Where can you rappel from waterfalls, zip in a harness across the top of a rainforest canopy, mountain bike around an active volcano, kayak, take a ride in an ultra-lite plane, enjoy hours of class four whitewater rapids, explore caves a mile and a half underground and have world class meals? Costa Rica. Not only can you choose from all these activities, but you can afford to bring your family along for an adventure that teenage kids would love. Or…
Until 1961, Cozumel was a sleepy little fishing village. Then, a television documentary by noted diver and nature lover, Jacques-Ives Cousteau, showed the world the beauty of our island waters. Today the very mention of Cozumel stirs images of tropical fish, aqua blue waters, and white powdery beaches. Even though hotels, restaurants, and other business have sprung up to serve tourists, when you visit Cozumel you'll still feel as if you're light years away from the rest of the world. It's a…
Today's Guatemala "Guatemala" means the land of many trees. Indeed, it once was just that. Today, pine, oak, and fur trees have been cleared and replaced with farmland, in most states. The northern third of Guatemala, or Peten, remains a vast, sparsely settled region of swamps, hardwood forests, grassy plains, and jungle; wild boars, jaguars, and monkeys, but is also arguably threatened. A local logging program that has been in place for the last 12 years has had fervent support…
Ahhhhhh, the Bahamas! Who doesn’t fantasize about the clear waters of the Caribbean, punctuated with steel drums and a symphony of color? It was the frostbite of winter, when the California rains had soaked our spirits, and SAAD moods prevailed. We decided that traveling was a better choice over another visit to the therapist. We made the right decision! From Los Angeles, it takes about 7 hours to get to the Bahamas, depending on what island you travel to. A…
As we made our approach to land in Dominica, I was awestruck at the incredible jungle scenery and mountainous terrain ø not a single hotel chain\ or high rise in site ø just the Atlantic Ocean, and the tops of coconut palm trees. The ride from Melville Hall Airport on the northeastern side of the island to the capital city of Roseau takes you through the interior of lush rainforest and twisting mountain roads. Few places on earth exude such…
50 miles east of Puerto Rico stands 100 plus islands covering 1,000 square miles. Only a few of those100 are actually inhabited. There are a few that I’m sure you’ve heard of; the US Virgin Islands. Chris Columbus named the islands on his second voyage to this “New World”, in 1493. According to National Geographic, the Virgin Islands were named after the legend of St. Ursula. Following Columbus’ discovery, 17th century Dutch cattle farmers called “boucaniers” became the first Europeans…
The call came from my friend, “Hey, would you want to go to Bimini for a week and stay on my boat I have docked there?” I didn’t have to think twice. After a quick look at my day timer I said, “Yes!” and was, suddenly, committed to an impromptu vacation. I would soon find out how incredible this set of Bahamian islands are. A short flight to Bimini was a superb way to begin the adventure to this small…
In celebration of my college graduation, my whole family took a trip to Costa Rica. A friend recommended staying at the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort and my father used Bubba’s Costa Rica Fishing Report (www.costaricafishingreport.com) to book our deep sea fishing, Chiclets tree canopy zip-line tour, and Jaguariders ATV tour. We took a direct flight from Atlanta to the San Jose airport and arrived in the early afternoon (there was a 2 hour time change). We ate lunch in…
What is so amazing about Grand Cayman is that for its surprisingly small size it can accommodate and appreciate almost any condition a vacationist may have, whether it be a large family just looking for some sun and fun, smiles and great long lasting memories, or for that new couple just looking to get away and become lost in each others love and infatuation. Or for that newly wed couple looking to start their new life with an unforgettable memory…
When flying into Puerto Plata, one can see why so many people fall in love with this beautiful place. There are miles and miles of sandy beaches, a luscious ocean, rolling mountains, and a green landscape that would make anyone’s heart smile. Landing at the airport, one is greeted in the arrival area with the sound of fun and danceable Salsa music, situated with a Spanish Quartet-happy musicians preparing one for their stay in this lovely land. One needs to…