I’m relatively out of shape- I only really walk. My boyfriend wants me to go on a backpacking trip with him in about a month and a half. It’s going to be easier because I’m not the only first time backpacker going. I grew up in the mountains, so I’m used to higher elevations and hiking. What else can I do to get into shape?

I am looking to head to the local mountains (San Bernardinos, San Gabrials, etc) next week with a friend for a backpacking trip and want to spent at least three nights out. Prob would prefer a round trip so we can get back to our car and only want to go 15-25 miles. Any ideas?

Perhaps one of the most charming things about the the Australian Outback is its stubborn changeability. Even its seemingly rigid mountains of rocks have their way of changing right before your eyes, as if the landscape refuses all human effort to be mapped.

Unroll that map

And yet a map (and a compass too) is one of the most important thing you’ll need in your safari adventure. Current maps are available from petrol stations, RACV, NRMA, and most local police stations. If your maps aren’t current, you can get terrifyingly lost, which will not only frustrate and scare you, but can cause serious depletion in your food, energy, precious water and fuel as well.

Make sure someone knows where you are at all times. If you are on your own, give a friend your itinerary or make a point of periodically keeping contact with them so that they know you are not in danger.

Also, before leaving each township, check with the local police station and tell them where you are heading, your planned trip, and when you hope to reach the next township. If you do happen to get lost, the information will make it easy for them to organise a search for you.

If you have additional questions, ask the friendly locals too.

Campfires

Campfires must be watched at all times. Do not walk away from your lighted open fire and don’t leave your campsite without smothering all cinders and residue. Wildfires destroy not just trees and plants but also the animals that depend on them. And most wildfires in the Outback are results of carelessly-left campfires.

Keep Garbage In

Don’t throw or leave your garbage just anywhere. Whatever garbage you accumulate during your travel (food wrappers, toilet paper, bean cans, film canisters, band-aid boxes) needs to come back with you.

Rule of Thumb: Take only photos, leave only footprints

Our Australian desert and bush is dangerous, stunning and alluring, but you must keep your wits about you. The Outback is not just some arid region in Australia navigable by a four-wheel drive and ample drinking water supply. You can’t just travel Australia to explore the Outback, much less read about it in an article such as this. More importantly, the Outback is in the heart and soul of the traveler who has willed every step of the way. If you go now, you do yourself a favor.

And if you just heed these basic advices and take responsibility to care for each other, you’re sure to live to tell a great story.

1. MOUNT KILIMINJARO - TANZANIA

The highest mountain on the African continent, ‘Kili’ measures an astounding 19,340 feet at her highest point. The challenge to climb this majestic mountain has lured many to scale her heights, a demanding but worthwhile ascent by most accounts. Kili, which has five distinct ecological zones, is an extinct volcano.

2. OKAVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA

The champagne-coloured waterways of this famous floodplain form the basis of a pristine Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR). With some of the most fantastic birding globally and a wild dog population, the largest inland delta in the world is often called Africa’s most beautiful destination. The region can be explored by land, boat and air. Enjoy the spectacular diversity of flora and fauna species.

3. THE EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS

Easily the most recognizable of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids have long held fascination for thousands of people. Recent resurgence of interest Egyptology has made trips to this alluring destination more popular than ever. The majority of visitors view the pyramids at Giza. The origins of these majestic structures continue to be a source of lively debate, while the stories of ancient curses and grave robbers delight us all.

4. PONTA DO OURO - MOZAMBIQUE

With around 100 Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins making the sheltered waters of Ponta du Ouro their home, this region is definitely worth visiting. Dive the reefs to 40 metres in depth; they are teeming with a rainbow of marine life. Dolphin dives are a popular while in winter the haunting call of the humpback whale can be heard.

5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH AFRICA

The oldest, most established reserve in Africa, the Kruger boasts an amazing variety of game and bird life throughout its numerous habitats. The fantastic opportunities to view the Big Five draw many visitors to the park, hoping to spot lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Game drives and guided walking trails offer great animal watching opportunities in the African bush.

6. DJEMAA el FNAA SQUARE - MARRAKESH - MOROCCO

A tapestry of colours, smells, sites and wonderful local characters make a visit to this bustling marketplace an unforgettable experience. Be entertained by fortune tellers, street performers and henna women. The Municipal Market sells local fresh produce. Take a ride in a Horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the spectacular sunset. More performers come out in the evening and entertain till midnight. Enjoy the famous local orange juice or mint tea!

7. THE SERENGETI – TANZANIA

The Serengeti National Park, covering 14,763 sq. km, is named ‘endless plains’ in Masai. Here are 35 species of mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe, and over 200 species of birds.

The annual wildebeest migration is possibly the most spectacular natural event in Africa.

8. THE VICTORIA FALLS - ZIMBABWE

From either Zimbabwe or Zambia you can experience the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The spray can be seen up to 30 kilometres away – hence the local name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – “The smoke that thunders”.

Apart from the spectacular views including permanent rainbows arcing across the face of the falls, one can experience the waters along the river at closer quarters with white water rafting.

9. LAKE MALAWI

The 3rd largest lake in Africa is a tropical paradise. The tranquil waters lap against shores lined with palm, mango, banana and avocado trees. Here you can kayak, while snorkeling offers access to the colourful kaleidoscope of endemic cichlids found at this UNESCO world heritage site.

10. TABLE MOUNTAIN - SOUTH AFRICA

This iconic landmark stands in the centre of the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Climb, or experience the wonders of the revolving cable car. Either way a visit to one of the most recognizable mountains in the world is a must for your trip around the great African continent. And while you’re there, enjoy the wonders of Cape Town -beaches, winelands, Robben Island - each one a ‘Top 10′ in its own right!

When you travel Australia, you aren’t just a straw-hatted, sandal-footed tourist daintily stepping out of your comfort zone. Of course, you can be like that, but once in Australia, you’ll realise soon enough that you want to be someone else braver.

To travel Australia is to be an explorer, brave, daring, uncompromising, and wide-eyed at every new thing that’ll come your way. To travel Australia is to loosen your belt and jump into the unknown. Here’s your itinerary mate!:

The 12 Apostles

One of Victoria’s pride, the 12 Apostles are magnificent towers of limestone rocks jutting out of the ocean, formed over thousands of years ago by waves at their feet. They can be seen along Great Ocean Road, although currently, only eight of the original 12 Apostles remain.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the last frontiers on earth. Both mysterious and generous, it consists of more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a diverse and kaleidoscopic marine life amidst a expanse of perfect and serene blue water that is worth plunging into any time. You haven’t really snorkeled or scuba dived unless you’ve been in the Great Barrier Reef.

Kakadu National Park

East of Darwin, the Kakadu National Park is a throbbing, pulsating menagerie of wildlife set in a rich backdrop of waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. Herons, ospreys, jabirus and many other creatures greet you with their unabashed freedom. As well as snoring crocodiles and flighty Jacana birds flitting from one lusciously green lily pad to another. Be in your own National Geographic episode every time you travel Australia.

Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)

Uluru is a behemoth stone mountain located in the centre of Australia, changing colors at different times of the day. Spanning 3.6 kilometres long, 2 kilometres wide, with a 9.4 kilometre circumference and made of arkosic sandstone, Ayer’s Rock undoubtedly has a flair for color and exhibition. For one silent giant of a rock, that’s quite a feat.