Colombia is located in the Northwest of South America, bordered by Venezuela and Brazil to the east, Ecuador and Peru to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the North, Panama in the Northwest, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Colombia is a multi-cultural, multi-racial nation and includes native indigenous people with 85 distinct cultures like the Wayuu, the Muisca, the Arhuacos, Kuna, the Tucano, the Paez, and the Guahibo. Besides the indigenous people, South America Colombia is home to people of mixed ancestry too. A little more than half the population is people of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry, and around 15 percent are of mixed European and black African ancestry. Around 4-5 percent are people from black African ancestry, and 3-4 percent of mixed Amerindian and black African ancestry. Colombia vacations can be exciting and fascinating with such a mix of cultures, races, and diverse people.
Besides the ethnic and cultural diversity, South America Colombia still retains its old world colonial charm with numerous Old Spanish forts, churches and monasteries spread around the countryside like the Spanish fort protecting the town of Cartagena. Tourists, who are more interested in fun and frolic, can enjoy the Caribbean beaches and the sunshine. Families with kids can spend all day lying around in hammocks enjoying the sunshine and the warm blue-green water of the Caribbean. Colombia vacations are more memorable due to the warmth and friendly nature of the people. Tourists can visit the many small towns in the different regions of the country, which still retain their old world colonial charm. Colombian cities too are full of life and zest with many tourist attractions throughout the year. Some of these tourist attractions are the Baranquilla Carnival, the Bogota summer festival, and the Vallento Legend Festival, which is the most important music festival in Colombia.
Tourists on Colombia vacations who like greenery can enjoy the numerous National parks spread around the country. One of these National Parks is the PANACA theme park, which is a farming theme park promoting contact between humans and nature. Another is the “Amacayacu National Park” located along the Amazon River in the south of Colombia. “Amacayacu” in the indigenous Quechua language means “River of the Hamocs”. Tourists can also visit the “Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta”, a completely isolated mountain range, which is separate from the Andes mountain chain that runs through Colombia. Besides the beaches, forests, national parks, tourists can also visit a volcano. South America Colombia is part of the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and Colombia’s tourist attractions include “Nevado del Ruiz” or “Mount Ruiz”.
With its entire diverse tourist attractions, natural beauty and diversity of flora and fauna, Colombia vacations are a must for tourists all over the world. With a combination of the Andes Mountains, Amazon forests, the waters of the Pacific and Caribbean lapping its shores, and the sun shining and smiling down all year round, South America Colombia is a tourist destination all year round.
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to budget travel is where to vacation. Some vacation destinations are much less costly than others, so travelers on a budget need to choose their vacation spots carefully.
One of the most exciting, and least expensive, travel destinations for the budget traveler is the countries of Central and South America.
Going where your dollars go farther is one of the cardinal rules of budget travel, and U.S. dollars are highly sought after, and incredibly valuable, in a number of Latin American countries.
For instance, for the same budget, you could spend a week at one of those priciest Caribbean resorts, or several months in many fascinating parts of Central and South America.
Budget travel in Latin America has many advantages far beyond the monetary savings. For instance, some of the most amazing and unforgettable sights just happen to be located in some of the world’s least expensive countries.
These easy to afford, hard to forget sights include the Incan wonders of Machu Picchu in Peru and the wonderful Mayan ruins scattered throughout some of the least costly parts of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.
A budget Latin American vacation can include such exciting adventures as exploring an unspoiled rainforest, white water rafting down some of the world’s most beautiful rivers, climbing active and extinct volcanoes, and diving off some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs.
The key to enjoying all this adventure while staying within your budget is to shun the standard tourist sights, and to take your time when traveling around. By doing this, not only will you save money, but you will make contact with real people, and make some wonderful memories.
While in Cancun you may meet only other tourists, in the wilds of Peru you will meet all kinds of people, from peasant coffee farmers to experienced mountain guides and white water raft guides.
Visiting an affordable country means you will enjoy wonderful meals, stay in unique and interesting places, and meet wonderful people you will never forget, all for far less than you would spend at home.
When visiting Latin America, it is important to take your time, not simply because there is so much to see, but also because the pace of life there is slower and more relaxed.
And after all, relaxation is what a vacation should be all about. And the best thing is, your vacation budget can last for many months in this most affordable of destinations.
Taking it slow will allow you to spend time with and get acquainted with some of the most fascinating people you will ever meet.
Getting the perspective of the local population and learning from their varied experience, is one of the best parts of travel, no matter what your budget.
Travel provides a perspective and a view of your place in the world that nothing else can, and that is what makes it so uniquely valuable and exciting.
Traveling throughout Central and South America is also a great way to boost the local economies, and help the lives of the wonderful people who live there.
Spending time in a small village, living with a local family in a small guest house, may well pay that family’s bills for weeks, help send their children to school, and help them enjoy a brighter future.
Instead of spending your money in a large tourist resort, try stepping off the beaten path for a couple of weeks or months.
Not only will you save significant sums of money, but you will help people who need the money. The beauty of budget travel in Latin America is that your money goes directly to the people who need it, instead of being filtered through resort owners, tour operators and hotel managers.
If you are a veteran cruiser or just curious about cruising, the year 2006 will be introducing many new cruise ships for you to consider when planning a cruise vacation. Call your travel agent and ask about the cruise lines and their new cruise ships and then book a cruise vacation. Here is a cruise review of the new cruise line additions.
Holland America is introducing the Noordam. This new cruise ship was launched on February 22 and has been getting very good cruise reviews. It will be the last cruise ship of Holland America’s Vista-class series.
However, it is the first to be designed for the cruise line’s “Signature of Excellence program.”
The Noordam can accommodate 1,848 passengers. For this new cruise ship, there have been some design changes to enhance the cruise vacation. The new designs were focused mainly on the public areas and staterooms, the meeting point of many cruise travelers.
They have made additions to the very popular Explorations Cafe. As veteran cruise travelers are well aware, it is a coffee bar/Internet cafe, game room, and library.
NCL America’s Pride of Hawaii is the newest cruise ship for 2006 by NCL America. It is the sister vessel of the Norwegian Jewel and offers an excellent cruise vacation.
For the cruise line, Pride of Hawaii marks the first new build from the hull up.
It launched was in June. This cruise ship will accommodate 2,224 passengers. It will be another cruise ship in NCL America’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept being offered for your cruise vacation.
The Pride of Hawaii’s interior decor will be, of course, Hawaiian.
This cruise ship will be departing weekly on Mondays for your cruise vacation and travel the islands, calling Honolulu home.
In December the Norwegian Pearl is set to sail in the Caribbean in the winter months and Alaska in the summer months for your cruise vacations. One of their innovations is the Bar Central concept. It features a martini bar, a champagne bar, wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.
The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas was launched in May in time for summer cruise vacations. Cruise reviews call it the most innovative cruise ship for RCCL so far.
This 158,000-ton cruise ship has a capacity of 3,600 passengers. It will actually be 10,000 tons larger than Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. It will be the largest cruise ship to be built so far.
The Freedom of the Seas has an added feature that other cruise ships do not. It actually has a place to surf on the top cruise deck. This is a new and unique amenity for RCCL’s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. Other cruise lines have virtual golf or movies under the stars but no one has a surf park. The cruise line has built the largest rock climbing wall ever.
Following its launching, the Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-day cruise vacations to the Caribbean from Miami.
The Crown Princess, Princess Cruises christened in June. The Crown Princess is expected to accommodate 3,110 cruise travel passengers with 1200 crew.
Princess Cruises lines redesigned the Skywalker’s Disco, which gained popularity from cruise passengers on their cruise vacations. They also have the Lotus Spa which has been expanded on the Crown Princess.
New pastries and snacks will adorn the International Cafe. Crown Princess will have the first ever wine and seafood bar of the entire cruise line.
Expansions were made to other popular features like the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini’s Trattoria, and the Sterling Steakhouse.
Crown Princess cruise vacations will sail roundtrip from the Red Hook terminal in New York. This cruise vacation will make stops in the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos.
MSC will launched their new cruise ship MSC Musica on July 01. Musica is an Italian ship that will bring MSC into the ranks of big cruise ships. It is expected to accommodate 2,550 passengers.
One of its outstanding features will be that a full 80% of its 1,275 staterooms will be outside rooms. In addition, 65% of these staterooms will have verandas.
It will also feature a large spa area. The Musica’s cruise passengers will also have several dining options. They will enjoy a three deck high waterfall and many different entertainment venues.
Musica will sail the eastern Mediterranean from Venice.
The Costa Cruises’ new ship the Costa Concordia is owned by Carnival Corporation based in Miami, while Costa cruise lines is based in Italy.
This will be the largest cruise ship to join the Costa Cruises’ fleet. It will be launched late this year on July 14. It is expected to accommodate 3,000 passengers.
The Costa Concordia will have an European theme for its interior decor. All the room’s names will be European inspired. They will have the Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and the Milan and Rome dining rooms.
A unique amenity to the Costa Concordia is a Formula 1 driving simulator for cruise passengers to enjoy on their cruise vacation.
This new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean. For those taking their cruise vacation on this ship, they will make ports of call in Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar, and Malta.
So much to choose from! Check out other cruise reviews of these new cruise ships to find out on which cruise ship you will spend your 2006 cruise vacation.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com
and http://www.CruisingTips.com
When two opposing viewpoints about American workers were emailed me in the same day this week I had to wonder: if Americans are working so hard, why isn’t America working?
According to a recent article published on popular Web site Alternet, The Vanishing American Vacation (http://alternet.org/workplace/61122/) , compared to people in other developed countries, Americans don’t ask for more vacation time, don’t take all the vacation time their employers give them and continue to work while they are on vacation. It’s common knowledge to most American workers that they receive far less vacation time – in weeks not days – than their foreign counterparts. With the average American receiving two weeks vacation time, not taking it all seems incomprehensible. Unless of course, you’re doing what you love so much that it doesn’t seem like work and therefore you don’t need “vacation”, in which case you’re probably self-employed and the whole concept is mute. (If that’s you, welcome to my world. There’s much to be said for the self-directed integrated work/leisure existence! But that’s a topic for another day.)
Simultaneously, Fortune (and countless other American business publications) tell us American workers can’t compete globally unless they work harder. (See “Are Americans Too Lazy?” at http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/22/news/economy/lazy_american_workers.fortune/index.htm) According to the article, “The surprising report of our relative sloth arrives in new research from the United Nation’s International Labor Organization (UNILO) , which looks at working hours around the world. When it comes to what we might call hard work, meaning the proportion of workers who put in more than 48 hours a week, America is near the bottom of the heap. About 18% of our employed people work that much. That’s a higher proportion than in a few other developed countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and even Japan. But it’s actually lower than in Switzerland and Britain, and way lower than in developing countries like Mexico and Thailand. It’s drastically lower than in what may be the world’s two hardest-working countries, South Korea and Peru, where the proportions are about 50%. “
So with the average Brit worker receiving 20 or more days off a year (in France it’s a government-mandated 30), are they really working more in total, or simply just logging more hours per week? Yes, an obvious disconnect here may be that vacation stats are mostly reported for salaried (white collar) workers while the other UNILO data is from among all workers, a huge proportion of which are hourly (blue collar). But I suspect there’s more to it.
As my Mexican in-laws would corroborate, Americans have forgotten how to work to live. Instead, we’ve been conditioned to live to work. This breeds an entire society valuing material acquisitions and accomplishments over quality of life, direct experience, and relationships. This inbalance has clearly and successfully fueled the capitalist juggernaut that is America. Yet we may not only have sold our souls for a bigger house and the latest fashion, we’ve also become inefficient. In short, the fruits of our labors don’t carry the impact they should.
The principle I remember best from a time management class early in my career is proving true in America “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion”. With more Americans working overtime than ever before it’s clear we’ve lost our efficiency. We work more because we can, but do we work better? It’s no longer a matter of working harder, it’s one of working smarter.
The Vanishing Vacation article sums up the facts well, “Our mythology claims the work ethic makes America great, but does it? We have the highest productivity in the world because we work more overtime – 40 percent of Americans work 50 hours a week and some workweeks typically run 60 to 70 hours. Workers in France, Ireland, Norway and Holland are more productive than American workers; Germany and Britain lag slightly behind, and all of them have more vacation time than we do.”
Personally, I’d like to see the whole lexicon of work, even the word itself, kicked to the curb. Because the truth is when a person, a culture, or even a country is passionate and inspired about what it does, it’s not “work” at all, it’s doing what you love and believe in. It’s doing what is necessary and required without wastefully efforting in ways that don’t add value to the overall objective. It’s balancing periods of intense activity with periods of relaxation and replenishment, which make intensity of purpose possible. Most of all it is being mindful and intentional of the big picture, which is to live first, then work. None of which seems to have taken root in the modern American psyche.
In America, particularly in the corporate environment, there is so much “make-work”; rules, regulations and bureaucracy that it’s a wonder a job with any potential for passion exists at all. Even white collar executives are held hostage by large corporations under the promise of a lucrative bonus package or early retirement plan, a reward for years of loyalty. Those not nearly as high on the totem pole are conditioned to produce or perish, fear of economic hardship or ruin keeps them playing by the rules. Until we the people, the workers, learn to reclaim a perspective of what really matters, the gap in this country’s work/productivity ratio will continue to grow.
The American federal government – at least the current regime – does not care about your quality of life. Corporations and companies trying to compete for global survival do not care about your quality of life. The investors and backers of those organizations also do not care about your quality of life. I could argue that they – all of them – should care, and that doing so would ultimately be to their benefit, and I could probably be proven right. But the here and now is this: No one cares about your quality of life more than you. So start caring. If not you, who? If not now, when?
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Imagine waking up one day and noticing that your 5 senses more alive than ever. You are discovering a new world of sensations and just when you think everything is a dream, you realize that you have landed in South America – your dream is reality! Travel throughout South America is discovering a world of sensations that has no limit. Roughly speaking, there are 4 areas that have been formed by history, geography and cultural expressions.
The tropical Andes were the home of the Inca Empire which settled in the territory of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. A visit Machu Picchu, the most recognized settlement of the Incas, located in the southern Peruvian Andes in a unique and mystical setting is a must. Touring this holy place is to witness an archaeological site with architectonic and engineering innovations which have survived the ages. There are no words to describe the magnificence of such a scene which has become one of the most highly sought destinations in Peru.
In ancient times, the Spanish conquerors made their way on horseback through the Andes, leaving in each small town strong colonial spurs such as a churches and monasteries worthy of a visit. The conquerors didn’t however remove all the indigenous structures, and today you can find communities that have been resistant to the West‘s influence, and still practice their own languages and other cultural aspects, maintaining the local ethnic identity.
The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s lung, covers territory from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The Amazon River is the longest in the world at around 6800 km, with the Amazon basin stretching to an area over 7,050,000 km2. The Amazon rain forest is a green world…wet, wild and enigmatic. The most common way to explore the rain forest is to stay in an Amazon lodge or doing a river cruise on the Amazon. Cruising the Amazon River is a unique life experience: from the observation deck it is possible to scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water’s edge. The banks are covered by dense rainforest and the absence of human voices is filled by a chorus of birds and frogs. Observing pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds is on the menu every day. Hearing and seeing howler monkeys along with a morning serenade of toucans sends shivers down one’s spine. Nearly all cruises make a stop for a rain forest walk where you can get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology.
Brazil has it’s own highlights: Wildlife in the wetlands of the Pantanal, which it shares with Paraguay, the beaches along the Atlantic ocean, the Black Cultural Heritage of Salvador da Bahia, Colonial Art and History in Minas Gerais, magnificent Rio de Janeiro, the South American powerhouse São Paulo, and the Atlantic Rainforest mountains. This big nation occupies 47% of the territory of South America and is so diverse that is hard to believe one single country can house so many different options. Nowadays Brazil is experiencing an important economic growth due to innovative state programs so now is a great opportunity to see how this country is driving its way to prosperity, significantly raising the standard of living for many Brazilians.
The Southern Cone is very European. Spanish and Italians began arriving in the area during the 1880s bringing its way of life to South America. Then a second wave of European immigrants arrived before and after the WWII as refugees. The similar terrains of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay became the place where many immigrants began to build up their lives again after difficult times in their own countries. With this background, Buenos Aires has become an exquisite mixture of cultural influences with the melancholy of Tango as a soundtrack. Exquisite wine and the excellent cuisine have evolved into a welcome greeting for the most demanding gourmet traveler. European influence can be felt in many aspects of culture: body language, architecture, ways of living and viewing life, differing significantly from the intensity that exists in most tropical areas.
SouthAmerica.Travel is this and much more: living it, breathing it and discovering it is a unique opportunity in life!
Capricorn Leisure is dedicated to personal service, without the extra cost. You will deal with a live person and not an impersonal computer. Whether you are an individual or part of a group, you will more than likely pay less for your vacation package to Central America through Capricorn Leisure than through other sources.
Capricorn Leisure is a well established tour wholesale company with over 25 years experience and with excellent Tour programs and prices to Central America from virtually any major city. Its Belize Tour package is the ultimate tourist destination!
Belize is a diverse and eco-friendly country which has paid great attention to preserving its unspoiled environment. Belize is English-speaking with an excellent infrastructure and a wide variety of tourist attractions. Belize is located on the Caribbean and it has the longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere with world-class diving and snorkeling, excellent fishing, beautiful beaches, and abundance of ancient Mayan sites, magnificent caves, rain forests, rivers and a large number of small islands known as Cayes. The most famous of which are lively Ambergris Caye and laid-back Caye Caulker.
Capricorn Leisure offers the best Tour Programs to Belize!
Choose from the following tour programs to Belize: Jungle and Beach Adventure, Inn at Robertss Grove Black Rock & Ramon’s Village, Romance in Belize, Ka’ana Boutique & Matachica Beach.
Belize Jungle and Beach Adventure (8 days/7 nights): Valid until November 15 2009, this up to $1159 package includes round trip airfare on American Airlines, 3 day car rental Suzuki Jimmy (car rental insurance not included), 3 nights at Jaguar Paw Resort, round trip local Air from Belize Municipal to Ambergris Caye, and 4 nights at Corona del Mar Hotel including a breakfast, San Pedro
Belize Robert’s Grove (8 days /7 nights) valid until November 15 2009. this is up to $1,249, Round trip airfare on American Airlines Round trip local air from Belize to Placencia Round trip transfers from the airstrip to the hotel, 7 nights hotel accommodations, Daily continental buffet breakfast.
Belize Black Rock Lodge and Ramon’s Village (8 days/7 nights): Valid until November 15 2009, this up to $1269 package includes roundtrip airfare on American Airlines, 3 days car rental Suzuki Jimmy or similar (rental insurance not included), 3 nights at Black Rock River Lodge – Deluxe Cabana, roundtrip local Air from Belize to Ambergris Caye, 4 nights at Ramon Village – Garden View, Daily breakfast at Ramon’s Village.
Romance in Belize (8 days/7 nights): Valid until November 15 2009, this up to $1529 package includes Meet and Greet at Belize International Airport, round trip transfers to Blancaneaux Lodge, 3 nights hotel accommodations at Blancaneaux, round trip local Air from Belize to Ambergris Caye, 4 nights hotel accommodations at Victoria House.
Belize Ka’ana Resort & Spa and Matachica Resort (8 days/7 nights): Valid until November 15 2009, this up to $1699 package (per person double occupancy) includes round trip airfare on American Airlines, round trip transfers airport /Kaàna Resort / airport, 3 nights at Kaàna Resort Balam Room, round trip local air from Belize to Ambergris Caye, roundtrip water taxi transfers from airstrip / Matachica Resort / airstrip, 4 nights at Matachica Resort Sea Breeze Bungalow, daily Continental Breakfast at Matachica. Allow Capricorn Leisure to help you make your Belize vacation a dream come true! Let us show you that Belize is the ultimate tourist destination! For more information, visit CapricornLeisure.
There it is, plenty of mountains, beaches, adventures and history, all at an affordable price. What are you waiting for your next trip to South America?
As a matter of fact, if you are reading this, you have already decided to go there or, at least ,you are thinking about it. But, where to? I will show you my three favorite locations in South America, you choose by your own.
Peru: Macchu Picchu and The Inca’s Road
Are you the kind of person interested in history and archeological marvels or you would rather go looking for adventure, and a little (or more) fun within it? Whatever option you chose, Peru is the right place for you to go.
Five hundred years ago, the Spaniards ransacked and destroyed most of the legacy of the Inca Civilization. They could not, however, reach the sacred city of Macchu Picchu. These almost intact ruins where found in the twentieth century, and access to the city is believed to have been reserved for the emperor (the Inca) and the nobility (Hiran Bingham, founder of the remains, held that priestesses were raised and prepared here, but this is refused by current scientists)
Macchu Picchu is also some kind of world spiritual centre, people of all credos consider it an incredible point of contact with the spirit. But reaching the Macchu Picchu without walking the Inca’s Road, one of the most spectacular walking roads of the world, would be a sin. The Incas had built a road system only comparable to the one that the Ancient Romans built. The best kept part of the Inca’s road is the one that goes from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu. After paying a USD 50 rate (USD 25 for students with international card), you will be able to start three unforgettable days in which you will walk 60 miles of mountains, with incredible vegetation and landscape.
The contact with the local people is one of the most attractive sides of traveling to South America, and this is particularly noticeable on the Inca’s Road.. You will find several “postas†all along the way (the antique places where Incas messengers got rest), and the natives hired for carrying the heavy luggage (the “portadoresâ€) still resemble those antique messengers: they run at an incredibly rhythm; when you arrive to the “posta†they will have already set up your tent. However, not only rest is to be expected at the end of the day: depending on which “posta†you choose to stop, you can be received but one of the parties enjoyed by the innumerable youngsters that visit Macchu Picchu from all around the world.
The Inca’s Road is usually preceded by a visit to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and one of the greatest urban monuments from Colonial times in Latin America.
Yet, if I were you, I would start from the Argentine city of Salta, visit Bolivia, the Titicaca Lake, and just then go to Cusco. It is a bit longer, yes, but you will never forget it.
Brazil, always Brazil
What else can be said of Brazil that you have not heard about? Brazil is not a place to be visited once, it is a place to fall in love with. Brazil is also one of the largest countries of the globe, so my first advice is to get a travel guide book, and also one of those promotional plane tickets including 5 destinations for a reduced price.
Brazilians are worldwide known for their eternal smile and happiness; they tend to have less prejudices regarding human relations. That may be the reason why you will find a party almost wherever you find a Brazilian. Although Rio is “the†place for nightclubs, discos, and related events, the entire coast of Brazil is a permanent party.
If you are planning a trip for two, let me recommend you Trindage, an almost unnoticed place between Rio and Sao Paulo. The road ends at Parati, a beautiful beach town known for its Colonial architecture. After Parati, you will have to walk 8 kms. (around 3 miles). Renting a car is an option too, but I prefer hitchhiking. Every night there are reggae parties on the beach, and the sky is so clean that you will see several falling stars. You can a take a bath in of the rivers of the zone, but please remember not using soap in order to keep the environment unpolluted.
For those who enjoy adventures, the Amazon is a huge challenge. If you want to visit the jungle but without taking big risks, it is always nice to visit the mythic city of Manaos, with its Opera and its glorious past. Manaos is today a tax-free zone, so you may also find very cheap electronic devices.
Buenos Aires: the most pretentious city in South America
I was not surprised when I read that a London magazine has chosen Buenos Aires as the ‘sexiest city in the world’. With most of its population of European origins, and the frenzy proper of a big city, Buenos Aires has an incredible night life. Fancy nightclubs and pubs (accessible to the tourist, because of the low local currency, the Argentine Peso) are concurred by both young and mature people.
I would recommend going to one of the exclusive restaurants located in Puerto Madero, eat some Argentine meat, and then start the night at the Recoleta, the fanciest zone in Buenos Aires. You will ask yourself whether you are in Milan or Paris (do not dear to remind an Argentine they are from South America, they will get mad at you!).
Culturally, Buenos Aires is the most active city in South America. Writers, film directors, philosophers and artists of all kind are usually in the city giving performances or conferences.
If you like Theater, Corrientes Av. is some sort of local Broadway, all along which you will find uncountable spectacles. Of course, you cannot leave Buenos Aires without visiting the Colon Theatre, the most refined of its kind in South America.
During the day, you can visit San Telmo square, place of bohemians and artists, home of Tango, the Argentine typical dance. You can always go to a “tangueria†(tango bar) and get some lessons or just enjoy the sensual movements of the dancers.
For the weekend, going to a soccer match is a must. If you want to go to the biggest stadium in Argentina, go to the River Plate Stadium. However, if you prefer something slightly smaller but much more intense, go to the antagonist Boca Juniors Stadium, where 60,000 souls tight in a reduced space make literally vibrate the concrete. Soccer is not just a sport for the Argentines, it is a passion. Although Argentine beaches are not famous, you can enjoy several near Buenos Aires.
The most crowded is Mar del Plata, but the most beautiful is perhaps Necochea. If you are thinking on going a little more to the south, you can visit Las Grutas, the most southern beach where you can take a bath (below that, it is freezing cold). As a matter of fact, this would be an excellent excuse for visiting the entire Patagonia, with the lakes, the mountains and the Pampa, but this is subject for another article on traveling to South America…
Many people think of Latin America as a dangerous place, but the truth is, if you keep a few common sense tips in mind, it’s easy to safely travel in Latin America. The following are a few things you should remember:
Learn as much as you can about the area where you’ll be traveling before your visit. Be sure to look into the crime statistics for the area, and read up on different elements of the local law enforcement process. Learn what the local culture is like, and respect local customs and laws. Know where the local U.S. embassy is located, and have the address and phone number with you at all times. Leave a copy of your travel information and itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home. Once you arrive, if you need information about the city and which areas are unsafe, ask the concierge at your hotel, other hotel staff members, or other people who are of the same gender and general age as you. Make copies of your passport and any credit cards you’ll be taking with you. Have the info on hand in case you need to contact your bank or the card’s issuer to cancel the account. Don’t stand out. Dress like the natives – you want to observe the local culture, not make yourself the center of attention. In a similar fashion, you may not want to proclaim that you’re an American, by wearing a flag t-shirt, for example. Political and economic cultures vary and not everyone loves Americans. Wear your sunscreen. Nothing screams tourist like a blazing sunburn. Obviously, valuable jewelry and electronics should be left at home where they will be safe. Never walk around with large amounts of cash. Keep a minimum amount of cash and one credit card with you, along with a copy of your passport. In crowded setting – such as when using public transportation – be wary of pick-pockets and keep a secure hold on any purses or bags you’re carrying. Don’t use your cell phone while out in the public. It will distract you, and provide a temptation for thieves. If you do need to make a call, try to do it inside your hotel whenever possible. There is strength in numbers, so try to travel with a group. If you aren’t traveling with a group, try to join tour groups for sightseeing. To avoid problems with parasites, avoid raw and undercooked foods, tap water, ice, and unpasteurized milk or cheeses. When in doubt, it’s better to pass on something than risk becoming ill. Never accept drinks or food from strangers, unless you can verify that any original seals haven’t been tampered with. Wash your hands frequently to avoid illness. Antibacterial hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes can come in handy when there aren’t any washroom facilities readily available. Talk to your health insurance provider before you leave. You’ll need to know what kind of coverage you have in another country to find out whether or not you need to purchase special travel insurance. Find out what you need to do and where you can receive care if you need it. Also, find out if your insurance will cover the cost of transporting you back to the United States, should you need it. As much as you want to relax on your vacation, try to remember that you’re in a different country with very different customs. Maintain your awareness at all times.
From coast to coast, spanning several time zones and three thousand miles, which include different terrains and climates, the United States of America is a large and diverse country indeed. So where should you travel in the US?
America has so much on offer as a travel destination, that its various locales should be a part of the itinerary of every travel aficionado. The following are some of the major ones:
Alaska: Being the largest state, Alaska offers great stretches of wilderness. While it does have a few metropolitan areas like Anchorage and Juneau, it is not known for its bustling cities. It is the outdoors that is the best attraction of this state. If you want to immerse yourself into the bosom of Mother Nature, then Alaska is where you should head for. From hiking and fishing in the southlands to the frozen regions of Mt. McKinley and the Tundra, Alaska has something on offer for every nature enthusiast traveling to the U.S.
Nevada: Nevada is known for its famed city, Las Vegas. Although many people center their travel plans to the US on the basis of this city, there is more to the state. Blessed with picturesque landscape, hiking is a major attraction for visitors to the US.
Mount Charles and Lake Tahoe are favorite destinations amongst hikers. For those who prefer more isolated areas, there are trails to be found here that are totally off-the-beaten-track.
The history of Nevada is equally impressive, with mining towns that date back to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, which includes the well-known Eureka. In addition, the state also has many museums and various other historic features, which can be found from Las Vegas to Reno. Nevada is a must see destination for travelers visiting the U.S.
Texas: Known as the Lone Star State, because of the single star on its flag, Texas offers several attractions to tourists. The state comprises of several major cities that are strewn across it, each with its distinctive flavor, such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, all of which offer plenty to see and do.
Although you may associate Texas with large open landscapes with cowboys and cattle, it also has beaches. Coastal Texas comprises of over 600 miles of surf and sand. Galveston Island is only an hour away from Houston, while Corpus Christi has naval tours of the USS Lexington on offer along with its beaches.
Texas also offers great camping sites such as the Big Bend National Park and the Panhandle Plains. The other popular destinations are Davis Mountains State Park, Garner State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Park.
The cuisine in Texas is some of the best that you will get anywhere in the US. The barbeque, which originated here, has been developed into a form of art. Each eatery that has on its menu, unique styles and secrets of spicing and marinating the meat dishes served. But there is a lot more than that. Chili is very popularly used and a Chili Cook-Off is held every year in Terlingua. Tex-Mex is another unique culinary experience here, wherein Mexican dishes are blended with Texan style.
Arizona: Warm and arid, comprising of mile upon mile of magnificent desert, you may dismiss Arizona as a travel destination. But don’t let that mislead you, for there is a plethora of incredible options on offer here, such as the famous Grand Canyon. Once you set eyes on the sunlight bouncing off its craggy rocks, and view its depths, you will realize why travelers in USA make a visit especially to Arizona.
