Minggu, 13 Januari 2013

Adventure And Employee Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is one of the keystones in today's world for any organization which wish to grow at a steady rate and retain its key talent. Predicting who is going to leave the organization is especially not useful in itself. There are more important questions to be asked. Why are employees leaving? Which employees are leaving? Under what circumstances are they mostly like to leave? What actions can management take to reduce the loss of valued employees? In today's fast paced world burnout is considered to be the most obvious reason. Employees who have burned out on the job or have negative attitude can adversely affect their co-workers. So how can organizations deal with this factor? Can adventure help improve better work-life balance and reduce stress and burnout?
Human psychologists will agree that human mind get refreshed when put in some challenging situation and can result in productivity gain. Adventure activities can fulfill this gap. It can also help in great team building as many minds will be meeting in informal environment. And it will help in reducing stress.
Most of the adventure allows having sense of achievement either in form of crossing a river or climbing mountain and hunting for the ultimate game. Adventure travel outdoors is one of the greatest ways to help employees relieve everyday stress. You might be surprised at what you find, when you start looking for places to escape near where you live. When we live busy lives we may not be aware of National Parks surrounding us. Organizations do not need to spend huge sums of money for this. Maybe providing an extra day or two off so that employees have more time to relax, decompress, and let go of stress and anxiety, and return to work more peaceful and productive minds. Engaging in adventure sports such as rafting, trekking or climbing eliminates stress-causing adrenaline that contributes to anxiety or anxious states. This type of activity increases levels of adrenaline, endorphins and neurotransmitters, which instill a positive mood within people by decreasing tension and allowing them to loosen up.
Individuals suffering from stress find that participating in activities, such as adventure sports, makes individuals with low self-esteem feel better about themselves. People contribute individual talents and skills to a group accomplishment, which allows for a greater sense of self-worth. This feeling helps contribute to stress relief by focusing on a person's positive accomplishments within the game. People often set personal goals for games, such as how many points they will score or shots they will block. Reaching these goals fills a player with pride, which creates an emotional relief from anxiety and stress. In addition, participating in adventure sports on a regular basis allows individuals to stay in shape and feel physically fit, which adds to a person's positive outlook. This will help all employees to regain their morale and find out solutions to problems they have been facing at their work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7440993

SeaWorld Australia

SeaWorld Australia is one of the most spectacular aquatic havens to grace the coastal strip of the gold coast. Exotic marine life, thrilling rides and an array of recreational activities are just some of the few things that make up the captivating ambiance at SeaWorld. The park was inaugurated in the year 1958 by Keith Williams and was once known as the surfer's paradise ski gardens.
SeaWorld in Australia is interconnected by a state of the art Moonrail system to the Nara resort, which is a 5 star accommodation that is flourished with landscaped gardens alongside the Broadwaters, charming dining venues and bars, Warner Bros movie world, Paradise Country, Pacific Fair and complimentary shuttle bus transfers to surfer's paradise or SeaWorld Australia. SeaWorld Australia is located alongside SeaWorld drive in Main Beach and is open from 10:00am - 5:00pm all year round.
The unending thrills and excitement at SeaWorld attracts millions of tourists each year and although all of them are unique in their own way, there are a few notable ones that stand out amount the rest. Along with the captivating decor, tourists visiting SeaWorld Australia can expect to be acquainted with polar bears, penguins, sting rays and sharks in shark's bay. Sharks bay is an expansive water aquarium that is divided into three sections, which are the reef, shark lagoons and touch pools. The reef lagoon is appointed with black tip reef sharks, leopard sharks, nervous sharks, cowtail rays, epaulette sharks, Red Emperor and many more that nestle in the heart of the exquisite reefs.
Shark Bay is one of the most fascinating adventures in SeaWorld and guests are granted to get up close and personal with the largest fish on the planet for a nominal fee. The next highlight of SeaWorld Australia is the Dolphins cove, which is equipped with an extensive amphitheatre, with two shows daily. The cove draws an overwhelming number of guests eager to interact with the 6-8 dolphins and highly trained staff. The polar bear zoo is yet another charming attraction in SeaWorld Australia and is set within a city zoo enclosure, with the only difference being that you can view the bears at above ground, but below sea level.
SeaWorld in Australia has something special for all ages and all types of vacations, whether you're foreseeing an ideal family getaway or simply a unique romantic excursion, the park is sure to gratify you with an enviable and well deserved vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7451106

Whitsundays: The Best Place To Experience Adventure Holidays

Australia is a big country and it boasts of many sights for those seeking great adventure tours. However, if you are planning to experience the best of the country, then you ought to consider going to Whitsundays especially during the holidays.
Australian holidays are usually celebrated by going to memorial sites or embarking on an adventure travel. What makes Whitsundays a perfect place is that it has great sunny weather all year round. This is the reason why a lot of people visit the place during the winter holidays to escape the cold weather.
There are lots of things to do in Whitsundays. Fortunately, there are lots of tour operators in the region that offer different kinds of adventure tour packages to various types of tourists. Moreover, if you love the beach, then visiting Whitsunday is definitely for you.
The drop off point of Whitsunday is Airlie Beach. This beach is a wide expanse of white sand that stretches for several kilometers. The beach also offers the best view to the many small islands that dot along its coasts.
While in Airlie Beach, you can arrange your accommodation from high class beach hotel resorts to backpackers' inns and head off to the beach to do some swimming, sightseeing or sunbathing.
To enjoy your Australian holidays further, you can also participate in the many water activities offered in Airlie Beach. Whitsunday is popular for its sailing trip so you need to try it out if you want to fully experience your Whitsunday travel adventure. Aside from sailing, you can also take on other water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping and scuba diving. What makes Whitsunday great is that it serves as the jump off point to those who want to get a glimpse of the majestic Great Barrier Reef.
Now if you are now such a beach lover than most people, then there are also other things that you can do to enjoy your holiday vacation in Whitsunday. Aside from the rich seascape, Whitsunday also has lush forest vegetation so you can go on a hiking trip and visit some important memorial sites in the region.
There are simply a lot of things to do in order for you to enjoy your Whitsunday adventure holiday. Fortunately, there are lots of tour operators in the region that can help arrange the most unforgettable vacation that you will have in your lifetime.
When you are looking for adventure holidays, then there's one adventure tours that you need to try and that's your Australian holidays at Airlie Beach!
One of the top things you must try is the Whitsunday travel adventure and gear up for a whole new underwater world of fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7451217

Lisbon: Top 5 Neighborhoods to Explore

Even with its struggling economy evidently weighing down the Portuguese, Lisbon radiates with unpretentious charm, a medley of old and new aspects, and a bustling social scene. In the shadows of the modern buildings, and shopping malls located in medieval districts, you will find glimpses of old Lisbon everywhere; crumbling mansions and streets, rattling trams, mosaic pavements and elaborate tiles, Gothic churches, and old-style bars and cafés. Here are the top 5 must-see neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon.
Belém
Rich in architecture, elaborate gardens, and majestic monuments stemming from the finest Gothic and Renaissance artistry, this western suburb was once the main spot where ships anchored and sailed to overseas expeditions. Be awed by Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a massive monastery complex built in 1460 to provide spiritual comfort to sailors, its carved stonework is a mix of Gothic, and Renaissance style. Approaching the waterfront in this historical neighborhood stands the modern Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) erected in 1960 and which celebrates Portuguese national triumph inspired by 15th and 16th century explorations. Walking by the waterfront, Portugal's national landmark comes into sight, the Belém Tower, nestled in the water. This 16th century four storey edifice is a composite of towers, turrets, and battlements. Be careful, however, as the stairs up the tower are steep and narrow.
Transportation to Belém is very accessible with various city bus routes, a rail station, and even with the one of the city's oldest means of public transport, the tram.
Baixa
The downtown commercial district of Baixa was rebuilt and entirely changed following the 1755 earthquake to make for a grid of ordered streets easily accessible by an excellent underground subway system. Old-fashioned boutiques and modern international chains line the streets along with busy cafes and restaurants. I can gladly say that my time in this area was mainly spent on shopping, eating traditional Portuguese pastries with coffee, and walking leisurely. Some of the best gift finds and souvenirs are purchased here. The pedestrian-only street called Rua Augusta connects to Rossio square and the riverside Praça do Comércio boasting a scenic open space of the waterfront.
Chiado
A thriving square of aesthetic proportion, Chiado is known to have been basked in the presence of 19th century artists, poets, and writers. A 1988 fire damaged much of the area's historical buildings, the reconstruction of the district kept true to the original structures. Today, Chiado charms visitors with its luxury shops, fine old cafés, and beautifully restored facades, maintaining its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. I visited Chiado on my first day in Lisbon and shared coffee and pastries with my two friends who have Portuguese backgrounds. It was then that I witnessed the first of several typical quarrels between a tourist and a European: the waiter had shortchanged my friend. Waiters often take the liberty to remove money from your change for their tip without the tourist realizing.
Bairro Alto
I was terribly confused as to how to access this bohemian little neighborhood that stands high above the city until I noticed a tram that provides lifts from Chiado and Baixa districts. Once up there, the streets are cobbled and narrow, but the city view is a stunner! The area is distinctively unique in appearance and lifestyle; the old and narrow sloping roadways, lanes and building walls have a medieval sense, and its residents are young and vibrant. Bairro Alto or Upper Town is considered as one of Lisbon's liveliest and distinctive quarters. I paid a visit to the 16th century Church of São Roque which is nothing special from the outside, but makes quite an impression upon entrance. The interior is lavishly adorned with riches and extravagant pieces of gold, gilt, marble, mosaics and more. I was lucky to find the interior of the church mostly empty which gave me more time to admire the spectacle of wealth.
Alfama
Honestly, I did not explore much of Lisbon's oldest part of the city. Alfama's labyrinth of steep and narrow streets is a challenge on foot. It has shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the city and beautiful churches. My main interest in this area was discovering the castle on the hill. Castelo de São Jorge dates back to the medieval period of Portuguese history. Touring the ancient fortress is actually a peacefull and serene experience as you walk on winding pathways around and inside the open-air castle, encountering shady resting areas and free-ranging peacocks. Transportation to Alfama is by tram (unless you're part of a tour bus) which makes for an interesting ride up the hill.
Happy travels!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7450905

Experience Enormous Range of Birds in Indian Bird Sanctuaries

India is a land where numerous beautiful species of birds are seen, be it local or migrant. Bird watchers across the globe mark their presence in the country and capture pictures of explicit life of the birds in the natural surroundings. Birding tour to one or two of the famous Indian bird sanctuaries lets the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts take home lifetime experiences. One can actually figure out the noteworthy and commendable existence of distinctive birds in India by paying a visit to the bird sanctuaries to relish the marvelous and unique opportunity lifelong.
The famous Indian bird sanctuaries mentioned below will surely induce you to make a plan soon with a bag full of binoculars, camera and maps.
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary
Situated 19 miles from Tiruneveli in Tamil Nadu, It is one of the most famous bird spots in India. It is being protected by the folks of Kunthakulam who live in a complete harmony and take interest wholeheartedly in safeguarding the refuge. There are many varieties of local and migrant birds, which can be seen wandering in their natural habitat. Some of the famous birds are Siberia, greater flamingo, buttonquail, woodpecker, crakes, kingfisher, and wagtail.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
It is one of the most excellent and prominent bird sanctuaries in India. Awarded as a protected sanctuary in 1971; it is also called as Keolado National Park, existing in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Being an ornithologist's paradise, it offers an adventurous opportunity to stay near the sanctuary at one of the well fabricated hotels such as Bharatpur woodland hotel, Laxmi Vilas and Chandra Mahal havelis. Travelers can spot a wide array of bird species at the refuge like north shovelers, coots, Garganey, Siberian cranes, typical pochard and many, many more.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Home to a good number of local and migratory bird species, It is sited at the Gurgaon region of Haryana. Visitors can also explore a wide variety of wild animals and flying marauders at this place. Spread over an area of 44.5 hectares, the sanctuary is easily easy to get to by air and road. Cormorants, grey herons, painted storks, white lbis, and eagle and European geese are found here.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Priver in Kerala, It is one of the most visited and admired bird refuges in India. It comprises of about 253 birds and exists amidst the vegetation of teak and rosewood. Commonly seen birds are shrike, black winged kite, grey headed fishing eagle, bee eater, sunbird and many more.
Anshul is a wildlife enthusiast and likes to travel national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here he is sharing about him experience about wildlife and different bird sanctuaries in India. Follow him on Google Plus to discover more about wildlife in India.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7447481
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