Article Written By: KathyMcnally
BelizeLong known for its breathtaking vistas and its world-class scuba diving, this roughly Massachusetts-sized nation shares a border with Mexico. But Belize is home to several once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else (especially in one place). You can visit the only jaguar reserve in the world at Cockscomb Basin, take a bus through the Community Baboon Sanctuary, or wander through historic archeological sites like Xunantunich and Caracol. Belize is also home to the world s only manual swing bridge as well as Central America s oldest Anglican church.TortolaCombine picturesque natural scenery with a taste of the West Indies, and you have Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands chain. Several protected anchorages and small coves make Tortola a paradise for boaters, snorkelers, and scuba divers alike. On land, you can take a horseback ride through the foothills, wander through old ruins from centuries gone by, or sunbathe on any of the white powdery beaches. It s also a shopper s paradise where you will find handmade crafts, local art, and exquisite jewelry.St. KittsIf you like getting back to nature,” St. Kitts is a hidden gem in the southern Caribbean. The 68 square mile island is dominated by three volcanic peaks which surround deep ravines, and several salt ponds and beautiful beaches dot its low-lying peninsula. St. Kitts is home to numerous grasslands, sugarcane plantations, and fruit tree groves; and the climate is temperate all year long. You can experience outstanding eco-tours or play around on the beach – or just languish in your picturesque isolation.St. CroixThe largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix (pronounced Saint Croy) boasts a wide variety of sights and activities to accommodate the tastes of any traveler. You can explore tropical rain forests, wide-open beaches, rugged hills, and even underwater trails as you snorkel or scuba through Buck Island Reef. Guided tours of the island are available, or you can strike out on your own and see St. Croix Leap woodcarvers create beautiful mahogany furniture, shop in the thriving Christiansted market, or visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery. Santa Catalina If you wanted to envision what California looked like two centuries ago (before 37 million people came to live there), you would see Santa Catalina in Baja Mexico. This untamed wilderness features various floras with secluded oceanview coves, along with lush forests of kelp which are home to a cornucopia of sea life. But Santa Catalina has added enough resort amenities to make it a highly desirable secret getaway destination. You can spend your days snorkeling in the coves or hiking in the wilderness – or you can relax on the sun-kissed beaches all day long.Denali National Park, AlaskaMost Alaskan cruises only take you as far as the southeastern arm of the state. But Denali National Park represents the perfect blend of what makes up The Last Frontier.” The park itself encompasses a mind-boggling six million acres of land and is home to Mount McKinley (the continent s highest mountain), numerous glaciers, and a rare subarctic ecosystem. Dog sled rides, backpacking, and wildlife photo tours await you in the nation s largest state.So go online and book a cruise to one of these unique destinations today!
This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 and Read 213 Times