We all know that the best scenario is to have a compass with you. However, what can you do if that is not a case? We are going to talk about some simple yet practical and easy to remember techniques. Although some of them are just rough estimations they are usually good enough.

The first thing to do is to look for some celestial objects- the sun, the moon, the North Star, the Southern Cross. So, let’s go in this order.

The Sun is there for you

The most fundamental method to determine cardinal directions without compass is to look for the sun. It raises in east and sets in west. At noon, the sun is at its highest peak and it points towards south (northern hemisphere- in southern hemisphere it points towards north). Please note that the point where it raises and sets on the horizon varies throughout the year. So, maybe it is not the most precise method but it is available every day.

Take your watch in your hands

Another way to find north and south is to use your watch. If you are in the northern hemisphere all you have to do is to point hour hand towards the sun. Imagine a line passes between the hour hand and twelve o’clock mark. That imaginary line shows south- north direction. For those of you who are in the southern hemisphere point the twelve o’clock mark towards the sun instead and again bisect the angle between it and hour hand. There are certain criteria that can influence the accuracy of this method though:

• The watch has to be an analog one. Those digital ones are quite useless here
• It has to show accurate local time
• The closer to the equator you are the less accurate this method is. It can be used only in the latitude between 40 and 60 degrees north or south of the equator.
• You will get the most accurate results at noon

The moon is your friend

A really easy one both to do and to remember. It is night and you are lost. If the moon is in crescent phase then you are a lucky dog. Just look at the moon and imagine a line connecting the tips of its “horns”. Now extend that line and it will hit the horizon at one point. If you are in the northern hemisphere the hitting point is roughly south. If you are not then it is definitely north

Another useful tip about the moon. If it raises after the midnight the illuminated side of the moon faces east. If it raises after the sunset the illuminated side faces west.

The North Star, the Pole Star, or whatever it is

If you are in the northern hemisphere you are privileged to use the North Star as a navigation tool. The sky has to be clear and you have to know some basics about constellations. The Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are two constellations that can help you to find it. It is located somewhere between the two and it is almost exactly above the North Pole.  Learn how to find it in the sky and it will be a decisive advantage for you.

What are those stars on the flags of New Zealand and Australia?

On the other hand if you are in the southern hemisphere you are privileged to use the Southern Cross constellation or Crux as a navigation tool. This constellation is so prominent that it is depicted on the flags of New Zealand and Australia. Of course, as in the northern part of the globe the sky has to be clear and you have to know some basics about constellations

Now you are ready

We really hope that you will never need these tips and that you will stay safe all the time. However only those who were in a situation to be lost in some deserted place can understand the true value of these techniques. We always suggest hikers experienced licensed guides. If you prefer being alone the least thing you can do is to bring a map and a compass with you. In all other cases you will need this.

The post For those about to go and get lost- A few orientation tips for hikers appeared first on Serbia UNDISCOVERED.

Cheap flight prices

Talking about flights to INI airport, there are many advantages, so we want to share some information with you. If you decide to travel to Eastern Serbia in month or two from now, you have opportunity to schedule your flight for truly small amount of money. For example, if you want to travel from Malmo (Sweden) to INI airport in August or September, using services of WIZZ Air, the flight price starts from €15​. For flights from Mulhouse (France) in August or September the price starts from around €23​. Price for the same time period for flights from Dortmund (Germany) is around €20​. And if you looking for flights from Eindhoven (Nederland) to INI airport, you will be surprised to see that price is even below €10.

Talking about RYANAIR, their prices for flights in August varies from around €15 for flights from Milan Bergamo (Italy) and Dusseldorf (Germany), to €25 for flights from Bratislava (Slovakia) or €27 from Berlin (Germany).

Two more carriers that provide flights to INI airport are Swiss and Germania. Their flights from Zürich (Switzerland) are a bit more expensive and varies from €70 to €90 for travel in August or September.

Distance from hiking trails

As we mentioned earlier, the services of Serbia UNDISCOVERED starts on INI airport with a pick-up of guests. The locations of hiking tours that we organize are all in Eastern Serbia, on just a few hours’ drive from airport. For example, the accommodation in Nature Park Stara planina (Balkan mountains) is only 95km from INI airport. It is about 1,5 hours of drive.

The second destination for our hiking tours is National park Djerdap, which is around 200km from INI airport. It is about 2,5 hours of driving from there to accommodation point.

Things to do after arrival to INI airport

After your arrival to INI airport, if there is a time, there is a possibility to visit some historical monuments in the city of Nis and its surroundings. It is a good start for hikers to meet local culture and parts of Roman and Byzantine history of this area. After that, we will travel to a destination by car or a van, depending on number of participants. Arriving to a destination is around 7PM, with accommodation in rural house or mountain hostel. Along with traditional food for a dinner time, there is always optional evening gathering, followed by overnight.

Days between first and last day of your adventure are reserved for a hiking. Depending of your choice you’ll have possibility to hike in Nature park Stara Planina (Balkan mountains) or National park Djerdap. All of our hiking activities are followed by introducing you to a local culture, tradition, people and history. You can select adventure of your choice by visiting page HIKING TOURS. or design your own tour with our SELF TAILORED HIKING TOUR option.

Drive off back to airport

On the final day of our journey we drive you back to the Nis Airport, one hour before plain departures. However, if the conditions are met and your plane leaves in the afternoon or evening hours we offer additional activities.  Visiting historical monuments and heritage sites (such as Timacum Minus archeo-ethno park and beautiful Knjazevac Municipality) are just few of possibilities.

Find detailed flight schedule on page TRANSPORT!

Conclusion

According to all mentioned, all you have to do is to plan your flight to and from INI airport. The rest is our concern and we promise you good hike and time in Eastern Serbia.

Flight schedules to and from INI airport can be found on our page TRANSPORT. All additional information, as well as flight prices, are available on INI airport website.

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Be aware, although, carbon emissions from the airplanes are huge. Knowing this, try to reduce travel by plane whenever you can. If you do so, please contact us and let us know what transport you will use. We are ready to make a pick-up on a train or a bus stations as well!

The post Adventure calls! Choose the best flight option for a hiking in Eastern Serbia appeared first on Serbia UNDISCOVERED.

#1 Freshness and coolness of the mountain air

Yes, it is cooler in the mountain than at the seaside and according to ABC Science there is a valid argumentation for that. As an illustration, the air will get cooler for approximately 6℃ per every 1000 meters in elevation. Thus, while there will be 40℃ at sea level you will chill out in the mountain at cozy 28℃.

#2 No pollution

One word- TREES, and we mean lots of them. Let’s be poetic here a little bit. Picture yourself wandering through endless, untouched forests and meadows, far from industrial complexes and overcrowded cities, with no air pollution. Trees are everywhere. The air is clean and fresh. There are no cars, they cannot reach here. This is what your lungs have been crying for, this is paradise.

#3 Relaxation and peace of mind

More and more people advocate various benefits from interacting with nature. Why exactly is that what we need? Well, the modern way of life does not offer too much tranquility, does it? Do the job, go home, check the e- mail, check the Facebook, pay the bills, etc. It can often be really frustrating! As a result we are stressed, confused, sometimes we even lack creativity, we are less sociable, and less kind to others. So, what are we to do?

Imagine there is nothing to distract you. The only thing you can hear is the wind cuddling the leaves of trees and tweets of the birds around you. You can come back to your senses, you can be the one with yourself. The view in front of you is astonishing. A beautiful panorama that takes your breath away. The air is fresh, your mind is clear and you are ready to go. Congratulations, you have just been reconnected to the Mother Nature’s Wi-Fi. You are in the mountain.

#4 Healthy lifestyle

Walking is the most natural state for a human body, it is something our body was made for. Here is an interesting quote about that.

“Hiking is the best workout! You can hike for three hours and not even realize you’re working out. And, hiking alone lets me have some time to myself.” (Jamie Luner).

You can find many really useful tips about walking on the internet, and if you walk in the nature you will do yourself such a favor. Either way, the benefits are numerous. It is a great cardiovascular workout and it suits people of all ages. It also strengthens both your muscles and hamstrings. Your body gets more oxygen. It will boost your immune system. The list goes on.

#5 It is cheaper!!!

Finally, the last but not the least important reason is about the total amount of money you will spent on your holiday. The truth is that you will meet some nice people and learn about local culture firsthand. You will hear some interesting, authentic stories, learn about local tradition and costumes, and try some delicious food. You probably won’t see much of fancy hotels but you will definitely get an ultimate experience, something that you cannot buy- you will touch the soul of the mountain.

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In the end, let’s just say that there must be a good reason that so many sportsmen have their pre- seasons in the mountains. Ultimately, having all the reasons mentioned above, we think that spending your summer holiday in the mountain is like being in the right place at the right time.

The post 5 reasons why summer holiday in the mountain is better than at the seaside appeared first on Serbia UNDISCOVERED.