Top Travel Destinations in Australia

Below are some of the top travel destinations in Australia which I guess no one should miss.

The most active nightlife in all of Australia is in Sydney. This city is the main entry point in Australia for most people. There are so many interesting sites this city offers. From opera house, Darling Harbor with marine aquarium to lots of shopping malls and museums. You can have a complete view of the city from the top of Sydney Tower.

A small city like Cairns has many fantastic things you can do. Going to Great Barrier Reef offers unique views of the rainforest. Watch waterfalls and further visit to Port Douglas and Daintree National Park which has biggest variety of plants.




Pretty beaches of Gold Coast are out of the ordinary for surfers and people who love beaches. With many waterfalls, vegetation and fauna; the adjoining mountains and National Parks are not to be missed at all.

Fraser Island is basically for nature lovers. Magnetic Island is located in front of Townsville with full of incredible beaches. Koalas and Kangaroos can be seen in their natural habitat.

Whitsundays is a paradise for maritime sports with exceptional nightlife and restaurants. This is just the right place to do a tour in a sailboat.

Ayers Rocks are situated in the heart of Australia, close to the city of Alice Springs. All of the backgrounds are deserts full of extraordinary places.

Other top travel destinations in Australia that are breath taking and not to be missed are:

Melbourne is not at all to be missed when travelling to Australia. With its multiculturalism, nightlife with variety of restaurants makes you want more and more of this city. Great Ocean Road which is about three hours driving from Melbourne follows the coast and mountains makes your drive worth.

Kakadu National Park close to Darwin is one of the most beautiful National Parks in Australia with abundance of wild life and wide range of countrywide plants. But it can get difficult to walk alone in the park without finding other tourists.

Tasmania is one of the prettiest places in Australia, and in certain way it might remind some of you of landscapes of New Zealand. Pleasant cities with exceptional road and rail network to visitors. The scenery is the best part, with extravagant beaches.

There are many historical places to visit in Tasmania. The beauty of this city lies in its wildlife, mountains and lagoons.

Main Beach Resort Guide

Main Beach

Introduction

Prestigious Main Beach is the sophisticated, elite end of the Gold Coast, with million-dollar homes on tree-lined streets, luxury high-rise apartments and condos, designer boutiques and speciality stores. Trendy Tedder Avenue is lined with dozens of restaurants, wine bars and cafés, and is the place to be seen.

Queensland's Gold Coast stretches 40km (24 miles) southwards from Main Beach (just south of Brisbane) to Coolangatta, on the Queensland/New South Wales border. The sunny, subtropical climate, superb beaches, hinterland rainforests and mountain peaks draw tourists year-round to this tropical playground.

Main Beach is just a short walk or bike ride to neighbouring Surfers Paradise.

Who goes there?

A year-round playground for the wealthy, Main Beach is both sophisticated and casual, drawing tourists and sun lovers of all ages from around the world.

Where in the world?

Basking under a subtropical sun 76km (46 miles) south of Brisbane, Queensland's capital, Main Beach marks the beginning of the sparkling Gold Coast.

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Nerang River estuary known as the Broadwater, Main Beach is bounded to the north by a long sandbar called the Spit, home to the Gold Coast's two most exclusive resort hotels. A narrow isthmus extends south to Surfers Paradise and the 70km (43 mile) stretch of surf beaches that make up the Gold Coast.

When to go?

In the heart of Queensland's Gold Coast, Main Beach is popular year-round, basking in 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are mild and warm, and temperatures in the sub-tropical summers average 19-29ºC (66-83°F).

Beach

Wide, golden sand beaches are popular for body- and board-surfing, with warm temperatures for swimming year-round. Surf fishing can haul in that fresh catch for dinner. Lifeguards patrol the beach from the surf lifesaving club. Take a break from the beach for an afternoon barbecue or game of Frisbee on the beachfront park.

Beyond the beach

Only a block away from the beach is the best people-watching spot in town in the alfresco restaurants and cafés lining the street. Luxury cars cruise past umbrellas shading the mix of tourists and sophisticated diners.

The wreck of The Scottish Prince is a great dive spot, or take a scenic flight along the surf-fringed coastline. Go for a 350hp adrenaline rush one-on-one with a professional rally driver instructor on the WRX Off Road Rally Circuit at Pimpana, five minutes from Dreamworld. Speed thrills are not just for kids!

The northern Gold Coast is a theme park mecca, with something for every taste. Dreamworld (Pacific Highway, Coomera) is a theme park ride extravaganza, with enough rollercoasters, waterslides and gravity-defying rides to suit any adrenaline-seekers. WhiteWater World (Pacific Highway, Coomera, 17km/10 miles north of Surfers Paradise) is a new theme park, boasting extreme waterslides and attractions for the whole family. Step back into the 1800s at Beenleigh Historical Village (Main Street, Beenleigh), where life is re-enacted in the 22 historical buildings complete with antiques, working blacksmiths, artists, residents and farm animals. At famous Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin) nurse a koala or feed brilliantly coloured rosellas and lorikeets.

Family fun

Try your skill at kite-surfing, or paddle an outrigger canoe through the surf. Breathe in the fresh sea air on a coastal walk or enjoy the calmer waters of Broadwater for various boating activities.

Learn more about life in the ocean at Sea World (Sea World Drive, The Spit), a 25-hectare (62-acre) marine park with exciting rides, and fascinating and interactive exhibits for the whole family. Gasp at the unbelievable at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum (Raptis Plaza, Cavis Mall), just down the beach in Surfers Paradise. Take a wild and fast spin on a Paradise Jet Boat (Mariner's Cove Marina, Sea World Drive, The Spit) up the Broadwater, past millionaires' yachts and cruisers, helicopters and float planes, and the opulent Palazzo Versace Hotel.

Retail therapy

Renowned for its cafe-lined boulevards and exclusive shops, the Main Beach shopping area abounds in designer boutiques, high-end fashion, jewellery, furniture and speciality stores. North of town, at the Spit, the Marina Mirage shopping complex showcases all the top fashion labels in its elegant designer boutiques. Visit the Sheraton Mirage (Sea World Drive) and Palazzo Versace (Sea World Drive) resorts for those exclusive gifts. Find the best bargains at Marina Mirage's Farmers Market the first and third and fifth Saturday of the month, or slip down the beach to Surfers Paradise on a Friday night for their famous outdoor evening market. More bargains abound at Harbourtown Factory Outlets at nearby Biggera Waters.

A night on the town

The Gold Coast is known for its wild and crazy nightlife, Surfers Paradise being the biggest hotspot. It is the place to go to party all night long, with an abundance of bars, clubs and adult entertainment. Join one of the many organised nightclub crawls to experience a sampling of tropical nightlife and entertainment.

Eating out

The chic and relaxed atmosphere of Tedder Avenue is adorned with the best strip of restaurants on the Gold Coast. Trendy wine bars, casual lunch spots and elegant alfresco restaurants provide menus with mouth-watering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and a combination of Mediterranean, Australian and Asian fare. Shuck Restaurant (20 Tedder Avenue), famous for its Sand Crab Lasagne and Peking Duck Salad, reputedly serves the best seafood in southeastern Queensland. Thanks to a large Japanese population, excellent sushi abounds. North of Main Beach, on the Spit, the exclusive Marina Mirage boasts an uptown shopping complex with good waterfront dining.



Surf clubs in every Gold Coast oceanside suburb provide quality food at reasonable prices in their bistros. The most popular inexpensive meal in Australia is paper-wrapped fish and chips.

Getting around

Regular bus services link all Gold Coast towns with most area attractions and Brisbane to the north. Many tour companies offer hotel pickups. Except for a car to explore further afield, most dining and beach activities are within walking distance. Parking is cheap and plentiful for those with a car.

Exploring further afield

You can sample award-winning wines in the Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country. Extending from the beautiful rainforests of Mount Tamborine to Canungra Valley's emerald countryside, this rapidly growing boutique wine region produces Queensland's best wines. Cellar doors and restaurants are often housed in historic homesteads, adding to the wine tasting experience. While in the region, visit Mount Tamborine's Gallery Walk for antiques, paintings and pottery.

Family Beach Vacation at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is a perfect family beach vacation destination since the resort is set on a 1,000-foot white-sand beach in the Bahamas.

You will be able to choose from activities for all ages, including playing in the pools, snorkeling in the ocean, sailing and other water sports.

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is set on 7 acres with three freshwater pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, and a swim-up bar. The kids' pool has a waterfall for playing in the water.

Each of the hotel's 694 guest rooms and suites has a private balcony or patio with views of the Atlantic Ocean or the gardens.

Bali Nusa Penida Dive Site, Dive spots In Bali Indonesia, Best Diving Vacation

Nusa Penida is the largest of 3 islands (the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan). The water here is fairly cold (because of the ocean currents) but often startlingly clear, with gorgeous corals and prolific fish, with some turtle, shark (including grey reefs and silver-tips) and – Aug-Sep – Mola-Mola (the weird and wonderful Sunfish).

Dive Site in Nusa Penida Bali

SD Point
With a strong current flow in the area, generally there are many Anthias around, sometimes big fishes like Giant Trevally, Sharks and if you are lucky, the Sun Fish (the season for sun fish is between July to September). The dive site is stretched over kilometers, along the north coast of Penida Island .

Sampalan Point
The site is located on the north side of Lembongan, the marine life is similar to SD Point with some high lights of underwater structure that is quite different. Some sloping is full of soft coral with reef fish hover to get some nutrient from the rich water.

Blue Corner Point

The site offers a sloping reef with terrace at 20 to 30m. The current here is usually stronger than at other places (it may reach 3 to 4 knots). Consider it as one of the best places to see Sun Fish. The marine life is similar to SD Point but not as rich.

Toyapakeh Point
This is a very nice spot as it is protected from swell and current. Although the current is sometimes strong, usually it is negotiable. Many Blue trigger fishes at some point and near the Pontoon, there are usually many Giant Trevally. The shallow area is excellent for snorkeling. Some encounters with big pelagic is common.

Lembongan Bay point

The site is located in a protected area with water sports and pontoons. The site is shallow, 5 to 10m deep and offers it some varieties of soft and hard corals. The coral is rich and healthy with many varieties of reef fish.

Malibu Point
Malibu Point is considered one of the nicest sites in the island (besides SD and Toyapakeh). It’s slightly wilder than Toyapakeh with great schools of Jacks and Rainbow Runner, and Dog Tooth Tuna. The underwater structure is very interesting.

Gamat Bay Point

The water is always clear, and the reef, a steep, rugged slope leading into the bay. You need your observation skill to see the macro things which lay beneath the surface. It is full of small caves and crevices and number of reef fish and invertebrates here are exceptional.

Crystal Bay Point
The location is situated in a very nice white sandy beach lagoon. The underwater structure is excellent with some variation of coral and alley. When the current is not strong, snorkellers can enjoy the underwater scenery from the bay. Fish life is very rich and occasionally Sun Fish , and Nurse Sharks hide under the corals.

Manta Point
Usually there are 3 to 4 Mantas cruising the site. The profile is slope down to 50m, there are not many corals, just limestone rocks. Other than Manta, there are also Tunas, Mackerels and other pelagic.

Dream Island Moorea: Private Bungalow Rentals in Paradise

Have you ever dreamed of being on your own secluded, exotic private island? Each of the two island style homes available are personally decorated by the family who owns them and feature full kitchens (stocked upon request), separate living areas, private bath and terrace. The bungalows are spacious, well ventilated and made from all local materials set amongst lush gardens which shelter a variety of exotic island wildlife. Enjoy white sandy beaches, panoramic views, spectacular sunsets and amazing star-studded skies with your loved one for a private exotic vacation you will never forget! 7-Nights Dates: Year Round (best time to visit is April - November) Rates: Depend on dates of travel. Each bungalow has the ability to accommodate four people at a discount. Contact our Exotic Island Vacation Consultants for Additional Information!

Wonderful Salt spring Island - the Perfect Getaway.

Saltspring Island is considered by many as one of the premier vacation destinations on the west coast. Located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia, Saltspring Island hosting the perfect balance and easy access to small-town island feel. Only a short ferry trip from Tsawwassen and Victoria, Saltspring have managed to keep the feelings or relaxed, rural island charm.

With the stunning beauty of the island and one of the easiest ways climate in North America should come as a surprise graduation Saltspring Island to the three most desirable communities to live in Canada. It is not uncommon for visitors to come and relaxing holiday but ended up buying a parcel of real estate Saltspring and turned into islands alone!

Saltspring Island, and many varied activities. You can:

* Take a kayak paddle months
Try * beachcombing some stunning west coast beach * 4-star meal at one of many Saltspring Island restaurants
* Get a massage and spa treatments
* Enjoy the art of island tourism
* Circle the island are many paths that a quiet back street
* Take a whale watching tour
* Offering one of several fishing lakes Saltspring Island
* Enjoy a round of golf at one of the local program
* Wear walking one afternoon a few areas of Saltspring Island
* Find cheaper for the island's air craft and produce market


Finding accommodation on the Island Saltspring easy. The island has one of the highest rates per person Bed & Breakfast, with one that suits your budget comfortably almost all of the real, old-fashioned luxury. The island also offers a number of quality hotels.

And come to Saltspring Island and a half fun. Travel ferry from Tsawwassen or Victoria is relatively short and you will come to enjoy the scenery the west coast that really pure along the way!

With a vibrant art scene, colorful local characters and politics and rural charm, Saltspring Island bit like finding yourself in the novel Peter Gayle 'A Year in Provence. And like the novel, be sure to take a local attraction on this island is incredible.

One of the Top All Inclusive Family Holidays to Cuba

Choosing an all inclusive family vacation to Cuba can be tricky with so many to choose from, but by all accounts the Hotel Playa Pesquero in Rafael Freyre is worth close examination.

There are huge differences in opinions about hotels in Cuba, and they all have their critics, but it is important to realise that a Cuba Vacation isn’t the same as most parts of the Caribbean. A visit to the decaying majesty of Havana, and the gratitude of hotel staff for small gifts makes you realise the scale of the poverty that exists, and the run down state of the economy. The large number of all inclusive holidays to Cuba is an indication that there isn’t that much to be had outside the hotel complexes, and the overall standards here, whilst a number are classified as five star, aren’t really comparable with the same or equivalent in the rest of the Caribbean.
Leaving that aside the satisfaction ratings for the Hotel Playa Pesquero in Rafael Freyre are high, and it is a very popular choice for an all inclusive family vacation. It sits on a lovely white sand beach, and is a great holiday destination both for people who want to do nothing but relax, but plenty of facilities for the energetic luxury family vacation as well.
The rooms at the Hotel Playa Pesquero are laid out in blocks each containing five or six units. This makes the hotel like a village, with all the apartments scattered around the beautifully maintained gardens.
The rooms themselves are a good size, and you can book Standard, Superior Standard, or a Suite, and in total there are over 900 units, making the Hotel Playa Pesquero absolutely huge. Now there are advantages as well as disadvantages to an hotel this size, but if you choose Hotel Playa Pesquero for an all inclusive luxury family vacation a hotel like this has such a huge number of facilities for the children, size has to be an advantage.
The pool at the Hotel Playa Pesquero is huge and kept very clean, with a pool bar at one end, a bridge across the middle, and plenty of sun beds around. The beach is private, the sea is beautiful, and very convenient for snorkelling. There are a number of beach activities to take part in for all the family, and a grill and bar right on the beach.
In terms of activities which is very essential on any luxury family vacation, it is true to say that just about anything goes. You can go cycling, play tennis, play pool, table tennis, squash, go kayaking, and whilst the list isn’t quite without limits, there’s more than enough for all the family.

Mar del Plata - The Best Beach Vacation in Argentina

For a country with a coast as big as Argentina, you know there must be a killer beach somewhere in the mix. There are a wide range of beaches, some near bigger cities and some in desolate parts of the coast. If you’re a beach-gower and visit Argentina, you will want to make time to go visit Mar del Plata.

Mar del Plata, which translated means Sea of Silver, is an old town established in 1847. This makes it the oldest beach community in the country and it hasn’t lost its charm over the years.

The countryside here looks like Italy; rolling hills that take you dreamingly down to the seaside. When you get there, you’ll see the gentle sand caressing the waterline as it’s done for centuries, all 10 miles of it.

Best months here are during the Southern Hemisphere summer, January – March, when Mar del Plata is busy. If you like quieter months, but maybe a little cooler, try August through September. It can snow here in the winter.

One of the easiest ways to get to Mar del Plata is to take a bus (Retiro) from Buenos Aires. It’s about a 5 hour trip in a very nice bus with comfortable seats. If you want to bypass the craziness of the big city, get the shuttle from the International Airport (EZE) and ride it out. And once there, you can visit the beach, or walk around town. Everything is accessible by foot.

After January 1, the town gets crowded, but that gives it a lot of life and activities almost round the clock. Everything is open and you will see a lot of families with kids, but couples and singles as well. And there is a good deal to do there, shopping, dining, gambling, entertainment, sports, tours, museums, and let’s not forget the beaches!

Many of the areas along the beach at Mar del Plata have dues where you pay a daily fee to get a cabana, table and chairs. You can get service right on the beach, and these areas are probably a bit more secure than the public areas.

Baga Beach Travel Guides

For sure, Baga Beach in north Goa may be touristy and busy but for those who like action, it’s one of the most happening beaches on the coast. You'll find everything from water sports to fine dining restaurants there, along with a pulsating nightlife.
Baga Location:
Baga Beach is located in North Goa, 9 kilometers (6 miles) from Mapusa and 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Panaji, the state capital. It's bordered by Calangute Beach to the south, and Anjuna Beach to the north on the other side of the river. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends, although it's hard to pinpoint exactly where.
Getting to Baga:
The closest railway station to Baga is Thivim. Expect to pay around $5 in a taxi to get to Baga from the railway station. Alternatively, Goa's Dabolim airport is located 50 kilometers (31 miles) away, and the fare in a pre-paid taxi is around $15.
Baga Weather:
The weather at Baga is warm throughout the year. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though. Baga receives rain from the southwest monsoon from June to August. The beach huts close during this time, although many nightspots remain open. The tourist season kicks off in late October, and starts slowing down around March.
Baga Attractions:
Water sports are a huge attraction. You can go para sailing for around $25, wake boarding for $15, windsurfing for $10, kite surfing for $45, or take a ride on a jet ski for $12. Dolphin spotting trips are on offer for around $8 per person, and island trips for $35. However, many people are simply content lazing on the sun lounges in front of the beach shacks all day and feasting on a steady supply of food, beer, and cocktails. The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach and Saturday night market at Arpora are both close by, and will satisfy even the best shopaholics.

Travel in Thailand - An Exotic Destination for Everyone

Ranked among the top tourist destinations in Asia and the world, Thailand is the hub of entertainment and excitement, full of attractions and a very vivid nightlife, which gathers men and groups of young people mostly from all over the world. It is the ultimate holiday destination, a place where spirit has no end, while fun is the main theme. It is considered to be a paradise destination, featuring high class hotels and resorts, fields of golf and sandy beaches. Most people who travel in Thailand think that some of the best hotels in Asia are there.

Indeed Thailand houses an impressive plethora of hotels and luxurious resorts, some business oriented hotels, boutique hotels and some very cheap but still comfortable accommodation options. Some of the options available include famous international Hotel chains that feature Asia Hotels in Thailand, such as Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott Hotels and Resorts. They are certainly worth reckoning when it comes to the combining hospitality and excellent services, making sure that the guests who travel in Thailand can enjoy their time to the fullest.

Most hotels feature spacious rooms and suites and depending on the category you can get a wide range of amenities and facilities that can satisfy both the leisure and business travelers. The hotels create the perfect environment so that you will enjoy the beach, the calmness and warmth of the Thai Sun while marveling at the panoramic vistas and ambiance. If you travel in Thailand you can indulge in the variety of water activities and sports, or the myriad options of the fitness and health clubs available in most of the resorts and in quite reasonable prices.





Thailand is famous for its amazing palaces, the great beaches, the bustling nightlife and the gorgeous women and men. It is often referred to as the golden land, not only because of the invaluable stones hidden in its underground areas, but also because of its fertile lands, the sandy beaches, the luster of the country and the warmth of its residents.

There are so many things to do and see when you travel in Thailand. Bangkok is a modern city with a huge history and philosophy behind it, with temples and shopping centers blending with Buddhism and its theories. Thailand is also the country of the numerous natural parks, such as the Khao Yai National Park that has a vast array of facilities on-site. In every travel guide about the country you can see lists of camping sites, food services, visitor centers, accommodation outlets and hostels, animal observing towers and infrastructure that make sure that everything works properly and efficiently for the nature lovers.

The Thai culture is evident anywhere in this country, which is ideal for those who wish to see and get to know the Eastern philosophy at its best. Whether you decide to climb the mountain ranges around the city, or visit the post Stone Age regions and cultures in the country, you should always keep in mind that if you travel in Thailand you will find the place where you can rest and relax, enjoying your time at its hedonistic, exotic and stunning beaches and resorts.

Exotic Destinations - Sedona, Arizona

Exotic destinations inspire the creative spirit. None moreso than the spectacular backdrop of panoramic beauty surrounding the desert community of Sedona, Arizona.

As a child I dreamed of travel to far away places, and I read everything I could find about locations with picturesque settings. As an adult I marveled at the discovery of magic destinations like Sedona that bring life to past dreams.

In the early 1990s we made our first trip to Sedona's glorious Red Rock country. Seeing the red-orange rock formations set against cloudless blue skies was like visiting the set of an unforgettable movie. Years earlier, when actors like John Wayne and other western stars ruled the silver screens in theatres across the country, movie-makers discovered the all-encompassing spectacle of the Sedona desert. The enchanting mountain scenery glowed from afar as cowboy heroes on horseback rode off into the sunset.









Artists were not far behind the movie-makers in discovering the enchanting Sedona landscape. They came in droves to look and liked what they saw so much they stayed. Hundreds of artists came to work and live in Sedona, giving rise to an extraordinary number of galleries. Quite a few are located in Tlaquepaque; others line highways 179 and 89A.

Even with all the changing landscapes and the widening of the roadways, Sedona has remained a haven for artists and for New Age followers. The dozens of art galleries located in the area offer work by artists who create in a variety of styles. In one gallery, some of the most colorful and impressive pieces were painted by an eight-year old girl. Throughout Sedona, visitors can find bronze sculptures depicting eagles looking especially realistic against a backdrop of picturesque red rocks. Many of the retail businesses sell art as well as crystals, books, and other New Age items.

On our first and on our subsequent visits, every place we went we found incredible photo opportunities. Along dusty trails in the wilderness to the sites of new hotels and resorts, a dramatic rock formation was always visible in the background. During our times in Sedona, we discovered some of the man-made medicine wheels I'd read about. We watched from a distance as other people wandered by, some of them chanting softly into the quiet calm of the vortex sites. Others paused to take pictures. Four energy vortex sites were attracting a growing New Age movement to Sedona. The New Agers came to meditate, to recharge crystals, and to hear the Indian voices caught up in the wind.

The incredible rock formations of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Rock and other wondrous configurations rose high against a clear blue background creating magical photo opportunities. Being in the midst of the vortexes and on the sacred land was a spiritual experience. Although we did not view the flying saucers others have claimed to see over Bell Rock, during one of our visits we went several nights to take a look. In the late twentieth century, hundreds of flying saucer sightings were reported each year. At night, a glowing blue light was said to sometimes outline Bell Rock.

On a jeep ride through the Red Rock country wilderness, we discovered Devil's Bridge near Chimney Rock and Coffee Pot Rock. Before we left, our daredevil guide posed for photographs straddling the chasm.

In our most recent trip to Sedona, we were disappointed to see that the community has crept ever closer to magnificent Bell Rock. A shopping mall has grown up near by, and the special little restaurant with the stained glass window depicting Bell Rock is gone. It doesn't seem quite right for a place as unique and picturesque as Sedona to change. But it has.

Even so, Sedona remains an exotic destination where writers and artists have come to congregate. Childhood dreams can become a reality in a beautiful and tranquil desert community.

Copyright 2009 Mary Montague Sikes, Author, Eagle Rising (set in Sedona), Secrets by the Sea, Hotels to Remember

Travel Destinations-Palm Beach Zoo

If you are planning a West Palm Beach family vacation, a visit to the Palm Beach Zoo is always worth adding to the agenda. Open every day of the year, save for Christmas and Thanksgiving, this excellent zoo can be enjoyed regardless of the season. The animals definitely steal the show at the Palm Beach Zoo, but there are other things to enjoy when you're not taking in the animal exhibits. For kids, the Interactive Fountain is bound to please, and a relaxing go around on the Carousel is usually part of the plan for kids and adults alike. When you need a break from all the fun at this attractive zoo in West Palm Beach, heading to the full-service café is always an option. Not too big and not too small, the Palm Beach Zoo can fill hours on end without wearing you out, and it could hardly be easier to get to. 

Twenty three acres of lush tropical grounds comprise the Palm Beach Zoo, which can be found off I-95 just southeast of the Palm Beach Airport. Since the zoo is actually found in West Palm Beach, it is also often referred to as the West Palm Beach Zoo. Whatever you call it, this zoo is worth a visit. Birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles figure among the animals that you can view during your visit to this quality zoo in West Palm Beach, and you'll be happy to know that all attempts are made to provide natural habitats for them. Upon entering the West Palm Beach Zoo, you can veer right and start your day off at the Reptile House. You can also take the path on the left and head west to check out the Komodo dragons and white alligators. Regardless of which way you head upon arrival, making the rounds is easy thanks to the zoo's relatively small size.

There are too many animals to list when it comes to the Palm Beach Zoo, and these animals hail from all corners of the globe. Among the most popular animals that call the zoo home figure jaguars, eagles, tigers, alligators, panthers, and black bears. Other creatures that you can expect to see on your visit include monkeys, kangaroos, emus, tortoises, and giant anteaters. Many of the animals at the zoo in West Palm Beach are located in special exhibition areas, the most impressive of which is arguably the Tropics of the Americas Exhibit. You'll enjoy a slice of Central and South America at this impressive exhibit, which, among other things, features recreations of Mayan pyramids and a general rainforest setting. It's almost like going to Mexico, Guatemala, or Belize.

On a visit to the West Palm Beach Zoo, many visitors break to watch the "Wings Over Water" show, which as its name implies, revolves around birds. These daily performances are fun and informative, as is the zoo's Summer Zoo Camp Program, which gives kids the opportunity to enjoy things such as up-close animal encounters. Education programs that cater to all ages are on offer at the zoo in West Palm Beach, so adults can learn a lot as well.

The Palm Beach Zoo opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The last entry tickets are sold at 4:15, though you're encouraged to get here earlier so that you can tour the zoo at a leisurely pace. Zoo members get in free at the Palm Beach Zoo, while adults and anyone over the age of three will have to pay an admission fee. The fees are more than fair, thanks to the high quality of the West Palm Beach Zoo, and special group rates are available for groups of fifteen or more. Seniors age 60 and over will also enjoy discount admission prices, as will children. Should you need, wheelchairs and strollers are available for an extra fee.

As a side note, the Palm Beach Zoo requires that children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Thankfully, accompanying adults are likely to have just as much fun as the kids at this superb small zoo. Don't forget about Lion Country Safari if you're interested in seeing some other fascinating animals on your West Palm Beach vacation.

Travel Destinations-Orcas Island

Orcas Island is the largest island of the San Juan Islands. This island is so scenic that most of the most expensive homes and the highest priced real-estate of all the San Juan Islands are located here.

There are a number of activities you can enjoy on Orcas Island. You can tour the islands in a biplane flight for the most scenic views. You can ride side by side with a friend. You will be listening to a guided tour with the pilot's voice narrating the whole thing as you listen from inside your leather helmet.

Kayaking has long been a popular sport in the San Juan Islands. There are a number of companies that will take you on full-day, half-day, and three hour tours. You do not need any previous experience to go on kayak tours of Orcas Islands scenic beauty as well as that of the surrounding areas. You can take classes in kayaking, or enjoy a relaxed moonlit or a custom tour of Orcas Islands scenic coasts and bays, as well as the surrounding islands.

Another great company giving guided tours of Orcas Island and the San Juan Islands is Deer Harbor Charters. You can go on a search for Orca and Minke whales on this guided audio tour and boat cruise. The tour departs from Deer Bay, on southwest Orcas Island.

For lodging and accomodations, the Rosario Resort is a popular choice of visitors. The highlight of Rosario Resort is the Moran Mansion. There are live shows in the music room. The Moran Mansion is a historical building, and it is filled with rich antique details like the Tiffany Chandelier and thousands of square feet of teak flooring. In this building, you can find the museum, the spa, and the restaurant as well.

The guest rooms of the Rosario Resort are about half a mile from the mansion. There are 116 guestrooms and suites, with excellent views of Cascade Bay. Some rooms have great features such as a Jacuzzi, a balcony, or a fireplace.

Treat yourself to a few hours at the Avanyu Spa, where you can pamper yourself in island countryside styles. No matter what sort of diversions you are seeking, you can find the Pacific Northwest's most enjoyable moments on Orcas Island.

Travel Destinations for Backpacking Women

Vilanculos, Mozambique

It's not so much the town of Vilanculos but the Bazaruto Islands off its coast. I was first turned on to this region by James Michener's The Drifters some years ago and the islands are everything I could dream of: miles of untouched sand, limpid warm waters, fluorescent fish, dhows, extraordinary sunsets

 

 

Ubud, Indonesia

Ubud is a lovely town in the heart of Bali, a little touristy but a pure delight once you get off the beaten path and certainly worth a nomination to my top 10 travel destinations for women. Three things beckon to me in Ubud: its outstanding artists, the Balinese architecture, and the rice paddies that surround the town. Of course I'm also partial to Indonesian food

Annecy, France

I'm biased on this one because it's in my backyard. France is filled with picture postcard villages but even so, this one, at the foot of the Alps, stands out. The pluses: local cheese specialties, old town arcades, winding canals, spectacular lakefront, plenty of outdoor excitement, and a monthly antiques market (too expensive to buy but great for gazing).

Barcelona, Spain

Has this become everyone's favorite city? It seems to top every list and I can understand why: glorious location on the Costa Brava, sublime seafood, and art - Gaudi, Dali and Miro are just a few of the famous names linked to the autonomous province of Catalonia. And did I mention the shopping? Just hang on to your wallets though - it's pickpocket haven but otherwise safe.

Havana, Cuba

Possibly the fastest-changing city in the world but Havana still remains mysterious for the millions of Americans who can't travel there. As a Canadian, I stayed for a couple of months and lost myself in the style and friendliness of the people, the energizing music and the living, breathing history that permeates every street corner.

Istanbul, Turkey

There's a timeless feel about Istanbul, a clear sense of millennia gone by, sometimes at odds with the modern. In the souks life goes on as it always has yet the city is at ease in the 21st century. Turkish food, of course, but the art of haggling and the flashbacks of the Ottaman Empire when this city ruled a large part of the world. Hard to believe perhaps but I felt perfectly safe: the only time I was accosted was by people wanting to practice their English. Incredibly hospitable!

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Scratch my head but I can't find anything wrong with Bocas, on Panama's coast. It's inexpensive, friendly, by the sea, laid back, great food and internet - the Caribbean without the mass tourism. It's still backpacker haven and if you like lolling in a hammock by the water with a cool drink in one hand and a great book in the other, come on over! This one is definitely one of my top 10 travel destinations... maybe the top.

Luang Prabang, Laos

There's something both mystical and charming about this town and UNESCO thinks so too since it's named it a World Heritage Site - a place worthy of protection. Its popularity is also a threat - this sleepy laid-back town is becoming understandably popular and quiet days watching the Mekong flow by may end. But for now, monks still walk the streets begging for alms and the city, at times shrouded in mist, still beckons.

Stresa, Italy

This isn't a typical backpacker stop because it's not cheap. But if you love history, Italy, old stones, manicured gardens and villages where time stands still, it's worth at least a day visit if you're ever in Milan (it's only a half-hour train ride away). Jump on a boat and take a tour of the Borromean Islands. A bit kitchy

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Not just the town but the entire island is a jewel. Pristine beaches and wafting spices but also a crossroads of culture where Arabia, India and Africa meet. A piece of advice: if you leave your hostel or hotel in Stone Town, take a card with you. The serpentine streets will get the better of even those of you with the best sense of direction.