Santorini is truly a magical destination. It's no wonder it is considered to be the most sought after place for a romantic getaway. There's not many places in the world where you can watch the sunset while perched on the rim of a massive active volcano overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea! The
Iceland is a country of approximately 334,000 people, making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. Two thirds of the population lives in the capital city of Reykjavik and this is where most of the tourists visit as well. In recent years, and with increased tourism, the city has seen a huge increase in
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the remarkable Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed approximately 400 million years ago. Riddled with hundreds of cave systems - many of extraordinary scale and length - and spectacular underground rivers, Phong Nha is a speleogists' heaven on earth.
As a US citizen, it is illegal to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Why? Back in 1960, the United States imposed a severe trade embargo against Cuba. The blockade was created after Cuba nationalized American-owned Cuban oil refineries without compensation. As part of the embargo, travel to Cuba by Americans has been restricted for
On many of our trips, we participate in whitewater rafting, which is a lot of fun (my favorite adventure activity), but can be dangerous. Of course, we only work with reputable companies and highly experienced guides, but if you are new to this sport, it's important that you have an understanding about the rating system (International Scale of River Difficulty), where whitewater (usually rated as an individual rapid, but can be the entire river) is classed in 6 categories from class I (the easiest and safest) to class VI (the most difficult and most dangerous). The grade reflects both the technical difficulty and the danger associated with a rapid, with grade I referring to flat or slow moving water with few hazards, and grade VI referring to the hardest rapids which are very dangerous even for expert paddlers, and are rarely run. Class 1: Very small rough areas, requires no maneuvering. (Skill Level: None) Class 2: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, small drops, might require maneuvering. (Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill) Class 3: Medium waves, maybe a 3–5 ft drop, but not much considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill Level: Experienced paddling skills) Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, long rapids, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed. (Skill Level: Advanced Whitewater Experience) Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, maybe a large drop, precise maneuvering. Often characterized by "must make" moves, i.e. failure to execute a specific maneuver at a specific point may result in serious injury or death. Class 5 is sometimes expanded to Class 5+ that describes the most extreme, runnable rapids (Skill Level: Expert) Class 6: While there is some debate over the term "Class 6", in practice it refers to rapids that are not passable and any attempt to
On many of our trips, we participate in whitewater rafting, which is a lot of fun (my favorite adventure activity), but can be dangerous. Of course, we only work with reputable companies and highly experienced guides, but if you are new to this sport, it’s important that you have an understanding about the rating system
May through December are typically the rainy “winter” months, also known as the green season. Both July and August typically have nicer weather than the months before and after. You'll typically have sun in the mornings and afternoon rains to green up the tropical foliage and cool things off. It's also the perfect time for
Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis. It is by far one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena! The Aurora Borealis can only be seen within the auroral oval, which is centered on the earth’s North Magnetic Pole. The Aurora Borealis form when charged particles emitted from the sun get caught up in the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. The rays that you see are our magnetic field getting illuminated by the incoming energy. It’s like throwing dye in the sky! The Solar Maximum -- a period where the sun’s magnetic field on the solar equator rotates at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles. The cycle between Solar Maximums takes an average of 11 years, and 2017 starts the downswing of the cycle. This means fewer nights filled with the aurora borealis, an effect that will likely last until around 2025 or even 2026. You'll still be able to see the lights, but it will be less frequent. Experts indicate the best time to travel to the auroral oval is in March for the spring equinox and September for the fall equinox. Aurora hunting is ultimately a game of luck, but if you find yourself in the right place at the right time, you will see anything from an ethereal green glow on the horizon to pulsating scarlet streaks across the sky. Check out our Discover South Iceland trip that happens every March and September!
Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis. It is by far one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena! The Aurora Borealis can only be seen within the auroral oval, which is centered on the earth’s North Magnetic Pole. The Aurora Borealis form when charged particles emitted from the
While in Cuba, we visit an organic farm for a true farm-to-fork experience. Upon arriving, you are given an "Anti-Stress Drink." Here's what's in it: 1/2 pineapple 4 tsp sugar 3 tbsp milk 1 tsp coconut milk Ice Water Blend Next, add: Star Anise Mint Leaves Mint Grass Basil Lemongrass Blend Finish with some honey & cinnamon on top. Don't forget the Rum! Delicious!
While in Cuba, we visit an organic farm for a true farm-to-fork experience. Upon arriving, you are given an “Anti-Stress Drink.” Here’s what’s in it: 1/2 pineapple 4 tsp sugar 3 tbsp milk 1 tsp coconut milk Ice Water Blend Next, add: Star Anise Mint Leaves Mint Grass Basil Lemongrass Blend Finish with some honey &
Eating is a big part of traveling, so we choose to not include all meals as part of the trip price to give you a choice of eating options. This allows for maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together, of course there is no obligation to do this. Below is a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Cuba! HAVANA O'Reilly 304 (Spanish/ Caribbean) O'Reilly #304, Habana Vieja Thinking up the name (the restaurant's address) can't have taken much imagination, but this place serves up some of the most imaginative cuisine in Havana. Exquisite seafood with crispy vegetables is presented on metal pans set into wooden trays, while the cocktails and tacos are fast becoming legendary. Seafood here is fantastic and fresh, and its ceviche is the holy grail here, voted as the best ceviche restaurant in Havana. Also, don't miss the watermelon or passion fruit mojitos that pack a punch! The simple restaurant is probably the trendiest and hippest eatery in Cuba. Dona Eutimia (Cuban/ Creole) Callejón del Chorro No. 60C, Plaza de la Catedral This paladar is located opposite an artist's workshop within a few meters of the large state restaurant, El Patio, on Cathedral Square. The place is small, old, personal, an intimate place where you can relax. The bar area has a modern coffee shop lounge feel (think Friends) with comfortable sofas, bright cushions and good music (modern lounge). The owner, Leticia, has developed a very traditional Cuban menu based on memories of her mother's dishes. She does not like to invent new dishes or to mix with a modern touch. So look for tamal, ropa vieja (shredded beef), pork, rice and beans cooked with original flavors. Don't underestimate how good these
Eating is a big part of traveling, so we choose to not include all meals as part of the trip price to give you a choice of eating options. This allows for maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat
In the US, we're used to a Cuban Sandwich having pickles and cheese. Well my friends, I hate to inform you... this is all wrong! A REAL Cuban sandwich doesn't have pickles or cheese. It's much simpler than that. The REAL Cuban Sandwich consists of: Roasted Pork Leg Garlic, onions, sweet pepper & vinegar (combined together in a squirt bottle) Tomatoes Where's the best place to find an authentic Cuban sandwich? From a street vendor, such as Rico y Fresco, on the drive from Trinidad to Havana in Cuba! Photo Credit: Kim Wilson @ cinematiclifestyleimagery.com
In the US, we’re used to a Cuban Sandwich having pickles and cheese. Well my friends, I hate to inform you… this is all wrong! A REAL Cuban sandwich doesn’t have pickles or cheese. It’s much simpler than that. The REAL Cuban Sandwich consists of: Roasted Pork Leg Garlic, onions, sweet pepper & vinegar
