Posts Tagged ‘South’

Cruise South America With Costa Cruises

An adventurous cruise through South America will take in a huge array of wildlife, you could see many natural wonders and some spectacular scenery, and even lost cities along the way. Rich with beauty and atmosphere, a South American cruise truly is a unique experience.

For travellers who are in search of breath taking mountain views, vast tropical rainforests and natural, rugged beauty a South American cruise really is it. The west coast of Chile with deep fjords and icy glaciers is something to behold. In contrast you could experience the tropical atmosphere of a mangrove river in Costa Rica or explore a tranquil fishing village in Mexico. This huge continent covers many thousands of miles and has equatorial tropics and sub Antarctic regions. There are fourteen countries and territories that make up the continent and that means some wonderfully diverse cultures as well as many interesting animals to be seen, from Whales to Penguins and Sea Lions as well as many tropical birds.

This is adventure cruising, and as well as the main cruise itself, you will probably want to take excursions away from your ship in order to truly experience this region. Boat up the Amazon to see the jungle surround you and a wonderful array of wildlife and birds that just can’t be seen anywhere else. Take an excursion to see OIinda, a wonderful Portuguese hilltop town which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Or sightsee in the exotic and cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro. You might even take in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on your route and experience a little slice of Britain out in the South Atlantic.

Travel round the Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the southernmost continent, and visit Patagonia, a vast landscape of deserts and mountains that stretch between Chile and Argentina which in it’s gentlest parts looks something like the wildest areas of Scotland, here you can go penguin spotting and visit the national glacier parks, and possibly even see a killer whale. There are so many places to visit in this area that no cruise can take them all in, but whichever route you choose you are bound to experience some wonderful sights, and if visiting Antarctica appeals to you, it is possible to take a day cruise out there from some main cruises, but these can be expensive at around £1,500 per person for this day event. It is however a once in a lifetime experience.

In between visits to exotic places, there is of course the wonder of the South Atlantic ocean to see. From your ship at night you will be able to view the stars over the water in this vast unspoilt area, and there are many aquatic creatures to look out for along the way in the daytime such as the South American sea lion which can be found on the Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Chilean coasts. So, with fine dining aboard ship and adventurous trips inland to be taken, as well as incredible wildlife and astounding landscapes and seascapes to be seen, most people enjoy cruising this area which is like no other anywhere on the globe.

Great Barrier Reef Vacation At South Long Island Nature Lodge In The Whitsundays

For the top Great Barrier Reef vacation you will find the South Long Island Nature Lodge in the Whitsundays comes top of the list . It is an adult only very secluded island retreat accessible only by helicopter, catering for a maximum of ten guests.

This is the place for a luxury Australia vacation with fine dining, premium Australian wines, incredibly personalised service in a totally unspoilt part of Australia.

The Whitsundays consist of 74 islands of which 8 are inhabited lying midway along the Queensland coast, bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the Coral Sea

South Long Island Nature Lodge has an all inclusive tariff except for wine and beers includes private helicopter tours, and private catamaran yacht cruises to explore the coral gardens, deserted beaches and the unique wild life in this part of the Whitsundays.

South Long Island Nature Lodge has just ten superb waterfront bungalows overlooking the private beach of Paradise Bay and is a perfect escape for a top Great Barrier Reef vacation, as this is the most secluded and unspoilt location in the Whitsundays. The bungalows are right on the waterfront, surrounded by tropical rainforest with spectacular views of Paradise Bay.
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Possibly the most spectacular time you will have at the Lodge is when you are taken by helicopter out to The outer Great Barrier Reef, and there really is nothing to beat a view of the reef from the air, stretched out below you. It will also take you to Whitehaven beach possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Fine dining is a necessity for a vacation to be truly successful and this luxury Australian Vacation to South Long Island Nature Lodge will give you fine dining every night, with fresh local produce, and some of the best seafood you will get anywhere. The chef will basically cook whatever your dietary requirements and food fads are, it is that personal a service.

Food is eaten dinner part style , under a thousand star sky overlooking the beach. This enables you to meet and get to know people you’d never normally chat to, and have some scintillating conversations.

The South Long Island Nature Lodge really is paradise for the stressed executive and partner, with never more than ten guests, no televisions, no young children, no mobile phones, and no day visitors to disturb you. It’s like your own private island, with your own chef, and boat skipper at your beck and call, and a hostess to ensure your every whim is met. All of which makes for a perfect Australia Luxury Vacation.

For more information on Australia Holiday Hideaways go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

Fiji Islands – An Idyllic South Pacific Escape

Occupying a land area of about 18,350 square kilometers, Fiji is an archipelago nation, situated in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, west of Tonga, east of Vanuatu, and south of Tuvalu. Fiji is about 2000 miles north-east of Australia, and has the Hawaiian Islands to the north and New Zealand to the south. Officially known as the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the archipelago of Fiji consists of 322 islands and more than 500 islets. Of which only about 100 islands are inhabited.

Formerly known as the Cannibal Isles, Fiji Islands were first inhabited by the Polynesians. In 1874, Fiji became a colony of the British. Nearly after a century of British rule, Fiji gained independence in 1970. But, Fiji has now become a major hub of the trade and tourism in the South Pacific and one of the significant stopovers for flights between New Zealand and the USA.

With its sheer beauty, thousands of magnificent beaches, beautiful volcanic islands, coral reefs, pristine lagoons, palm fringed shorelines, lush green forest areas, and volcanic peaks rising up to 3000 ft, Fiji has now become the most enchanting tourist destination in the South Pacific.

No matter you have come here for celebrating your anniversary, honeymoon, or just to enjoy sport activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, Fiji has superb options for all. The Fiji Islands has been categorized into three groups such as the central islands comprising Viti Levu and Vanua Levu; the Lau Islands; and the Ra Islands, containing the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.

The largest as well as the prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Viti Levu, which is home to Suva – the capital city. Viti Levu boasts of all that is required to make your vacation at Fiji truly enjoyable as well as unforgettable, including well maintained cities, tropical mountains, lush green areas, scintillating waterfalls, upscale hotels and resorts, and stupendous beaches coupled with diving facilities.

For nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking solitude, one of the great destinations in the country is Taveuni, often referred to as the Garden Island, because of its abundance of beautiful as well as colorful flowers. Almost all plants and animals that are indigenous to the country can be seen here. Attractions, among many others of this island, are Lake Tagimaucia with a volcanic crater and Bouma Falls, which is one of the most scenic in the world. Additionally, Taveuni is home to some of the best diving sites in the country, such as, the Rainbow Reef and the Vuna Reef.

Another popular island among the Fiji Islands is Vanua Levu, which is located about 65 kilometers north of the Viti Levu. This is also the second largest island in the country. Labasa and Savusavu are the main towns in the island. Taking a tour to Vanua Levu is a great way to experience to the indigenous life of the country.

Also, prominent among the islands in Fiji is the Kadavu, located south of Viti Levu. About 75 percent of the island is occupied by rainforest, and also included in the landscape of the region is several soaring mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and incredible beaches. A rich variety of bird species can also be seen here. In addition, Kadavu also boasts of Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the premier scuba diving resorts in the country.

Apart from these, things to see in Fiji are endless, ranging from museums and cultural centers to beautiful shrines and monuments. Perhaps most prominent among the attractions in the country is the Fiji Museum in Suva, with an amazing selection of artifacts that throw light on the interesting past of the region. A gallery housing prehistory-related items can also be found within the museum. Aside this, the museum provides opportunities for the visitors to take a ride in Vitian drua, a traditional type double hulled canoe.

No visit to Fiji would be complete without taking a tour to Sri Siva-Subramaniya Temple in Nadi, which is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Dedicated to the Lord Muruga, the temple is much famed for its exquisite architectural styles. Attractions in Fiji also include Orchid Island Fijian Cultural Centre in Suva and Suva Municipal Market, the South Pacific’s largest as well as liveliest market.

Above all, Fiji is a paradise for water sport lovers, and in fact, provides superb options to enjoy an array of water sport activities such as scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling, swimming, coral viewing, wind surfing, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Even some high-end resorts and hotels in the area render facilities for activities such as boat trips and para-gliding, apart from excellent accommodation and dining facilities.

Travel Malaysia – An Exotic Retreat in South East Asia

Malaysia is an exotic land pampered by a tropical climate, blessed with immense natural beauty and packed with loads of adventure. It is the tropical climate of the place that allows it to afford a rich and varied floral and faunal wealth, making it a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Golden beaches with swaying palms and perfect sunshine make Malaysia a perfect lazing out spot too. With a dozen of islands teeming with coral reefs, Malaysia is a perfect adventure place with loads of diving, snorkeling and surfing opportunities. One of the most preferred holidaying destinations around the world, the country offers everything one would wish for a dream holiday.

The sheer beauty and bounty of nature makes Malaysia a place as enchanting it is. The tropical climate and dense woods make it a natural home to a wide variety of birds. The forests here are home to around 450 species of birds. It is this avifaunal wealth that attracts thousands of avian-watchers to the land. Tropical rainforests the cover the hills in Langkawi also afford a good population of tigers, orangutans, bears, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, monkeys, panthers, rhinoceroses and elephants, an undying excitement for all wildlife lovers. Langkawi is one of the best places here to enjoy the tropical climate. Penang too is a known for its sheer natural beauty.

Though calm and quiet, Malaysia has immense options for fun and excitement. A host of coral reefs and beaches make the land a hub of thrilling activities. The numerous beaches give out ample of scope for beach games and leisurely strolls. While the crystal clear waters and the corals allow you to dive, snorkel and surf. A number of marine parks have come up in Malaysia that offer a wide range of water-bound activities and exciting games. Langkawi is again one of the best places in the country to grab some bit of fun.

Apart from the beauty bestowed by Mother Nature, Malaysia is alluring for the urbane excitement it has to offer. The countryâ??s capital, Kuala Lumpur throbs with a thumping night life. As the sun goes down the entire city glows as life pounds in the numerous pubs, karaoke, discos and lounges that dot the city. Also known to be a shopperâ??s paradise, Malaysia offers a whole world of goods for shoppers to pick from. Think of a thing and the markets of Malaysia have it for you. From Oriental treasures to the best of world-famous brands, itâ??s all there. Walk the streets of the bazaars where tiny shops offer you the most unusual curios or go to the high-tech malls that have the best of brands and labels from every corner of the world.

A trip here cannot be complete without visiting the Genting Highlands, the Las Vegas of Malaysia. The only casino city in the country, Genting Highlands is a place to live the happening spirit of Malaysia. Genting Highlands are also home to two famous theme parks and the Ripleyâ??s Believe It or Not Museum. Some of the finest golf courses and swankiest of malls in the country are present here too.

Home to almost all kinds of hotels and resorts, Malaysia can hardly be a problem when it comes to finding a suitable accommodation. From splurge to economy to budget, hotels in Malaysia serve almost every kind of visitor it receives. With the best of resorts and hotels under the most well-known banners from all around the globe, Malaysia has the best of opulent hotels and lavish resorts. One can also find the best Spa resorts and upscale star properties in here. Apart from these there are a good number of hotels for the economy minded travelers too. The country is truly exceptional and is a perfect holiday destination for everyone.

Robben Island Cape Town South Africa

Visit the island where Nelson Mandela (Madiba) was imprisoned for 27 years for his beliefs.

Robben Island is known the world over as a place of banishment exile, isolation and imprisonment. For nearly 400 years, colonial and apartheid rulers banished those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society to this 575-hectare rocky outcrop in Table Bay.

The Island’s unwilling inhabitants included; slaves; political and religious leaders who opposed Dutch colonialism in East Asia; troublesome local Khoikhoi and African leaders who resisted British expansion in South Africa; Leprosy sufferers and other sick and the mentally disturbed; French Vichy prisoners of war; and most recently, political opponents of the apartheid regime in South African and Namibia.

Robben Island’s Most Famous Prisoner:

During the apartheid years Robben Island became internationally known for its institutional brutality. Some freedom fighters spent more than a quarter of a century in prison for their beliefs. Yet people such as Nelson Mandela emerged to lead South Africa to democracy, with a message of tolerance, reconciliation and hope.

Those imprisoned on the Island succeeded in turning a prison “hell-hole” into a symbol of freedom and personal liberation.

The Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island:

The Robben Island visitor experience begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, at the Clock Tower Precinct inside Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.

The Gateway is the “mainland front door” to Robben Island, symbolising the importance of the island in South Africa’s young democracy. The Gateway houses a 150-seater auditorium, boardrooms and a Robben Island Museum shop, among other facilities. Digital, interactive exhibition spaces on all three floors of the Gateway building provides the visitor with a historical context of Robben Island’s Maximum Security Prison, as well as reflecting the broader span of the island’s history.

Robben Island receives upwards of three hundred thousand visitors each year, with the highest percentage being South Africans. More than 95% of the visitors described their visit to Robben Island as a positive uplifting, eye-opening experience.

I am planing a camping vacation down south, would it be unwise to take my cat?

I will be traveling with my spouse and dog also. We plan it to be a camping vacation mostly at state and national parks. I have a choice to board my cat or leave her home with a friend to check on the cat every other day. I am not happy with either choice since we will be gone for 2 or 3 weeks. My cat loves her carrier and is very relaxed traveling in it to the vet or a longer day trip to a friends.

I’m thinking if she is so relaxed about short trips that maybe she would enjoy camping. I would train her to get used to walking on a harness so she could be outside at the campground for short supervised periods. We have a small RV with a pop-top that we camp in so she would be comfortable in there also. She wears a breakaway cat collar and is microchiped. She has not been declawed and has all her shots and spayed.

My biggest fear is my cat will wander away and get lost. Any suggestions on a safe trip for my cat would be helpful.

South Whidbey is Northwest island paradise

Spend some time exploring Puget Sound and you’ll be both surprised and enchanted by the islands, waterways and hundreds of miles of shoreline that provide visitors a thousand opportunities for scenic photographs that they will treasure for a lifetime. Visit the area on a sunny day and there is no more beautiful place on earth.

The amazing thing is you don’t have to journey far from Seattle to experience some of the best island scenery this corner of the state has to offer. If you have the time, the San Juan Islands are an unforgettable experience. But if you don’t want to travel more than an hour or so, many of the same attributes are found on Whidbey Island.

Our recent getaway to South Whidbey Island is a great example of achieving the maximum change of scenery in the shortest amount of time. From Seattle, it’s just a half-hour drive or so north to Mukilteo, where the ferry landing serves as a portal to Puget Sound’s island culture. You can catch a ferry every hour from Mukilteo to the southern tip of Whidbey Island.

Unless you’re arriving in peak traffic — such as the Friday night getaway — most times of the day and week your wait will be fairly short. As we reached Mukilteo there are many signs directing automobile traffic to the ferry landing and, when you get there, it’s a simple matter of driving through a toll booth — where you pay just a few dollars for your car and passengers — and then into a line where you’ll wait several minutes for the next ferry to arrive. The Washington State Ferries have the boarding process down pat — everything moves efficiently and it is impressive that so many cars are able to get on and off the ferry in just a few minutes.

Once on the ferry, it’s maybe a 20-minute voyage across the channel and, before you know it, you’ve arrived on the island. Signs point you to destinations further north on the island and you realize you have very quickly exchanged the busy bustle of Seattle traffic for the country roads that slither through the forested hills and valleys of Whidbey. Now, instead of row houses and endless population, you see farm houses and open fields planted with gardens or crops, with barns and fancy 4X4′s that hint there are more than a few gentlemen farmers in residence here.

Take a look at your watch, and you’ll find that the second hand is moving just a little bit more slowly now — or so it seems. You’re on “island time” now and the sooner you get used to it, the sooner you will completely decompress — and de-stress — from your everyday job.

Our destination for the night was Langley, a quaint and exceedingly small coastal town about a dozen miles from the ferry terminal. With its historic main street — technically, it’s 1st Street — and eclectic shops, it’s no surprise that this little berg is a magnet for artists and people who feel a rejuvenation of the spirit as they gaze from downtown viewpoints across Saratoga Passage to Camano Island on the other side of the water. The town is popular as a daytrip — elapsed time from downtown Seattle was well under 90 minutes — and, with the availability of several fine lodgings, also as an overnight escape.

Before we checked into our accommodations for the night, we took some time to wander around downtown. It was midweek and shopkeepers were anything but busy, no doubt looking forward to the weekend when the town is almost besieged by visitors. On this day, there were just a few cars parked downtown, just a few people browsing the shops and practically no one taking advantage of the waterfront areas where you’ll find picnic tables with some of the best views in the Northwest.

If you take the time to stroll the town, you’ll find places like the Garden Shed where they specialize in “chocolate” plants — but don’t get too excited because these aren’t the kind you eat. They’re chocolate because they’re dark and you can find out more if you do as we did, and explore the Chocolate Farm just up Saratoga Road from downtown.

Nearby is the Star Store, a market and mercantile that has been in business 90 years. Close by is Herb Helsel and his Langley Clock and Gallery, where you’ll learn about timepieces of every variety. The best Whidbey Island artists display their work at Museo, also in the small cluster of buildings down on 1st Street. Don’t miss Moonraker Books, a top regional bookstore. But the busiest place in town on this day was the Thrift Store, a remarkable collection of high-quality clothing and other used items all at bargain-basement prices.

We took a few minutes to check out the Inn at Langley, an upscale lodging on the beach adjacent to the downtown area. We talked a few minutes with chef Matt Costello and visited the elaborate and charming kitchen area. We noted the panoramic views from the inn’s units, high up off the water and made a note this would be a great place to stay on a future visit.

Soon it was time to check in at our lodging we had reserved for the night — the Boatyard Inn, a unique and comfortable place to stay located on the water just a quarter mile or so from downtown. Innkeeper Mynda Myres showed us to our 600-square-foot studio suite, which turned out to be perfect for the two of us. Our suite had an excellent combination of style and utility.

With its high ceilings, the room seemed more spacious than most and featured updated furnishings, top to bottom. Only the bathroom faucets offered any hint that this was anything other than brand new. A gas fireplace kept our room as toasty as needed, while there was a dining area and a couch and chairs with a wall-mounted flat screen TV. While it didn’t have a full kitchen, it did have a refrigerator, dishwasher, hot plate, counter-tops and the basic necessities for preparing something light to eat. The king-size bed was positioned in a slightly elevated part of the studio that just made the layout that much more interesting.

The elevated bed meant that, even as we drifted to sleep, we could look out of the picture windows to our calming view of Puget Sound. We also enjoyed sitting on our private deck watching the boats cruise Saratoga Passage. There are old docks nearby, protruding into the passage, but it didn’t seem to diminish the view. And we enjoyed exploring the beach you’ll find right out your door at the inn.

We enjoyed dinner back in the downtown area at an unusually good restaurant, the Prima Bistro. The dishes here are upscale, but not over-the-top either in terms of presentation or prices. Perched on the second floor of one of the historic buildings, the restaurant was busy this midweek night — indicating a lot of favor with local residents — and the service could not have been better. Our entrees were top-notch — the Steak Frites which is Oregon beef hanger steak, blue cheese ajoli, sautéed escarole and French fries, and the Troute Grenobloise, a pan-seared rainbow trout with lemon-caper pan sauce, fiddlehead ferns and fingerling potatoes. Each was under $20.

The next day we drove about 20 minutes to South Whidbey State Park, where we topped off our short getaway with a hike down to the beach and some serious beach exploration. It’s a half-mile trail that is relatively steep on the return trip, but well worth it for the picturesque views and what turned out to be complete solitude on a sunny day. While we didn’t spot any whales, we did spot a nuclear submarine returning to Bangor — so it was a pretty interesting place to spend the morning before taking the short drive back to the ferry and our return to civilization.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Whidbey Island is located in Northwest Washington, about an hour’s drive and ferry ride from Seattle, perhaps a little more depending on traffic.

WHAT: Whidbey Island is famous nationally for being the longest island in the U.S. Waterfront towns, quaint shops, excellent parks and charming accommodations are available in several parts of the island. Langley is a good choice for visitors who want a short getaway from Seattle.

WHEN: This is a year-round destination, with best weather July through September.

WHY: Whidbey offers island culture, but is easy to get to from the large metropolitan areas.

HOW: For more information on Langley and South Whidbey Island, phone 360-221-2969 or go to www.visitlangley.com. For more information on the Boatyard Inn, phone 360-221-5120 or visit www.boatyardinn.com.