Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a lively seaside town where Afro-Caribbean culture, indigenous traditions, and tropical landscapes come together. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for its reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Palenque, nestled in the lush jungles of Chiapas, Mexico, offers an enthralling glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. The city is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, which include the majestic Temple of the Inscriptions, where the tomb of the ruler Pakal the Great was discovered in 1952.
Bakersfield, located in the southern part of California’s Central Valley, is a city known for its agricultural significance, oil industry heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Positioned at the junction of the Sierra Nevada and the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield offers a mix of urban amenities and easy access to California’s diverse landscapes.
One visit to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in Madagascar and you may find yourself feeling like you have stepped onto another planet. The mineral forest was formed nearly 200 million years ago and has become a popular destination for adventurous hikers from around the world. The hanging bridge, while not for the faint of heart, is one of the most photographed spots within the park.
One of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas, Long Island lies at the eastern reaches of the more than 700 islands and cays that make up thisspectacular archipelago. Located on the Tropic of Cancer, approximately 160 miles southeast of Nassau (a one hour flight), it covers nearly 230 square miles and is 70 miles long by five miles at its widest point.
Christopher Columbus saw this long island as he headed west in Oct., 1492. In his log he described 150-foot high cliffs, waves crashingon isolated beaches, and miles of uninterrupted green foliage fillingthe air with "the scent of flowers and trees, delicious and sweet...the most delightful thing in the world". Long Island remains remarkably unchanged today. The geography of its east and west coast is strikingly different; hills and coral cliffs mark the former, whileshallow bays and miles of white sand beach grace the latter.
There is plenty to see and do in this paradise. Historic churches and romantic ruins, ancient caves and virgin beaches abound. It's a place to laze, to play, to explore. Long Island maintains a unique character other Out Islands have lost to the rising tide of tourism-related development. Its peaceful easy way of life and crime-free status ensure a worry-free holiday.