How to See the World's Most Beautiful Mountains

High mountain vistas provide an intense experience of natural beauty. A mountain excursion is a healthy vacation, and getting there is easier than you'd expect.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 Pair Sunglasses
• Rain Jackets
• Maps
• Bottled Water
• 1 Bottle Sunscreen
• 1 First Aid Kits
• Maps
• 1 compasses

1. Decide which mountains you want to see. The Rockies, Alps and Himalayas are the three most awe-inspiring; each range has its own pros and cons.

2. Decide what season you want to go. Avoid spring. Winter requires special gear and know-how.

3. Decide how you want to see the mountains. Hiking, skiing, climbing and biking are favorites, while driving to gondolas or chairlifts suits sedentary travelers.

4. Skim the travel section of a good bookstore for precise information. Avoid buying anything until you've decided where you're going.

5. Shop for appropriate gear. Try everything at least once before departing; new footwear should be broken in for at least 10 hours.

6. Find out how high you'll be, and how long you'll be at altitude. Consult a sports physician to decide whether you are ready for the trip.

7. Bring a first-aid kit, high-calorie snacks, water, map, compass, good sunglasses, sunblock and rain jacket, even on a day trip into the mountains.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to join an organized trip, try the links and check the ads in the backs of magazines related to travel, cycling and hiking.
• A favorite international hike is called "Tour du Mont Blanc." It is a one- to two-week hike around Europe's highest mountain range, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. Accommodation and meals are available in rudimentary high-mountain inns, as well as in hotels and restaurants in the towns the tour passes through. The hike requires no climbing skills and is suitable for seasoned hikers.
• Budget travelers will want to enjoy the mountains closest to home. What most people don't know is that apart from the airfare, the Himalayas are fantastically cheap.
• Extreme, high-altitude and winter sports require special training, gear and experience.
• When consulting a physician, discuss your physical fitness and the possibility of taking altitude medication (such as acetazolamide), and learn the symptoms of altitude sickness.

on 11/22/2005 go to alaska. and once you're there go to Homer(on kenai pennisula) best in the summer time!!