The Countries of Great Britain – Many Destinations, Much to See

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

When you think of Great Britain, most of you will only think of England, but it’s comprised of so much more. Besides England, you have Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, not to mention the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Each of the above areas are all unique with their own cultures, traditions and customs.With so much to offer, you’ll have to go back again and again to cover everything. Britain is home to over 25 cultural and natural World Heritage Sites and 7 Heritage Cities such as Bath, Canterbury, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Britian’s history dates back to approx. 6500BC and no matter where you travel, you’ll find monuments marking its history, like Stonehenge or Buckingham Palace.

No matter where you travel to in Britain, you’ll find hundreds of great attractions, small, local museums and some world-famous attractions like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Search out some of the World’s oldest pubs and have a pint. Try to make a Queens Guard smile, bet you can’t do it. Shop your hearts galore at world reknown stores like Harrods. Or simply stroll in many of the beautiful parks. Here are some of the most visited areas in Britain:

London - put on your walking shoes as you plan your tour of this amazing city! Being the home of the next Olympics, London has many landmark buildings, beautiful Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circle, theatre district, shopping, and yes, the main residence of the Royal Family, London is probably one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world. Having been portrayed in hundreds of movies, stories, photographs, it would be hard not to recognize Big Ben or the Tower Bridge (aka The London Bridge of nursery rhymes) or any of the other attractions you will find. Stroll through Westminster Abbey, visit 221B Baker Street which is the address of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. You have to go see Buckingham Palace and just a suggestion, try to schedule your stop during the changing of the Guards. From Buckingham you can easily walk to; Houses of Parliament, St James' Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Thames, Trafalgar Square and even Hard Rock Café. As you can see, you, there is so much to do and see, London has so much to offer everyone!

Next up the English Country Side – Bath, Oxford and Windsor. Bath is considered one of the loveliest cities in all of England. Its Gregorian architecture dates back to the 1700’s. Visit Oxford which is the oldest University in all of England, Walk through the impressive buildings of this beautiful campus, visit Christchurch College which can also be seen in come scenes of Harry Potter. And last but not least, Windsor, home to the largest inhabited castle in the world and some say the Queen’s favorite residence. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Doll House. This of course is all based on the resident schedule of the Royal Family.

A Beautiful Scotland Castle

Put on your Celtic skirts for Scotland - “Guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (Good things come in small packages) and despite being a small territory, Scotland has so many wonderful cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. While in Edinburgh, travel through the Royal Mile and then tour Edinburgh Castle seeing the oldest set of crown jewels in all of the British Isles. If you’re into Victorian Architecture, world famous art collections, and some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside of London, then you definitely want to visit Glasgow. Last but not least, a visit to Inverness will definitely complete a visit to this wonderful country! Inverness, the City in the Highlands, offers wonderful sites such as historic buildings, castles, museums, and not too far away Loch Ness, where you can look for the Loch Ness monster known as “Nessie”. The Loch is over 20 miles long and more than 700 feet at its deepest point, it makes for a perfect destination for exploring the Scottish Highlands.

No matter where you decide to visit within Britain, you visit will leave you wanting to go back again and again to see the parts you missed.

Bienvenidos (Welcome) to Latin America

Lush Rainforest in Latin America

The Andes, Amazon, Galapagos, Central America; Antarctica -- the treasures of Latin America are endless! Latin America is made of many different countries, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos, and Peru are just a few. Follow us as we take you through some of these amazing destinations and what we can offer you whether you are a couple, family, single or a group.

Let’s start with South America!
Visit the Amazon: Whether you want to trek through untamed trails in the jungle or just relax in a hammock surrounded by armies of fearless hummingbirds, Amazon travel offers you an exotic experience that will alter your perception of the natural world. Amazon tours take you down a winding stream in a dugout canoe and lift you high into the rainforest canopy. While in the jungle expect to see howler monkeys and macaws, and possibly the elusive jaguar. Amazon lodges, provide both adventure and serenity: twilight hikes in search of nocturnal creatures, swims in pristine lakes and black water creeks. Amazon travel is all about discovery! Interested in an Amazon River cruise? River cruise ships are specially designed to ply the shallow waters of rivers around the world. These ships offer comfortable cabins with lower beds and private facilities. Some offer luxurious suites and deluxe onboard amenities such as lounges and bars, fitness facilities, and spacious public areas.

Next, let’s introduce you to Argentina: Argentina differs region-to-region, offering a diverse landscape of glaciers, fjords, inlets, lakes, forests, and desert landscapes. Northern Argentina tours showcase unique desert landforms, deep gorges for excellent hiking, and thunderous Iguazu Falls, whose billowing cascades tumble through lush subtropical rainforest. On a southern Argentina tour, you'll greet awe-inspiring scenery at the end of the world, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, where you can board a cruise passing through colorful port towns, verdant fjords, and rugged, glacier-topped mountains. As you hike this diverse terrain, including the illustrious Fitz Roy Range, you'll realize the true essence of natural beauty. Argentina provides some of the best trekking in the world!

On to Chile: Chile offers a stunning variety of landscapes. From the haunting, echoing landscapes of the Atacama desert to the temperate rainforests in the South and the majestic peaks of Torres del Paine, there's a tour in Chile for any adventure traveler. Base camp trekking in Torres del Paine provides striking views of the Patagonia landscape, including the intimidating spires of Paine, themselves. Of course, no Chile tour is complete without visiting one of the country's many enormous glaciers--one of which you can witness while hiking through a Chilean forest. There are several different ways to explore Chile, if you prefer you can explore on foot, or relax on a well-appointed cruise ship. The options are numerous.

Check out Ecuador: Ecuador includes historic haciendas, abundant wildlife and hospitable locals. If you're an active adventure seeker, you can take an Ecuador tour that includes biking in a volcano's shadow, hiking in the Bellavista Cloud forest, whitewater rafting through the western Andes, and hiking among the volcanoes of Cotopaxi National Park. Or maybe your preferred Ecuador adventure is sea kayaking into the untamed depths of the Amazon jungle. The colonial towns of Quito and Cuenca make for tamer Ecuador tours, where you can amble down cobblestone streets and shop at the local markets.Where else can you bird watch in the Amazon while simultaneously relaxing in the bar and lounge?

Of course, no trip to Ecuador is complete without visiting the famed Galapagos Islands.

Rock formations in the Galapagos

So…..on to the Galapagos: Come see the islands that Charles Darwin made famous! Traveling in the Galapagos beckons every birder, nature lover and curious traveler. Each day on your Galapagos cruise you leave your yacht to explore these uninhabited island treasures. The naturalist guide shows you the diversity of Galapagos wildlife and teaches you about the area's natural history. Each island is filled with Galapagos travel highlights: snorkeling with playful sea lions, admiring the amusing blue-footed Boobie, whale-watching, or hiking to lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island. Travel with us to the Galapagos Islands and visit one of the most undisturbed ecosystems in the world!

And last but not least…..Peru: Travel to Peru and experience ancient ruins, ancient traditions, and ancient jungle! Plan your Peru tour to trek the Inca Trail, wander the charming Cusco markets, and explore the steamy Amazon rainforest. If Machu Picchu tours sound too arduous on foot, no problem! Machu Picchu travel can also be done by train. These Peru tours present the dramatic visage of the Inca ruins and the friendly faces of the Inca descendants. You'll be confronted with exotic flora and fauna in the verdant cloud forest, as well as the snowcapped mountains that tower like the ancients of old over the Sacred Valley. Your Peru travel experience will illuminate the dynamic culture, history, and landscape of the Andes and Amazon!

Central America - A World of Hidden Paradises

We are teaching our readers about Latin America and this time we want to introduce you to Central America! Central America is comprised of five different areas: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama. Follow us as we introduce you to the beauty of Central America.

Tropical Rainforest in Central America - AHHHHHHH!

Belize – the tiniest country in Central America: Belize offers an unparalleled variety of adventures. From the reefs to the rainforests, you can enjoy assorted adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, caving, and much more. SCUBA divers choose to dive Belize for its pristine waters and unmatched aquatic life. Belize sea kayaking can transport you from reef to jungle or to a half dozen sandy neighboring islands. Other Belize tours might include an adventure resort like Hamanasi, where you can choose from any number of water and land adventures, including pool-lounging and hammock-surfing! Whether you prefer relaxing in your tree house bungalow or exploring the caves of a Maya underworld, you're sure to find your trip to Belize perfect.

Costa Rica - Pura Vida - "Pure Life”: Lush rainforests and pristine beaches; tiny blue frogs and giant leatherback turtles; screaming howler monkeys and crashing white waves: Costa Rica tours offer a breathtaking array of sights and sounds! Your Costa Rica travel itinerary might include whitewater rafting, a rainforest canopy tour, relaxing at the beach or exploring one of the country's many fabulous ecolodges. Experience nature travel at its best!

Have you thought about Guatamala?: When traveling to Guatamala, you’ll visit ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, the volcanoes of the Guatemala highlands, and the colonial city of Antigua. Visit indigenous families and take in the colorful local culture on an interactive Guatemala tour. You'll wander the beautiful mountain town of Chichicastenango, famous for its vibrant and lively market. There is also the lovely Lake Atitlan, guarded by looming volcanoes. For a more heart-racing adventure, you can bike, canoe, and sea kayak your way around the country while also getting to know the locals.

Beautiful Nicaragua!: Travel to Nicaragua and explore cloudforest, artisans markets, and old colonial cities! Nicaragua is a destination of amazing handicrafts as well biodiversity and wildlife. Boasting the avenue of volcanoes, the country houses a chain of 12 volcanoes and the western hemisphere's largest fresh water lake, offering awe-inspiring landscapes. Nicarauga tours explore old colonial cities from the countries' conquistador past, includes visits to cathedrals and old museums from the Spanish era, and opportunities for adventure and time on the coast. Your Nicaragua travel experience will illuminate the dynamic culture, recent history, and landscape of the bottleneck of Central America.

Panama – the “eighth wonder of the world”: Panama offers clear blue waters for snorkeling and diving, rainforest adventures, vibrant communities, and idyllic islands. A Panama tour of Isla Bastimentos reveals an ecosystem rife with both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, while a Panama Canal tour showcases the manmade "eighth wonder of the world." Whether trekking through rainforest or enjoying the laid-back nightlife of Bocas del Toro, you'll forever associate Panama with the best in natural and cultural landscapes.

Tahiti for Families - Really!

Happy kids make a happy vacation!

Palm-fringed beaches, lush rain forests, high mountains, turquoise lagoons, a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone’s inner child – where is this place? The Pearl of the Pacific – Tahiti and her beautiful islands!

The islands of Tahiti offer a world of adventure for families and children of all ages. Each of the islands offer a unique blend of accommodations and activities designed for tons of family fun. Many of the hotels offer large swimming pools – often with sand bottoms, family-size 4X4 excursion vehicles for half-and full-day expeditions into the lush interior for exploration and a picnic under a waterfall, beautiful sand beaches with calm waters, guided hiking and boat excursions with a naturalist who will provide a close study of birds, plants and marine life, and regular performances of music, sport, and dance featuring local children.

Bora Bora OverWater huts (the kids love this)

Three family favorites follow.

Believe it or not Tahiti is just one of the islands that make up 14 of the Society Island. It’s where the capital Papeete is located and where you start your journey. Tahiti is the largest island throughout the country and is considered the Queen of the Pacific. This invigorating city and gateway of the country, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. It gives you a perfect taste of what is to come.

After a day or so in Tahiti, visit Moorea – The Magical Island! Moorea soars magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet - what you would imagine a South Seas island to be. The beauty of Moorea is unforgettable. It is the second largest of all the islands, very mountainous, with Mt. Tohivea being the highest point. If you’ve ever seen “South Pacific” it is rumored James Michener based Bali Hai on Moorea. Here you’ll find a true South Seas experience. A barefoot experience, with white and black sand beaches, multi colored lagoons, surrounded by mountains and a dormant volcano that reaches into the clouds. There are endless activities. From swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, 4X4 safaris, deep sea fishing, eco, cultural and nature touring, to having a private lunch on a private island called a motu. If this is too much activity for you, then sit back on your deck, soaking in the beauty and enjoy what nature has provided.

Bora Bora is the most impressive, distinctive island. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the eyes. Bora Bora's lagoon is its most treasured feature, and allows the traveler many opportunities to experience it in a variety of ways. Windsurfing, jet ski across the magnificent turquoise lagoon, scuba dive, swim, bask in its warmth... the list goes on.

Bora Bora is truly an experience worth having. A wonderfully relaxing place to be, as well as a great island for you to experience, your Bora Bora vacation will never be forgotten. The perfect Bora Bora day begins with a dawn breakfast from your over-water bungalow deck, then a guided tour of the atoll on waver-runners, then a stop on a deserted beach for lunch of beachside barbecued lobster. Then perhaps there will be an hour of swimming with sharks and bat rays, schools of them mysteriously mellowed by the warm aqua waters. Spend some time shopping for black pearls in the central village of Vaitape or maybe enjoy an afternoon massage, full of locally harvested healing oils carrying a faint sweet smell of tiare. And finally, before dinner, have sunset cocktails overlooking Mount Otemanu, the extinct volcano which is paradise’s distinctively craggy profile.

No matter what experience you are looking for, you and your family will remember this vacation for many years to come!

This Fall – Why Not Get Down in the Land Down Under

The summer will eventually have to end and if you are like we are and always get sad to see the summer come to an end, consider extending the bright sun and the long warm days. Check out Australia. Our Fall is their Spring. Our Winter is their Summer – you couldn’t ask for better weather to keep your summer tan!

You’ve heard of the Tasmanian Devil, well did you know there is really a place called Tasmania? It’s a pristine island separated from the hustle and bustle of mainland Australia. The island has more than 1,000 mountain peaks and offers four-weather seasons. In fact,more than 40 percent of the place is earmarked as national parks and reserves and feature some of the world’s rarest animals. The main Island, which compares in size to West Virginia, is home to about 500,000 people. Tasmania is the perfect place if you like gardens, golfing, wildlife, camping, fishing, walking and trekking. There are all-terrain vehicles, cycling, diving, kayaking or canoeing, surfing, and whitewater rafting for those interested in a more adventurous trip. Everything is so easy to get to: you can stand atop a mountain peak in the morning and paddle an azure sea in the afternoon. You can pack more into your day because you spend less time driving. You can cycle through historic villages, sip on premium cool-climate wines or journey deep into the western wilderness. It is all here for you to discover in Tasmania

South Australia is renowned for its wine growing areas of the Barossa, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. With its pleasant climate, fine food and wines, numerous festivals and events, and long clean sandy beaches, South Australia is a great holiday destination. The capital of South Australia is an elegant,spacious city with many restaurants and cafes, surrounded by a green ribbon of parklands. To see native plants and animals like kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, koalas, seals and echidna take a trip to Kangaroo Island, a short flight or ferry trip from Adelaide.

The Murray River reaches its prime in South Australia, with spectacular cliffs, abundant birds and good fishing. Staying in a houseboat on the Murray River is a popular way to enjoy the area.

There are 300 sunny days a year in Queensland and a year-round temperate climate. It's really no wonder Queenslanders are so happy. You’ll be able to enjoy outdoor sports and alfresco dining anytime you visit. Forge lasting memories by participating in activities with friends and family…witness wildlife in their native habitats, attempt skydiving or even follow in the footsteps of early pioneers in the Outback. Step back in time as you view Aboriginal rock art or attend a local exhibition at a regional gallery. And then there’s the shopping, a favorite pastime for many. Markets, galleries and boutiques all bring basket loads of goodies no matter whether you're looking to splurge or are bargain hunting; you'll be satisfied with the choices. With so much going on in Queensland, you definitely won't run out of things to see or do, you may simply just run out of time!


Western Australia truly is the authentic Australian experience. The capital of Perth is Australia's western gateway and a great place to start your vacation. Perth offers an easygoing lifestyle - the beautiful Swan River and inner-city parks like Kings Park add to the relaxed, natural feel. There is much to see and do in this part of the State, from swimming in crystal clear ocean waters to enjoying a sunny afternoon sipping a cold beer at an open-air pub.

Northern Australia - Travel from the desert to the tropics and discover the heart of Australia. Whether it’s climbing the escarpments, viewing rock art, catching fish, exploring the red desert flora and fauna or trekking through chasms in Central Australia, there’s an experience for everyone in the Northern Territory

The Sights, The Sounds, The Beauty of Morocco

 Are you looking for a destination that is authentic, real and offers enriching experiences? An active vacation with sensational thrills? A vacation to satisfy your passion for travel and unusual sights?

How about Morocco?

Located in North Africa, Morroco has a coastline on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and has so much to offer. Art and culture, hiking and trekking, crafts and shopping, desserts, golf, beaches, amazing spas, and festivals and museums.

Join us as we take you to some of the amazing cities you can visit.

Casablanca

Casablanca is a beautiful located in the western region of the country. The city, which is also the capital city of the Grand Casablanca region, shares its border with the Atlantic Ocean. It is not only a capital city, but it is also the biggest city and an important port in Morocco. Casablanca is home to around 2.9 million people. Besides its economical impact, Casablanca is a famous tourist spot. Thousands of tourists visit this city from all over the world. There are various attractions - towers, mosques, city halls and many other interesting spots - in Casablanca.

Fes

Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you visit one of the most imperial, timeless and untouched cities in the world. Fez El Bali (Old Fez) – is the cultural heart of Morocco. Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks (markets)that make-up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century AD.

Merzouga

Travel by road into the Sahara Desert. Cross the picturesque Atlas Mountains. Pass through the Ziz Valley and the oasis city of Erfoud, one of the largest oases in Morocco. Here, you get a powerful sense of its proximity of the desert, and the vantage point from the East Fort boasts splendid views over date palms, the Ziz and the desert.

Set off from the oasis and enter the desert. Proceed to the great sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a reception with mint tea and pastries before beginning your explorations of the sand dunes via camelback. View a spectacular sunset over the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi.<

Skoura

Visit a local date palmary and nearby villages in Ouarzazate, and venture out into the superb Draa Valley with its wonderful Kasbahs.

Marrakech

The “Pearl of the South” Marrakech was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Toledo to Senegal. Called the “Pink City” because of the color of the local earth used in its construction, it is a city of labyrinthine alleyways, secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets. The city’s gardens are still supplied with water from 11th-century underground irrigation canals. The Djemaa el Fna, the city square, is full of dancers, fortune-tellers, musicians, acrobats, storytellers and snake charmers. Koutoubia, the 12th-century mosque dominates the Marrakech skyline. The Ben Youssef Medersa, with its mosaics, marbles, and carved woodwork forms part of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina, now a World Heritage site, crammed with architectural masterpieces. Most of the city’s architectural attractions are inside the Medina, the old walled section of the town. Visit the El Badi Palace, which took twenty-five years to build, the 12th-century Koutoubia minaret; and the Saadian Tombs, which display a very high level of decoration, using traditional stucco and delicate Granada-style carving, typical of classical Moroccan buildings. Tour the Bahia Palace, residence of the grand vizier Si Ahmed Ben Moussa and a masterpiece of domestic architecture which provides insight into how the privileged lived in the Imperial city in 19th century. You can also stop at Dar Si Said, one of the most beautiful palaces and home to the museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts.

Oualidia

Oualidia is the center of Morocco’s oyster industry and offers one of Morocco’s largest areas of abundant bird habitat. Oualidia is an ideal place to swim and surf, sample delicious seafood, or simply relax and walk on the beach.

Treasures Abound on Rhode Island - A Gem of a Destination

From Block Island to Providence, Weekapaug to Newport, the tiny state of Rhode Island offers family fun, romance and luxury all within driving distance for East Coast residents. It’s a New England paradise.

There’s lots to do and enjoy and beautiful places to stay. Historical places to explore like old mills and museums, art galleries and farms. Take a ferry ride, enjoy the beaches of Rhode Island or just sit in a café in a charming city and waste the day away.

We know of fabulous properties in Rhode Island, one in particular that has recently been meticulously reconstructed. The building was built in 1868 and evokes a timeless elegance that captures the residential ambiance of the area’s turn-of-the-century summer estates. With the new reconstruction, which took great pains to maintain the original Victorian structure and feel, the property now provides today’s discerning travelers with the most modern amenities available.