Dawn at Tikal
This is the epicenter of the ancient Mayan world, constructed about 740AD, and although it is hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city and has only two modest accommodation lodges within the park, it’s still surprising that so few people are about – perhaps 40 to observe the dawn, and only a few hundred dotted about the park during the day.
Stepping out of our plane into the brilliant Dominican Republic sunshine after a non-stop flight from Canada, we were very impressed by the low rise, thatched roof buildings of the Punta Cana International Airport. Even better, in spite of several planes unloading guests, the customs formalities were brisk and efficient.
Within a few hours’ drive, the topography shifts from coconut palm-fringed beaches dotting the southern coast, through open savannah plains that define popular safari destination Yala National Park, to the cool high-mountain tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, then dense tropical jungles that house a multitude of monkeys, birds and Asian elephants.
The Haven Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa, a 333 room all-inclusive, all-adult property, has an ideal location, just a 15 minute ride from the Cancun airport. It sits next to acres of mangrove on a pristine, sandy beach facing the warm Mexican Caribbean.
Few major life decisions are straightforward and easy, and the choice of whether or not to accept an overseas assignment is no exception. Working abroad can be somewhat of a leap of faith, as you’re leaving behind a familiar, comfortable life for the unknown.
According to the Berlitz Cruise Guide, Sea Cloud is “the most beautiful cruise-sail ship in the world…and one of the world’s best travel experiences.”
Located in eastern Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have just the right ingredients for the perfect vacation experience. A mix of attractions, outdoor activities, great restaurants, nightlife, and rental cabins bring people back to Gatlinburg year after year and generation after generation.
Following the wide-scale technological developments that have occurred within the travel and adventure industry, there are now several must-have apps and gadgets for those who like to explore the wonders of the great outdoors.
Most of the popular all-inclusive resorts along the Mayan Riviera, stretching south from the crowded beaches of Cancun to the historic Mayan ruins at Tulum, are large, crowded and lively.
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya is the exception.
It’s rare to combine history and luxury in a single Caribbean resort.
But Sandals Royal Bahamian, on Cable Beach adjacent to the city of Nassau, has managed to preserve The Balmoral Club, the original section of the 400 room property which was the exclusive gathering place and playground for Bahamas high society in the early 1940s.
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