it is best to choose one that offers small diving groups so you can get the most out of the experience as well as minimize your effect on the local eco-system.

Snorkeling

For those interested in exploring marine life who are not interested in scuba diving, snorkeling is a great option. You’ll be able to spot tropical fish without the burden of gear or needing to take a diving course.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

While the Hawaiian’s have used paddleboards for years, it wasn’t until recently that Big Blue Unlimited brought them to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) allows you to view what’s over as well as what’s under the water while also getting a great workout.

Horseback Riding

While many destinations offer the chance to go horseback riding, not many allow you to do it quite like this. With Provo Ponies, you’ll get the chance to trot through clear ocean water while enjoying four miles of private, white sand beach.

Sailing

Because the Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by water, sailing is a popular adventure option in the area. Instead of simply boarding a boat as a passenger, why not learn how to sail the boat yourself? Or choose a tour that combines sailing with other adventures such as diving, snorkeling or hiking.

Biking

While many of Turks and Caicos adventure options put thrill-seekers in the water, biking makes for an exciting land excursion. Because the islands offer both rugged terrain and flat land, the adventure is great for people of all abilities.

Queen Conch Salad

Along with daring activities, there’s adventurous food as well. Head over to the Grace Bay Beach Club and order the Conch Salad, which features fresh ingredients from the local waters. Want to go diving for your own lunch? You can, as the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the world’s only Conch Farm.

Drink Like a Pirate

According to the legend, Pirate Calico Jack Rackham used the Turks and Caicos Islands to hide from authorities, and he may have left some of his rum behind. If you head to the Regent Palms‘ Green Flamingo Bar they will prepare you a rum punch cocktail with a kick. Bambarra Rum, which is locally produced, is named after a shipwreck that freed captive African slaves on Bambarra Beach.

To get a better idea of these adventurous options, check out the gallery below.

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Photo of the Day: Stops along the way

by Jessica Marati on

A simple stop along a bicycle route is captured in today’s Photo of the Day from Flickr user Kurt Schmidt. The image, taken with a Canon EOS 7D, depicts a quiet street scene with a vintage pink bicycle parked outside a cheerful cafe. One can imagine the rider ordering an espresso then sitting with a croissant and a newspaper before continuing along her way.

Does your travel snapshot belong here? Upload your favorite shots to the Gadling Group Pool and your image could be selected as our Photo of the Day.

An inspirational bike ride across America

by Jessica Festa on



This video is more than just one man’s trip biking across the United States. It’s a philosophical look into what makes life itself such an incredible journey. The filmmaker, Ryan Van Duzer, began his expedition using a quote from Helen Keller as his inspiration: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”. Beginning in San Diego, California, he made his way toward Tarpon Springs, Florida, cycling from town to town and asking people what they loved most about life. Throughout the video, you will meet unique individuals and hear an array of answers while also getting to see the diverse landscapes of the United States.