Want to see Green Monkeys? You can in Barbados

February 2011

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Travel north to the parish of St. Peter and you'll find the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Much different (and better) than a zoo, the Wildlife Refuge presents a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy animals in their own natural environment. Here guests can enjoy witnessing, up close, the famous green monkeys; a variety of birds including parrots, flamingoes and peacocks; a collection of reptiles including iguanas and tortoises; plus several non-native animals including the Brocket Deer, agouti and caiman. Admission to the Refuge also grants entrance to the adjoining Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station.

Cherry Tree Hill

Offering a spectacular view of the island's scenic "Scotland District" and the Atlantic coast beyond, Cherry Tree Hill in the parish of St. Andrew (appropriately the Patron Saint of Scotland) is a must see for any visitor to the island. Named for the cherry trees that once dominated the hillside, today visitors will find an impressive grove of mahogany trees that were introduced to the island in 1763. This beautiful locale is also a part of the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation, which is one of only three Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere.

Needham's Point

Located on the southwest tip of Barbados, and at the southern end of Carlisle Bay, is where you'll find the historic Needham's Point area. Famed for its calm waters and stunning beaches, Needham's Point is a favourite destination for both locals and visitors. Aside from the many recreational pursuits that the area provides, Needham's Point is also a significant historic area that includes many military buildings from the early 19th century as well as Drill Hall and St. Anne's Fort whose construction dates from 1704, plus the Military Cemetery, which was first used in 1780.

Blackmans Gully

Travel along the east coast of Barbados through St. Joseph Parish, and you're certain to discover Blackmans Gully. Part of an island-wide series of gullies - and an integral part of the ecosystem - Blackmans Gully is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Most notably our famous green monkeys and many plants celebrated for their medicinal properties. But perhaps the most prominent feature of the area is Blackmans Bridge - an impressive limestone boulder structure that was built around 1682.

Places to visit while in Barbados

Payne’s Bay

Travel along the famous Platinum Coast of Barbados on the island’s picturesque western shores and you’re certain to discover Payne’s Bay. Located near Holetown, this particular stretch of gleaming white sand offers visitors the perfect mix of calm Caribbean waters and desirable beach amenities. Here you can spend the day swimming, jet skiing or simply relaxing beneath the warm Caribbean sun, then venture out to explore the colorful neighborhoods, do some shopping, or dine at any of the delightful restaurants that populate the area.

Lion Castle Polo Ground

First introduced to Barbados by British cavalry officers in the 19th century, Polo has since been played at a very high level throughout the island. Lion Castle Polo Ground in St. Thomas parish is one of five fields in Barbados where this exciting sport takes place. Set on 20 acres and offering spectacular views in every direction, Lion Castle has played host to many of the major tournaments during the local polo season that runs from November through May.

Andrew’s Sugar Factory

From its early beginnings in the mid 17th century, sugar production was the foundation of the Barbados economy and provided Britain with a bounty of sugar, rum and molasses. Today the sugar trade has diminished considerably, but is still a vital part of the Barbadian culture. And the largest sugar processing facility on island is Andrew’s Sugar Factory in St. Joseph parish. Here visitors can witness how a mill operates to produce some of the highest quality sugar in the world. In addition, the factory produces “fuel cane” a renewable energy source that is more environmentally friendly than coal.

Hammy’s Bar

If you ever find yourself near the Long Gap area of Bridgetown, St. Michael, you owe it to yourself to look for the unmistakable Kelly green façade of Hammy’s Bar. Like most rum shops on the island, Hammy’s is always a great place to engage with the locals and enjoy a cold beer or rum drink. But beyond the libations and conversations, Hammy’s is renowned for offering the best ham cutters in  Barbados. Grab one or two for lunch topped with a little Bajan hot sauce, and chances are good that you’ll be right back at Hammy’s for dinner.

New Restaurants opening in St. Barth, French West Indies

Come back to St Barths this Winter! It's been a busy off-season in St Barths, with new restaurants opening and several others undergoing significant overhauls. There's never been a better time to visit the culinary capital of the Caribbean!

New Restaurants...
...in Gustavia	Bagatelle St Barts - French Mediterranean cuisine and hand-crafted, refreshing cocktails Route des Boucaniers - Newly renovated space, with a menu featuring Tapas Wall House - new steak house menu to go along with their classic French specialties
...in St Jean	Bistroy wine bar - Over 50 wines by the glass, and wine tasting classes in the afternoon Eden Rock's two restaurants - New menus by Jean George Vongerichten
...in Saline	Meat & Potatoes - serving what it says in the space formerly occupied by Pacri L'Esprit de Jean-Claude Dufour

Cliffs of Moher

Behold the Cliffs of Moher
 Near Shannon

The rugged Cliffs of Moher, looming above the pounding surf of the Atlantic Ocean far below, offer spectacular scenic vistas. It's an experience that is difficult to capture in a photograph, but is a must-see near Shannon. A visit to the Cliffs, one of the most outstanding coastal features of Ireland, previously required a wind-blown scramble up a rocky incline. Now, a state-of-the-art visitor center describes the geology and history of the area and provides an indoor viewing platform of nature's glory and the nesting grounds for many Atlantic sea birds. The Cliffs of Moher are just north of Shannon.

Walt Disney to charge for no-shows

If you make reservations at some of Walt Disney World's most popular restaurants and have a last-minute change of plans, it could cost you.

Beginning Oct. 26, customers making dinner reservations at many of the resort's better restaurants will be asked for a credit card number. If they don't cancel at least 24 hours in advance, the card will be charged $10 per person.

The new policy applies to 19 signature restaurants at the resort, including the upscale Victoria & Albert's, where the tab for no-shows will be $25 per person.

Currently, four Disney World dining venues, Cinderella's Royal Table, Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and Mickey's Backyard BBQ, which require pre-paid tickets, don't offer refunds for cancellations made less than a day in advance.

WDWMagic.com says the penalty is aimed at ensuring greater availability at its most popular eateries.

So make sure you read the fine print and plan ahead.

Motorcycling and Vespa Touring

The growing popularity of motorcycle or vespa touring is evident when you consider that such tours are now offered in almost every country in the world. But can't you just ride off on your own without help? Sure, although reasons to work with a travel consultant to find a first rate tour operator are very compelling.

Three major advantages immediately stand out: First, tour operators are experienced in their destinations, know the lay of the land and can lead you to places and roads you might otherwise miss on your own. You'll see areas other visitors may never discover.

Secondly, by carefully selecting and arranging lodging and dining throughout the tour, riders are freed up from taking valuable vacation time to worry about where they'll spend the night and where they will find the best meals.

Thirdly, should you choose to travel with others from a tour group, tours give riders the chance to enjoy the company of others, often from around the world. Lasting friendships are not unusual.

Some Rules of the Road

Tour operators will arrange either individual travel or group tours. Going with a group does not mean staying with a group at all times. For many tours, the group rides together each morning and riders can then choose to join up with the others for the day or part of the day or not at all. Single riders frequently meet up with the group later in the day. Many tour groups set up a briefing after dinner to discuss the next day's routes and options. It's also common for each motorcyclist to receive a personalized tour book that outlines daily itineraries, distances, time en-route, suggestions for special activities and directions to the hotel.

So how much experience do you need before taking a tour? Obviously, a rider's experience will vary, and it's often up to the individual. Usually, the only formal requirement is a valid driver's or motorcycle license, but many tours recommend at least the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's basic or even its experienced rider courses before participating in a tour. Participants should have the ability to safely handle a large motorcycle in traffic. They should also have confidence riding in a variety of road, traffic and weather conditions. Tour operators say that experience is important.

Riders can expect paved roads unless they hear otherwise. An average ride of 200 miles a day is not unusual and is generally regarded as a comfortable distance. Shorter tours are available as well for riders who want to test their comfort level. Some riders prefer to ride long and hard all day; other riders want an easier pace, perhaps to amble along and enjoy the countryside scenery. Operators offer a variety of tours that meet most personal preferences.

Some tours ride every day. But many others offer "free days"" where riders stop for two nights, for example, in the same hotel. This provides a chance to rest, relax, or see the sights in a particular area.

Depending on where you are in the world, weather conditions can have an impact. If a tour is in the mountains, such as the Alps, for example, the winter may bring icy conditions. Most tour operators take this into consideration and schedule rides at times of the year when weather is not likely to be adverse. But riders should be prepared on all tours to face a variety of conditions.

And when it rains? Tour riders may have to endure the rain if a planned destination must be reached. That's why the proper clothing is essential to minimize discomfort.

The Risks of Motorcycle Riding

This perhaps brings us to the risks involved. How much risk is there in a motorcycle or vespa tour? Motorcycle riding is, by its very nature, a risk-filled sport. But to say how much danger is very difficult. It all depends.

It depends on the tour itself and on rider's ability. Experience here helps - road or weather conditions that may be an intense challenge to a newcomer could be of no concern for an experienced rider. Another consideration is that in foreign countries, riders may be on the wrong, or left, side of the road, and this requires different handling. But riders can overcome any potential problem by practicing prior to the trip.

Road Companions

If you're wondering about what kind of company you'll be riding in, it might help to know that you'll meet all walks of life. Younger riders in their 20s are common, and older cyclists well beyond retirement are also easy riders. All types of cycles are also represented, so you might not have to worry if your aging bike will receive frowns from more upscale riders.

Also note that some tour operators have provisions for spouses who, for one reason or another, do not want to ride along. Support vehicles follow riders. Often, the tour will allow the spouse to join the driver in a support vehicle at no charge, but check this kind of arrangement before booking.

Many tour operators also allow other family members to join the tour. Friends might join a rider in their own car, or they may have the option of renting a reasonably priced auto through the tour company.

Creature Comforts on the Road

Other things your travel consultant will consider when choosing a tour operator with you are the amenities offered throughout the trip. What kind of hotels or other accommodations are offered? After a long day, you may want to unwind in a sauna or swimming pool.

Since motorcycles have limited carrying space, luggage is always a problem. Many tours provide luggage vans so riders are unencumbered and can simply ride their motorcycles without baggage. However, you may have a two-suitcase limitation and set drop-off and pick-up times for your luggage.

Many riders wonder if they can take their own bike. Most tours allow this option but will also rent you a motorcycle, which may be the best choice for those traveling far from home. Overseas tours often offer provisions for shipping bikes, but it is very expensive. Some operators say that unless you are riding overseas for a long period of time, say a month or more, it is not worth the several thousand dollars to ship your bike. Riders who rent generally have several choices of cycles, and the best tours allow riders unlimited mileage with no extra charges.

Tour Packages

What you will have to pay for on the trip varies, so be sure to speak candidly about finances with your travel consultant. Most tour prices are based on two persons sharing a room, but single occupancy is available on some tours. Lunch meals are usually not included in tour prices because riders may end up in several different places at lunch time, depending on if they decide to ride with the group or on their own. Alcoholic beverages are also usually not included.

Generally, in addition to the tour price, gas, incidentals and spending money should be the only other general costs, but be sure to account for airport taxes (if applicable), laundry, some meals, personal gifts, road tolls, and souvenirs. Guides may also expect tips, so ask beforehand if you need to include that in your budget.

Most tours are anywhere from five days to two weeks in length. Consider how many hours or days you are comfortable spending on the road, and let that guide you in selecting the right trip. If you're interested in custom or self-guided trips - don't hesitate to ask, because most tour operators offer them. Your travel consultant can help you identify and arrange your ideal trip.

Lastly, most tour operators do not provide insurance or medical coverage. Operators suggest you check your medial, accident and trip interruption insurance coverage, with which a travel consultant will be able to assist you. Also check your health coverage, because it might not cover a motorcycle trip.

Regarding damage, many companies do not demand damage deposits upfront. However, riders are often responsible for the first $1,000 or more of damages to motorcycles, regardless of the cause.

What to bring

Here's what you may need to pack:

• Your motorcycle driver's license
• If you're taking an international trip, you will need your passport, of course, and possibly an international driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement; it depends on the country, so check with your travel consultant
• Helmets are often mandatory, depending on where you are. A full face helmet is also recommended
• Earplugs, if you like them
• Protective/windproof motorcycle jackets and trousers
• A one-piece rain suit if you're bringing a leather jacket - just in case
• Insulated, waterproof gloves; two pairs if you have room
• Quality riding boots, insulated and waterproof
• A small bag with a clear map pocket/window
• A highlighter pen and regular pen; for marking/highlighting your route on the maps
• Swimming gear, swim suit and beach towel, if applicable
• Strong and comfortable walking boots or shoes
• A camera, if you anticipate photo opportunities
• With some guided tours, guides carry laptop computers to read email; you may want to see if you can check your email, or if you will need to make other arrangements
• Maps and destination guides (available from your travel consultant)

Like any vacation, motorcycle holidays can be as action-packed or relaxing as you like. You may also combine your trip with other activities like white-water rafting, fishing, or skiing, or a stay at a rustic lodge or luxury hotel - it's all possible with proper planning. When you're ready... just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Gone Fishing

Fishing is a part of human heritage. Before our agrarian skills emerged, we were hunters and gatherers. The history of hunting and fishing dates back to ancient times when humans hunted with sticks and fished using pieces of bone as hooks and lengths of vine as line. Today's fisherman has far more sophisticated equipment and is generally inspired less by the thought of dinner, but more to relax on the water, reeling in a few fish to pass the time. With a little help from your travel consultant, you can be "gone fishing"... in the most amazing waters on the planet.

So you're ready for the relaxation and fellowship of a fishing trip. Your outdoor recreation options range from fly fishing in mountain streams to deep sea fishing to casting your line on a quiet lake in the wilderness. You might be in Alaska or Ireland, the great US Northwest fishing for salmon, off the coast of Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile or the Florida Keys. In practically every body of water, great fishing opportunities exist where professional guides and captains are available to help you find the perfect spot of water.

Even if you are an experienced fisher with hundreds of stories to back you up, you may discover many advantages associated with a guided fly fishing trip or a captained charter for deep sea sport fishing. Your travel consultant has resources to locate licensed, reputable guides for whatever type of fishing excursion you desire in any location. Guides and captains know the local waters. They know where the "big ones" are and where they are not. Guides and captains can offer tips and instruction for fishing techniques and skills that are unique to their waters. A guide's primary goal is giving clients the most exciting and accessible fishing experience possible. Most have years of charter and commercial fishing experience and provide far better equipment than amateur anglers will possess. Day in and day out, they are experienced with landing their clients on top of the best fisheries in their waters, and can even assist with catching specific types of game fish. Local guides can read the weather and the water, making your fishing trip a far more exciting and efficient vacation.

Also important: guides and charter companies are very familiar with legal restrictions, seasonality or licensing requirements where they work. Failure to observe the proper fish and wildlife regulations of a state or country can result in a very unpleasant experience. Charter companies and guides will often arrange all of the necessary paperwork, if any, in advance.

Many captains and guides are associated with local fishing lodges or camps, offering the sport-fisher overnight accommodations, in addition to daily fishing excursions. Fishing lodges also offer traveling companions who do not fish a comfortable place to relax and alternative activities like sightseeing, hiking or wildlife viewing. Lodges may also provide fly-in service to more remote fishing locations. The intimate setting of most lodges also allows for the opportunity to meet other sports-minded travelers and develop new friendships in a common setting. If your guide is not directly associated with fishing accommodations, it is a sure bet that they can recommend local lodging for your use, or your travel consultant can locate the perfect place for your vacation.

Multi-day fishing adventures you to enjoy some of the best fishing in the world. Itineraries are typically flexible enough for every temperament. In some instances, charter companies and guides offer tournament packages, creating a competitive environment for a team or individual anglers. A tournament is a high-adrenaline activity that includes expert coaching and the best possible equipment.

Planning well in advance is very important when considering a fishing trip. Most trips are planned around either a destination the angler wishes to visit, or a particular fishing style, such as deep sea or trout fishing. Many fishing trips are even planned according to the time of year, as experienced fishers know that in some bodies of water, the fish bite more than other times. Early planning is particularly important since the best dates in peak fishing season tend to fill up fast and the best guides and captains may be booked solid. Your travel consultant will work to find a charter operator or guide that can accommodate both the season and destination you want to visit.

There are also excellent "Learn to Fish" opportunties. Many equipment and gear companies, as well as local guides and charter companies will take complete novices and teach the skills necessary to become an accomplished angler. Whether fly-fishing is your sport of choice, or if you have decided that you would like to give deepsea fishing a try, you will almost certainly find either formal training or expert coaching from willing guides and charter companies.

If fishing from a raft or a boat is a part of your trip, the type and size of the vessel used by your guide or charter company is a very important consideration. Boat balance and design play a big role, not only regarding comfort, but also for fishing performance. Your charter company should be able to describe their vessels and offer a solid rationale for why the type of boat used is adequate for the experience. In some instances, larger boats offer air conditioning and private bathroom facilities. In others, the boat is purely a method of transportation. In either event, ample room for all to fish, relax and fish some more is an absolute.

If you are traveling with a group, make sure everyone agrees on the daily pace of the fishing excursions and opportunities, or that the charter company offers alternative activities for those wishing to opt out or cut short their days of fishing. If traveling with only one or two people, you may find yourself paired with another fishing party. Ask your tour operator about their clientele and the others who will be fishing with you to ensure your compatibility.

Fishing as a family can be a real memory-making experience for children. The close, outdoor activity and skill-building associated with fishing comprise many of our own childhood experiences. If traveling with children, ask about age limits the tour operator may impose, and design a trip that allows the younger members of your party with a more limited attention span to drift to other activities. Combined with a lodge stay or a fishing camp, children could remember this trip for the rest of their lives.

No doubt your charter company will provide a list of recommended gear to pack, rent, or buy. Many fishers like to bring their own gear, so this is something you should determine early. For inshore flats or bay fishing, the guide usually lets you bring your own gear, fly rod, light tackle or other equipment. Big offshore boats, however, usually prefer to supply all the rods and reels, tackle, bait and other gear. Boat rules vary, so inquire early in your planning stages about what you can bring with you.

For deep sea fishing, excitement is plentiful, and the list of species you may encounter sounds like an other-worldly menagerie: bonita, yellow-fin, amberjack, roosterfish, barracuda, wahoo, dorado, snook, snapper, longjaw, bobo, palomito, jewfish, machaca, roncador, mojarra, tepemachin, tigerfish and so on. However, weather and sea conditions can have a real impact on your trip. It's a good idea to eat a good meal and get plenty of rest the night before your excursion. Hangovers, direct sun heat, and/or semi-rough seas can make for a very long day. Similar to other types of fishing, you should bring your food, sunscreen, hand towels and comfortable deck shoes. If you have never been deep sea fishing before, it is a good idea not to touch or handle a fish that you are not familiar with and let the boat's experienced mates assist you with landing the catch.

An option you might want to consider in deep sea fishing is a "shared" trip. Shares are designed for anglers who don't have the inclination to book a private charter and would like to go fishing without paying several hundred dollars. The advantage, of course, is lower cost, but there are disadvantages as well. Share trips generally do not go unless the boat is able to get a stated minimum number of passengers. So, if you are on a tight schedule, there is a possibility the trip might not happen at all. It's also difficult to go on the specific boat you want, because private charters tend to take priority. When fishing is slow, there are times when only one or two lines are hooked up. With rotational watches on the rods, it may mean you won't get to fight the giant Marlin, for example, or other huge fish that strike the lures, and you may feel left out if this happens. Lastly, personalities at sea tend to differ greatly. Some people may become ill and want to go home just as the fish start biting, creating a tension on board between those who want to stay out and those who want to go home.

Food and beverage, both on and off the water, is another key consideration. Find out what types of food and preparation are available to you and your companions during your trip. Most charter companies can accommodate special needs and requests if made early enough in the planning process.

Charter guides offer not only instruction in catching the fish, but also what to do with your catch. Often, the crew will unload the catch and clean your fish. Some operators will arrange to have your trophy catch mounted and shipped. It's likely the captain/crew will have a readily available price list and any necessary paperwork to have mounting done. Some charters will also fillet portions of the catch to take home for dinner.

So does your guide guarantee fish? Sorry, Charlie. That's why they call it fishing and not "catching fish." Some days the fish just don't want to bite. And operators can't guarantee success, but by carefully selecting your guide, you give yourself the best chance of not letting the big one get away.

Oregon Coast

Like most towns along Oregon's central coast, beaches are the primary draw, particularly in the summer when Lincoln City joins many of the shoreline villages in hosting tourists attracted to the coastline's crashing waves and massive headlands reaching out to the sea. Whale watching eats up hours of free time as people stare at the sea pensively waiting for the awesome moment when spray from a blowhole breaks the water's surface. It is reassuring knowing they are out there: orcas and gray whales have repopulated the area, thanks to on-going conservation efforts. Sea lion numbers are also up, and these mammoth sun-loving mammals are easy to find when they start clambering on docks, barking like air horns while nosing each other for a coveted spot.

Officially, the central Oregon coast is Lincoln County, and it stretches from Lincoln City to 60 miles (96 km) south in Walport. Within this boundary, all beaches are public. Owning a slice of the sand is not legal, as settlers first used the shore as a primary (and therefore public) transportation route long before the roads pushed through the sea-ridge forests.

Lincoln County is the warm-weather playground of urbanites retreating from the daily grind but wanting the dependability of three- or four- star accommodations. Residents from nearby Portland and Salem, and some from California and Washington states, head to Highway 101, running the length of the county, in search of meandering coastal tranquility. Any of the small towns that dot the historic byway offers all the creature comforts visitors expect from a quaint coastal community.

But Lincoln City needed something more. It needed a distinction from other former fishing villages competing for tourist dollars, especially after Labor Day.

Enter the Finders Keepers event. From October to May, special blown-glass float "faries" hide colorful glass balls between the high tide line and the ocean all along Lincoln City beaches. The number of floats distributed reflects the year - in 2007, 2,007 floats are scattered along the beach during an eighth month period. The rules are simple: If you find one, you keep it.

Floats are decorative hand-blown balls of colored glass commissioned by local artists. Each one-of-a-kind glass globe is numbered, signed and dated.

The hand-crafted art pieces are modeled after Asian fishing boat glass floats used to give buoyancy to fishing nets along the coast of Japan. Sometimes these opaque green balls come loose and slowly make their way on a 10- to 30-year journey across the Pacific Ocean, eventually landing on Oregon's shores.

Finding one of these authentic floats is exciting but rare, which led to the idea of planting a few thousand local treasures. Of course, finding an artist-made float is also fun, but never guaranteed!

If you don't luck out, you can always make your own at the Jennifer Sears Glass Foundry in Lincoln City from Wednesday through Sunday, although it's best to make an appointment before you arrive. The city's most hands-on tourist stop opened in 2004. Here, three large kilns burn like gateways to the underworld, and professionals demonstrate the art of glass blowing. For $65, any of three artisans will assist visitors who want to make their own float. Take it home the next day, or have it shipped.

If getting swelteringly close to glass-melting heat isn't your cup of tea, you can always buy a float ready made. Glass floats ranging in price from $40 to $75 are for sale at almost every gallery and shop along the state's coast, so few seekers go home empty handed.

St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John

The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three magnificent islands: St Thomas, St Croix and St John. They are all uniquely different and are located close enough together so that which ever island you make your home base, you can easily take a day trip to the others via high speed ferries or a catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are also just a short hop away and can also be seen on a day trip, but these islands do require a passport.

All three of the USVI have a myriad of accommodations available. Luxury all inclusive resorts, grand hotels, condos, villas, private guest houses to small inns are options for your choosing. Camping is even an option on St John.

A US Driver's license is acceptable for car rental, just keep in mind that a tiny bit of the British influence still remains and driving is on the left side of the road, with the driver's seat on the right side of the vehicle. At first, it's a little nerve-wracking, but in no time you will learn to follow the other drivers and suddenly you are an expert. With your own vehicle it is so much easier to explore the island and try all the beaches, restaurants and attractions that are available. There are of course taxis and buses for those not wanting to drive.

St Thomas is known primarily for its heavy concentration of duty free shops in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. It is a bustling stop on the cruise ship routes and is the busiest cruise-ship harbor in the West Indies. This small island is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, but there is a lot of activity for such a small space. Rich in history, it is delightful to walk the narrow passageways in town where chic shops now occupy ancient Danish warehouses that once stored pirate loot. Don't miss the opportunity to go to Fort Christian, the oldest standing building in the Virgin Islands and home to a great museum offering a glimpse into the island's multicultural history. Fascinating Blackbeard's Castle, which is now a restaurant and hotel, is also an interesting look into a 17th century tower.

St Croix, the largest of the three US Virgin Islands, is a little more tranquil than St Thomas although the capital city of Christiansted does offer numerous shopping venues. The real attraction of St Croix is Buck Island National Park. Several tour operators offer day trips to this protected underwater national monument, which has excellent underwater trails for snorkelers filled with brightly colored corals and marine life.

St John, the smallest of the three, is really the most beautiful and least developed. Two thirds of St John is a national park with guided trails and a third of the park is underwater. Laurence Rockefeller donated his acquired land on the island to the United States' National Park Service in 1956, provided that the lands remain protected from any future development. These early eco conscious provisions make this is a stunning island with perfect white sand beaches that stretch for miles. St John is a peaceful, non-commercialized natural wonder with postcard perfect beaches and views. Accessible only by boat, there are no cruise ship ports, airports or high-rise buildings; just a simple, natural, beautiful island.

Trying to figure out where to go in the Caribbean?

So you are ready to leave the country and set forth on a Caribbean adventure but with all the islands to choose from, where do you begin? Perhaps you should start at home.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, 1100 miles southeast of Miami, are an excellent entrée to the Caribbean without leaving the comfort and security of home. Sure you'll actually leave the United States mainland, so it feels as if you've left the country, but language, currency, drivers license, banking are all the same so you won't have to feel out of your element. In fact, you don't even need a passport to travel to the USVI! So for the Caribbean virgins out there, the USVI is a great starting point. Maybe that's why they're named the Virgin Islands!

Watch for more information the islands!

Athens, Greece

Athens

Exciting and exasperating, worldly and oh so hot, Athens is a city that attacks the senses and stirs the spirit as only the cradle of Western Civilization can. Homeland to gods, goddesses and some of the world's greatest philosophers and athletes, Athens also boasts iconic ancient temples like the Acropolis and its iconic Parthenon, and glorious parks and beaches. But best of all it has the Athenians, who welcome progress, feed on the latest trends and, true to their hedonistic roots, party with Olympian stamina all night, every night.

Things to Do
While you'll be itching to see the Acropolis, majestically crowned by the Parthenon, take a siga, siga (slowly, slowly) approach to sightseeing -- this city is too hot to hurry. Go on an architectural dig in the strikingly contemporary Acropolis Museum, then explore the ancient Agorá's marketplace, where Socrates made public speeches and democracy was born. For cool respite from the midday sun head to the greenery of the National Gardens and for legendary sunsets the peak of Lycabettus Mountain.

Shopping
Style-conscious Athenians browse for high-street fashion and lingerie along pedestrian-friendly Ermou and for couture and designer jewelry in Kolonaki before brunch on Kolonaki Square. Skip the tourist kitsch in Plaka and Monastiraki in favor of poet/shoemaker Stavros Melissonos' handmade leather sandals, whose mythology-inspired footwear has graced the feet of John Lennon and Sophia Loren. It's all early morning action in the 19th-century glass-and-steel Central Market, where stalls are laden with fresh fruit, nuts and mounds of Aegean seafood.

Nightlife and Entertainment
Zorba the dancer, Eros the lover, Dionysos god of wine -- Athens is every bit as hedonistic as its mythology suggests. Workshops in the pulsating Psirri district have been converted into tavernas and clubs where DJs spin everything from rock to Middle Eastern music. Make for Kolonaki for fashionable lounge bars and born-again industrial zone Gazi for an alternative vibe. Summer means beach to Athenians -- dress up for seafront cocktails and dancing in Glyfada and Voula.

Restaurants and Dining
Whether it's creative Mediterranean cuisine in Michelin-starred Spondi or a take-out souvlaki (spit-roasted meat with garlicky cucumber sauce) -- good food is taken for granted in epicurean Athens. Views of the illuminated Acropolis distract you from the menu in historic Plaka and Monastiraki, where tavernas dish up Greek classics like moussaka and slow-cooked lamb kleftiko. Venture to the much-photographed Microlimano harbor for fresh fish by the water's edge, and Kolonaki's design-focused restaurants for a cosmopolitan feel.

San Jose, Costa Rica

San José

Few get to know San José, bypassing the capital en route to Costa Rica's jungles, cloud forests and smoldering volcanoes. That's a shame. Granted, the sprawling metropolis is no classic beauty, but if you linger you'll discover its Latin spirit while haggling in the bustling Mercado Central, partying with Ticos in El Pueblo and tucking into gallo pinto (beans and rice) in a down-to-earth soda (diner). Behind the urban chaos lies Barrio Amón's colonial architecture, and beyond the city lie lush green mountains beckoning you outdoors.

Things to Do

Get an overview of Costa Rican history in the National Museum and learn about pre-Colombian art and culture in the Jade Museum. A leisurely saunter around Barrio Amón past restored cafetaleros (coffee baron mansions) transports you back to colonial times. Ticos seeking shade, fresh air and exercise head to lagoon-dotted Parque La Sabana. Glance up at the nearby volcanic mountains, visible from almost any street, and you'll be itching to go white-water rafting or hike through a cloud forest.

Shopping

Wake up and smell the coffee roasting as you wander the streets near the mazy Mercado Central. Sip a milky café con leche before browsing the stalls for fresh produce, top-quality coffee beans or cheap hammocks. Colonial-era Barrio Amón is dotted with gallery-style boutiques selling Costa Rican crafts and souvenirs, and pedestrianised Avenida Central boasts finer wares. For indigenous Costa Rican art from jade replicas to tribal masks and basketwork, head to downtown Galería Namu.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Ticos live for the weekend fiesta when the city swings (and sweats) to bands playing salsa and merengue. El Pueblo, an entertainment complex reminiscent of an old Spanish village, harbors upbeat Latino bars and clubs with packed dance floors. Or join a young crowd to bar-hop the DJ lounges, pubs and live-music venues in San Pedro and Los Yoses. The rich and beautiful sip cocktails in Escazú as San José twinkles below.

Restaurants and Dining

Savor the simple things in San José -- from ripe mangoes sold on almost every street corner to morning churros (doughnuts) served with thick chocolate on Avenida Central. The Mercado Central's cheap and cheerful sodas (diners) dish up filling gallo pinto (beans and rice), plump tamales and refreshing frescos (fruit smoothies). Wine and dine on imaginative fusion cuisine in Escazú, where fashionable restaurants afford sweeping city views, or seek out international fare in Barrio Amón's converted Spanish mansions.