Month: December 2024

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Come winters and North Americans and Europeans decide to throw away their boots and warm clothing and head to some place warm, sunny and fuzzy for a well-deserved escape. Is there anything better than the balmy, bright and glamorous beaches of the Caribbean? From luxury beachfront resorts to private islands to budget hostels, the region is teeming with options catering to all budgets. From immersing in the vibrant local Caribbean culture to tucking into delicious food, there is just no stopping the bouquet of experiences that can be savored here.

Here is our expert list of the Caribbean’s hottest (or coolest if you please) destinations.

1. St. Lucia 

St. Lucia’s dramatic natural beauty is evident in everything from its sharp green mountain peaks to mystical terrains protruding from its crystal clear azure waters. This isn’t really a shopping or partying hotspot but there are plenty of romantic sights and adventure activities to keep visitors on their toes.

The island offers excellent diving and windsurfing opportunities, in addition to its naturally stunning hot springs and delectable local cuisine. There’s rarely a dull moment here.

10 Incredible Destinations to Visit in the Caribbean Read More

School’s out for summer! Hot weather is on the way and people will be looking for a way to keep cool. So without further adieu, here are 14 of the world’s coolest water slides.

Aqualoops, Calypso Park, Canada

Do you feel the need for speed? How’d you like to hit 2.5G of acceleration in under two seconds? Ride the Aqualoops water slide at Calypso Park in Ontario.
It begins shortly after you step into a little cabin where the floor drops out from under you. You fall, feet first (hopefully). Suddenly, you’re riding the loops at the unforgettable speed of 2,5G.

14 Of The World’s Coolest Water Slides Read More

Old Station, Sussex, UK

Travel back through the mists of time to a golden age of travel at this individualistic B&B located in Sussex.  You can stay in the popular old station house or in one of the pair of Pullman carriages with Edwardian fittings.  

Constructed in 1892, Pretty Petworth railway station was originally built so that the future Edward VII, the Prince of Wales, could ride the train to Goodwood races.  Check in at the ex-parcels office.  You’ll eat breakfast under parasols on the platform or in the former waiting room. (They even serve cream teas.)

Hanging Pods, Laos

If you enjoy sleeping in treehouses, try nesting in a hanging pod.  These hanging pods off guests an extraordinary experience here deep within the northeastern section of the mountainous jungles of Laos.  Take the popular InsideAsia Tour Trekking the Cloud Forest of Laos tour.

You can also go hiking and explore the untamed wilds of Nam et Phou Louey national park.  Keep your eyes open for tigers, leopards, gibbons, and bears.  When you’re ready to relax, kick it in one of the half dozen suspended sleeping pods made of bamboo.  There is the forest clearing they are also perfectly positioned for nighttime wildlife watching.

Unusual Places To Stay Around The World Read More

The Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho, US

If you’re a dog lover this is the place for you.  Even if you’ve never been to Cottonwood, Idaho you still won’t need GPS to find The popular Dog Bark Park Inn.  It resembles a huge beagle.

This dog is 12 feet high.  Inside you’ll stay in a room with a canine theme.  Dennis and Frances, the owners of the inn, are big on dogs and also own an artists’ studio that sells customer “canine carvings crafted” with a working chainsaw.  Here it’s a good thing to be in the doghouse.

Cliff-Side Cave Dwellings In Lijiashan, China

The village of Lijiashan is a remote, olden village found in China’s Shanxi province.  It’s well-known for its noteworthy cave houses.  Over the centuries, literally hundreds of them have been hewn into the cliffs there.

If you take the popular Dragoman Overland’s Northern Chinese Wanderer tour you’ll be spending the night in one of the cave rooms here as part of your tour.  Every room has a traditional” kang stove bed” which is a brick hollow used as both a work area and a bed. It’s heated by a fire.

Unusual Places To Stay Around The World Read More

The Bawah Reserve, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia

To say that the Bawah Reserve is located in a remote area is a bit of an understatement.  This retreat can be found in the Riau Archipelago 150 miles off of Singapore.  It includes 35 bungalows and suites.

Situated between Borneo and Malaysia, this unique reclusive reserve is accessible only via private seaplane.  Explore the three lagoons and 13 beaches on the six islands.  Go bird-watching on the lush green nature trails, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, sailing, swimming and discover the marine life under the azure blue sea.

The Casa da Árvore At UXUA, Bahia, Brazil

Staying in this one-bedroom treehouse ensconced amidst the leafy palms of Trancoso’s UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa might make you feel just like a sloth.  Here the rooms are divided into a trio of levels that are supported by their own set of wooden stilts.  Each has one deck that includes a personal outdoor hot tub.

The quirky treehouse is constructed from organic materials from Bahia including vines, palm fibers, and reclaimed wood.  So be a kid again with the wooden swing then soak away your soreness in the hot tub.

Unusual Places To Stay Around The World Read More

Are you tired of ordinary hotels?  How’d you like to check in some place completely different?  From futuristic pods to Hobbit-like holes, here are several unusual places to stay around the world.

The Jetstar, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK

If you really enjoy planes then this place is the best place for you!  Presently grounded at Redberth close to Tenby, the Jetstar is an airplane from the 1970s that once transported as many as nine passengers.  Today airplane aficionados can spend the night there.

This unique, self-catered accommodation includes a single bed, a double bed, and a big leather couch on which someone can sleep.  Veteran visitors say it is a great place for couples or even couples with two kids.  You can even play pilot thanks to the cockpit’s Xbox.

Collective Governors Island, New York City, US

If you’d like to take in New York City’s distinctive skyline, you don’t have to book a high-rise hotel room.  If you want a memorable night in the famous “Big Apple”, stay at Collective Governors Island. Situated on a decommissioned, historic military base (Governors Island), this glamping spot offers incredible views of the Manhattan shore, the New York harbor, and the famous Statue of Liberty.  Enjoy eating dinner at the campground’s restaurant and some s’mores for dessert at a cozy communal campfire.  Don’t forget to see the city too. 

Unusual Places To Stay Around The World Read More

Are you looking for something different?  If the typical day at the beach no longer appeals to you then we’ve got something for you.  Here in both warm and cold climates are the 12 most exotic black sand beaches in the world. 

Ficogrande, Italy

Ficogrande is one of the more popular black sand beaches on Stromboli, an Aeolian Island north of Sicily, Italy.  Accessible only via boat, its popular active volcano has erupted regularly for over 2,000 years.  This beach offers travelers concessions stands, umbrellas, and lounge chairs.  See the famous volcanic rock known as Strombolicchio.  Stroll along the ebony sands and take a dip in the clear blue water of the welcoming Tyrrhenian Sea too.

Miho Beach, Japan

From the black sands of rocky, tree-lined Miho Beach the views of Mount Fuji are incredible.  The bordering Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove includes literally thousands of pine trees.  In 2013 the area was designated an official part of famous Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hit this beautiful beach in the summer and enjoy diving, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.  Tale in the scenery, too.  It actually inspired artist Utagawa Hiroshige’s famous traditional woodblock prints.

12 Top Exotic Black Sand Beaches On Earth Read More

Are you thinking about vacationing in the “Golden State”?  If you are headed to the city of San Diego then don’t even think about finalizing your itinerary before reading this article.  Here the top 10 things to do in beautiful San Diego:

Just chill in La Jolla

This is reported to be the city’s top prime upscale beach spot.  This might be why it was named La Jolla which is “the jewel” in Spanish.  It’s situated on impressive cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Veteran visitors confirm this is a great spot to take a stroll along the cliffs, go biking, kayaking, swimming or tide pooling.  Surfers should hang ten at Windansea Beach.  If you enjoy window shopping you can take a walk around the numerous shops here.  Dine in the excellent eateries that come complete with wonderful ocean views.

Top 10 Things To Do In San Diego Read More

10 

What typical vacation does not include an ocean, lake, pond or some other body of water? Unfortunately, there are some bodies of water that can be dangerous if not downright deadly to the uninformed. There are several places that are best admired from a significantly safe distance.
The bottom line is: There is a reason for “No Swimming” signs. If you don’t believe that, then read on, people! (If that’s not enough to make you careful when you wary of strange waterholes, be sure you don’t miss the unsavory bonus featurette at the end of this article.

10. The Great Blue Hole, Belize

Here in Belize, the tides actually turn the infamous Great Blue Hole into a large vortex that actually draws anything and everything on the water’s surface. At the same time, ebbs also make this place spout incredibly high columns of water. In spite of all of this incredible activity, there are a lot of people who still want to see this incredible place. In fact, former French naval officer and famous undersea explorer once referred to the fearsome Great Blue Hole as one of the very best places for scuba diving on the planet.

The 10 Most Dangerous Waters On Earth Read More

The United States of America is one of the most diverse and largest nations on the planet. No surprise then that The USA has so many tourist attractions. There are certainly way too many to see in one visit. So to help those who will soon be vacationing in the States, here are the top 25 tourist attractions in the USA.

25. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

A truly American landmark, Mount Rushmore, is located in the Black Hills in Keystone. This national memorial was completed in 1941 and features the faces of four famous former American presidents, carved and blasted out of the granite rock face. Here visitors can see the larger-than-life visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Hike the Presidential Trail at the base of the memorial to get better views of this famous landmark.

24. Pike Place Market, Washington

This popular place was opened in 1907. It overlooks the waterfront. Pike Place Market is one of Seattle Washington’s historic spots. If you enjoy shopping then this is the place to be.
Many of the area’s oldest businesses are represented here. You can buy fresh fish straight out of Puget Sound. Local cheesemongers here will offer you a taste of Camembert or Brie. You can even see the site of the first official Starbucks coffee shop.

Top 25 Tourist Attractions In The USA Read More