December 7, 2012 / in Featured Destinations Vancouver, located in the western portion of Canada, is a large metropolitan area that delivers abundant sightseeing opportunities. This beautiful metropolis resides in the middle of the mountains and the ocean. It is not only a wondrous place to visit, but has also been said to be one of the best residential cities. Everything lying to the west of Ontario Street is referred to as the Westside. All parts of the metropolis residing on the east are part of the Eastside and those portions lying to the North make up the city Centre. Stanley Park, located on the West End of town, is a popular beach hangout with one of a kind dining. Visitors have the option of seeing Chinatown located in the more urban and cultural portion of Vancouver. False Creek, consisting of modern neighborhoods, offers stunning views and spectator sports events. The area provides varying scenery consisting of hills and flatlands with mountainous surroundings lying to the east. Individuals vacationing during the summer can expect moderate temperatures with plenty of sun. Snow fall occurs approximately eleven days throughout the winter with minimal amounts remaining on the ground. Spend a Little Time Outdoors A variety of tours are available to aid visitors in becoming familiar with this stunning metropolitan region. Tourists have the option to take part in a scheduled bus or walking tour to learn about Vancouver’s popular attractions. Outdoor events are prevalent among locals and it is not uncommon to see individuals walking, jogging, or biking through the area. Speedboat, rollerblade, and bike rentals are available in the downtown portion of the city. The beaches are another great choice for those who want to spend the day relaxing in the sun or playing in the sand. Hills found on the North Shore away from the metropolitan area of Vancouver provide a perfect skiing or snowboarding location. Hockey is an important sport in the winter months due to the Canucks season starting in October. Soccer, roller derby, and baseball are additional past times in this region of Canada. Abundant Opportunities for Fun While the city is notorious for outdoor fun, it also supplies an array of alternative types of activities to visitors. Those wanting to have a more relaxing or cultural vacation have the opportunity to visit a theatre, see a concert, and choose one of the many available festivals. The downtown area contains both an opera house and symphony venue that offer individuals the chance to catch a live performance. Those traveling in June can experience the yearly Dragon Boat Festival located in the False Creek part of town. Each neighborhood has its own line up of festivals with the most prominent including the HSB Celebration of Light and the International Film Festival. Travelers desiring to shop till they drop should spend some time on Robson Street exploring local boutiques. Pacific Centre is another neighborhood location offering over one-hundred fifty boutique choices. Gastown, an older neighborhood of the city, contains numerous historical buildings among other attractions. The city is a must see for anyone wanting a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of possibilities for fun, new experiences.

January 1, 2013 / in Featured Destinations The “Big Apple” is one of the most populated and famous metropolitan areas in the United States. As the center focal point of this extensive region, it houses one of the largest harbors in the world and offers plenty of famous attractions. New York, home to the United Nations Headquarters, has greatly impacted commerce, technology, entertainment, and education. While English is the main language of the densely populated area, approximately eight-hundred languages can be heard throughout New York City. It was originally a trading post area found in 1624; however, today the metropolis is a booming location consisting of a diverse culture and abundant opportunities. The Empire State Building This one-hundred two story skyscraper spans over fourteen hundred feet in height and is a notable piece of architecture throughout the world. The Empire State Building remained as the tallest building on the planet for almost forty-one years. It now ranks third in height among all skyscrapers within the United States. Seen as an icon of the American culture, the marvelous sight consists of Art Deco style architecture and was made a preserved historic landmark in 1986. It is an architectural wonder every visitor must see as they make their way to this exciting location. Statue of Liberty One of the most famous landmarks of New York City, the Statue of Liberty is a sculpture of neoclassical nature that can be found on Liberty Island as part of the harbor. It was given as a gift by the French in 1886 after Frederic Bartholdi completed the design. The robed figure was meant to represent the Roman goddess, Libertas, who stood for freedom. It is not only an iconic landmark to those living in the United States, but also a welcoming statue to those arriving from abroad to enjoy the freedom offered by America. Times Square This iconic visitor attraction of New York City is located in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. Stretching across five streets, this portion of the city is sometimes referred to as “The Crossroads of the World.” This section of the city is known as the Broadway theatre district and as one of the busiest intersections for pedestrians. The heavily visited tourist location is also an important contributor to the entertainment industry. Notable landmarks in this busy portion of the city include the TKTS booth, the Coca-Cola sign, Times Square Studios, MTV Studio, The Hard Rock Café, and Planet Hollywood. Coney Island Coney Island sits on a peninsula next to the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of Brooklyn. It was originally a barrier island not connected to the main land; however, a land fill caused a partial connection to form. Coney Island is well known for its amusement parks, which were popular at the beginning of the twentieth century prior to World War II. New additions to the area include the MCU Park and a minor league baseball team. Visitors come to the island every year to have a day of fun at the amusement park and see the much depicted sight of the famous Wonder Wheel overlooking the ocean.

January 5, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Boston, the largest and oldest city in Massachusetts, is well-known for its cultural roots in the New England region of the United States. The greater metropolitan area houses over four million inhabitants with a total of over seven million spanning the entire region. It was originally founded in 1630 by England colonists and later became the location of events such as the Boston Tea Party. The city offers multiple tourist spots centered on major turning points as the nation curved its path to what it is known as today. After independence was gained, the region became an important shipping and manufacturing location. It housed the first public school found within the independent nation as well as the first subway system. Modern Boston The metropolis offers an enormous look into the initial development of the United States to travelers. It has strong ties to the original New England customs and the accent heard by those traveling through the area is referred to as Boston English. Local food focuses on seafood with dairy and salt coming in at a close second. Government and religion in the region are greatly influenced by Irish culture. An abundance of theatres are spread throughout the city in addition to performing arts and classical music venues. Historic sites from the American Revolution time period have been preserved in the Boston National Historic Park. Visitors can move ahead a few years to explore the deep roots of hardcore punk as it was the original birthplace of the music genre. Religion remains as a prominent focal point in the region as well due to its historical background. Versatility by Season Every season in Boston offers its own little delights both in scenery and held events. Summer creates the perfect setting for strolling through a local park or sitting at an outdoor café. Fall is a great time of the year to sightsee along the many walking trails in the area including the popular historic Freedom Trail. The cobblestone pathways of the Beacon Hill portion of Boston make a memorable romantic atmosphere in the winter as they are lit up by street lamps. Whatever the time of year, Boston provides a welcoming atmosphere combined with stunning scenery and a variety of activities. City Highlights Museums in this metropolis offer visitors the chance to become familiar with local history or see artistic masterpieces. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum delivers a live reenactment of the beginning of the American Revolution that is a must see for any historical enthusiast. The Boston National Historic Park is another location where the roots of this region can be explored. It provides vast information about Boston’s role leading up to the American Revolution. Those wanting to take in the scenery have ample opportunities to walk in parks or visit a historic part of the city. Boston has an exquisite nightlife, countless performing arts choices, and numerous forms of entertainment. It is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year and a shining example of how a city can continue to grow with the times.

January 13, 2013 / in Employee Motivation Businesses seeking to motivate their sales or general staff to accomplish an objective or perform better have many incentive options to choose from and it is important to know what choices provide the most outstanding results. Monetary rewards such as a quarterly bonus or late bonuses since they provide short term recognition to the participants. Merchandise oriented awards are only effective if the offer employees something they are not usually obtaining on their own. Incentive travel opportunities have been proven to be the most fruitful drive, when it comes to maintaining consistent productivity or sales increases. Why is this option more reliable than any alternative choice? Travel incentives are the same as a simple family vacation only better, as the trip has been supplied by an employer as an extraordinary experience without paying out of pocket. Trip incentives are an applicable program choice for: Reaching a Defined Goal Encouraging Teamwork Performance Recognition Attendance Improvements Heightening Sales Raising Morale Retaining Top Employees A well planned trip incentive is capable of heightening morale or productivity while supporting corporate values and staff loyalty. Certain characteristics must be present to receive a desired boost in productivity or sales. A company should take ample time to plan out the purpose, objectives, time frame, promotion techniques, and offered reward before presenting the program to an entire staff or department. Creating a Successful Incentive Program The structure and marketing of an award program will play a significant role in the experienced end results. Public recognition is imperative for motivating all participants since recognizing people for their prowess is common booster. A system must be created to recognize each top performer with a reward of acceptable size or value. Companies choosing to use travel incentives for employees will gain a visible outcome by evaluating the target group involved with in regards to their current earning levels, desires, and limitations. An employee with the funds to attend the problem paying any required taxes for the received trip whereas others could be incapable of taking the trip due to that factor. These considerations are essential before planning out an incentive program: Company Goals Total Cost Targeted Group Type of Award Performance Tracking Methods Goal Achievement Obstacles Methods for Measuring Results Participant Preferences Each of the above items will have a pivotal role in the success of a chosen travel incentive for employees. The rewards must fit the lifestyle and financial condition of the participants to be a motivator. Individuals already making enough to get by are not going to be inspired to work harder for a trip that is motivated by a trip they can take anytime on their own. It is important to fit the award items to the targeted group in order to receive the desired increases. Additionally, a company needs to have concrete methods in place to measure performance, recognize top achievers, and evaluate an incentive program after it has been completed. Companies who take the time to properly evaluate each aspect of a program will experience the biggest boosts in productivity and sales.

January 15, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Algarve is a destination in South Portugal along the Atlantic coastline that offers a serene of beautiful beaches combined with tranquil waters. The region’s economy consists of tourism, fishing, seafood, and fruit production with travelers being most frequent during the summer months. Oranges, figs, and almonds are some of the most significant items produced in the area. It is one of the most popular areas of Portugal and is widely known as one of the top European summer destinations. Algarve is ranked one of the best golf destinations in the region. Approximately seven million individuals choose this area in the world market each year to the location each year. Why do so many individuals choose this specific region, when planning a getaway? Algarve provides alluring waters surrounded by picturesque limestone caves along the coastline with the Atlantic waters. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse oneself in gorgeous locations or head to Albufeira. Visitors frequent the southernmost region of Portugal, which has some of the best beaches in the country and serves as the location to a common stopping point for Mediterranean cruises. Additionally, the area supplies countless entertaining and romantic and adventure-activity choices to visitors of all ages. An Impeccable Spot for Creativity or Nature Exploration Algarve promises fun on the beach, great family memories, a plethora of dining options, and plenty to do. The supplied coastline and rural countryside of this location deliver a one of a kind contrast to the creative or nature loving visitor. It is a great vacationing choice for individuals with specific interests such as: Photography Nature Walking Water Activities Painting Bird Watching Area Exploration The natural beauty supplied by this destination brings people desiring a pleasurable and relaxing getaway from various countries together. Algarve travelers typically enter through the Faro Airport by plane; however, the location is also reachable by travelers through alternate means. The summer months of July through September are the busiest travel times due to the location's outstanding weather. Travelers seeking a getaway full of new experiences have a winning choice with Algarve since the area promises more than anyone can do during a stay. Exciting locations combined with picture-perfect views has made Algarve, Portugal one of the top tourist destinations in the world. What to Do in Algarve, Portugal Individuals choosing Algarve as their vacation spot have numerous options for fun, relaxation, and exploration. Excitable beaches are just the beginning when traveling to this region of Portugal. Area weather patterns provide sunny, dry days where individuals have the opportunity to take walks, do a little sightseeing, or choose from several types of activities. Visitors yearning for an active vacation have these sporty options: Cycling Tennis Surfing Golf Kayaking Horseback Riding Rock Climbing Wakeboarding Those desiring to have an extreme adventure can add the choice of kitesurfing to their roster. The family friendly destination offers less risky adventures including water parks, zoos, and boating trips along the coastline. Visitors can take a day riding in the local caves or hang out with the dolphins. The region’s large variety of accommodations makes it easy to visit Portugal on any budget. Whether visiting alone, with someone special, or the entire family, Algarve delivers the perfect mix of fun and new, exciting adventures. A memorable beach searing and an abundance of activities make this unique island paradise a fruitful choice for individuals or incentive travel.

January 25, 2013 / in Employee Motivation Incentive programs are used to inspire a set of desired behaviors or accomplish defined objectives in a specified time frame. Travel incentives deliver businesses with the opportunity to encourage individuals to heighten performance, increase sales, or provide enhanced service to customers. A variety of options are available to aid an organization in receiving the right results including: Monetary Gift Cards Certificates Merchandise Travel Not all forms of compensation will provide the same degree of motivation and numerous companies are beginning to step away from traditional monetary rewards to gain desired outcomes. These rewards do not have the high trophy value offered by travel alternatives. They are often viewed by participants as part of their compensation package rather than as a reward program. The lift supplied by this type of compensation disappears quickly as the awarded participant uses the cash to pay bills or buy something they have been putting off due to lack of funds. Studies show merchandise programs involving items such as high-end electronics to be far more effective over monetary choices. Travel incentives deliver the most memorable experience and have begun to take the lead among businesses desiring to receive long term results. Why Do Trips Make the Perfect Inspirational Tool? Travel incentives supply the opportunity to have a memorable experience in a location many do not have the time or money to visit. The reward can consist of destinations throughout the world such as Italy or France. Companies are easily able to incorporate the incentive as part of business objectives by scheduling a meeting during the trip or adding a charitable event to the roster. The right destination, time frame, and promotion tactics make it possible for a company to: Heighten Staff Performance Engage Personnel Draw in High Quality Employees Increase Perceived Job Value Encourage Desire Behaviors A carefully planned travel incentive is capable of increasing performance by a minimum of twenty percent. This number is boosted when a trip oriented reward is applied to a team setting. The initial offering of a program results in an immediate spike of productivity and raises interest among personnel. A company can expect to see continued increases in productivity if the award is promoted correctly. The decision to incorporate travel incentives as part of a compensation program makes it easier to attract highly skilled individuals. Additionally, studies have found that long term programs supply better results over short term choices like cash or merchandise. Employees love to feel valued and while a monetary choice does allow them to remove a little stress, it does not provide the sense of accomplishment or loyalty seen after receiving a once in a lifetime trip. These experiences stay with the winning participants, encourage them to try harder for the next opportunity, and boost workforce loyalty to the company. By choosing travel incentives over alternative options, a business will be able to retain quality staff members and receive continued performance spikes. Trip incentives are the perfect tool for motivating individual employees or departments to meet objectives and provide a memorable award for a job well done.

February 5, 2013 / in Incentive Travel Articles Amsterdam delivers a little something to every vacationer rather the desire lies in seeing famous works of art or relaxing with a cup of coffee in a local coffeehouse. As one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam started out as a tiny fishing village and transformed into a vital world port at the time of the Dutch Golden Age. Canals, developed during the 17th century, lie at the center of Amsterdam and provide an interesting view of this destination. Visitors have several intriguing activities to choose from including: Historic Canals Museums Anne Frank House Red-Light District Cannabis Coffee Shops Boutiques Entertainment Venues As a popular tourist destination, Amsterdam caters to just about every individual interest whether traveling alone or with the family. Museums housing pieces of work created by some of the most famous artists in the world can be found throughout the city. The locations oceanic climate is influenced by western winds from the North Sea and winters are mild for the most part. Summers remain fairly hot with an average temperature of just a little over seventy degrees. Transportation in Amsterdam Most attractions in the city of Amsterdam are easily accessible by foot; however, services such as public transit can be used to get around. Public transit systems use a ticketing system where a reloadable or disposable card is purchased for touring the city. Travelers have the option of buying a ticket based on hours that ranges from one to one-hundred sixty-eight hours at no additional cost. Public transportation options in the city include the Tram, Metro, and bus with ferry services or boat rentals as alternative choices. Bicycles reflect yet another interesting form of travel and visitors can always grab a taxi at a little higher price. Whatever mode is chosen for getting around, Amsterdam has plenty of choices for having a fun-filled vacation. Things to See & Do While the museums, districts, and coffeehouses are common drawing points for visitors, a variety of alternative experiences lie around every corner including a large number of historic buildings. The street pattern found in Amsterdam remains basically unaltered from what it was in the nineteenth century since the area did not experience any significant bombings during the Second World War. Visitors with architectural interests should spend a little time at the historical city centre. Consisting of approximately ninety islands and countless bridges, the centre provides a beautiful view regardless of the time of the day. The Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum are a few of the artistic sites of the region. A museum card can be purchased to have access to more than four-hundred museums found throughout the Netherlands. Private tours are an option for seeing all the city has to offer and can be taken by boat, bus, or car. Visitors can also take a free tour in one of the diamond factories or spend a day walking along the canals while shopping at a market or boutique. Amsterdam offers plenty of options for the active traveler or those who just want to relax when staying at this exquisite destination.

February 7, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Antigua and Barbuda are twin isles located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The two masses lie in the center of Leeward Islands, which is often referred to as the “Land of 365 Beaches.” Culture in the area has been immensely influenced by British customs since it was once part of the countries empire. Both isles reside to the southeast of Puerto Rico as part of the North American continent. The terrain of these islands was developed by limestone formations in addition to volcanic activity. They are low-lying land masses that have become popular for their beaches. Climates in the region are toned-down by the northeast trade winds and precipitation remains minimal due to the low elevation of each island. Local History Sir Christopher Codrington was the first to arrive in the beautiful lands of Antigua and Barbuda. The enterprising man came to the region in 1684 to determine if it was suitable for sugar cultivation. It was a successful venture where cultivation remained prominent on Antigua for approximately fifty years. In the mid-18th century, over one-hundred stone fruit processing windmills were scattered across the island and can still be viewed today by visitors. Many have been transformed into bars, shops, or housing structures. The original mill on Codrington’s estate has been fully restored. Antigua grew into a significant port and commercial colony at the end of the 18th century. It was then referred to as the “gateway to the Caribbean” since its position could be used to control numerous sailing routes. Several historical sites were built to defend the land from outside attacks during the colonization period and remain standing for visitors to view. Things to See & Do Of the two islands, Barbuda remains fairly undeveloped while Antigua has been slightly commercialized. Barbuda delivers white sanded beaches in a peaceful, mostly unaltered setting. The activities offered on this undeveloped mass of land are centered on nature. Travelers are able to participate in beachcombing, fishing, hunting, and resort offered fun. Resorts on both isles allow travelers to take part in activities such as: Golf Tennis Diving Snorkeling Beach Basking Horseback Riding Hiking Bird Watching Visitors have a few specific points of interest when staying on Barbuda including a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary consists of stunning beaches mixed with shipwreck sites and gorgeous reef formations. The island, reachable by plane or boat from Antigua, houses luxury accommodations in addition to small, cozy hotels. Antigua is more modernized with a variety of things to do including eateries and shopping opportunities. Individuals visiting the island should take some time to see the best view of the English Harbour from Shirley Heights or the creative works of art housed at Harmony Hall museum. This particular museum plays a major role in the arts area community and holds many events to show off local creations. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda presents the story of these two land masses from their formation to present day. Both isles provide countless attractions, sightseeing opportunities, and some of the best beach scenery in the world.

February 9, 2013 / in Featured Destinations The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination consisting of over three thousand islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It was first inhabited by the Lucayans who were a Taíno people of the Arawakan language. These isles were the first stopping point of Columbus during the discovery of the New World in 1492. The location was never colonized by the Spanish and remained deserted until 1648 when the isle of Eleuthera was settled by the English. In 1718, the location shifted toward a plantation economy as slaves were imported to the area and American loyalists made it their home. Slave trading was abolished approximately one hundred years later by the British Empire and many liberated people made the Bahamas their home shortly after. Mount Alvernia is the highest point on the area with a total height of two-hundred and seven feet. The isles have a tropical climate, which is affected by the Gulf Stream and this contributes to their lack of hurricanes in the region. Temperatures remain around seventy to eighty degrees for most of the year with the exception of occasional dips caused by Artic outbreaks. Local Culture Less developed islands in the Bahamas center on crafts such as basketry, hat making, and bags with palm fronds. An African street parade called Junkanoo is held in Nassau on December 26th each year. It is a great choice for travelers desiring to experience local music, art, and dance. Additional events are held at various times of the year such as the Crab Fest to celebrate traditional crops as well as foods of the region. The Bahamas is all about fun on the beach and local culture. Travelers do not have to exchange US dollars to buy things as this form is currency is accepted by vendors in the area. Few items are made for resale to visitors; however, luxury products can be obtained for quite a deal by bargaining with sellers. Area Attractions The Bahamas has been a popular vacationing choice for numerous years because of the supplied beach scenery and paradise-like atmosphere. Travelers come to kick back, enjoy the sun, and have fun in the water while getting away from everyday life. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a variety of boutiques offering stunning prices on some of the most demanded, high priced products in North America. Additionally, travelers can take some time trying out new, adventurous activities to receive a once in a lifetime experience. While the gorgeous blue waters of the Bahamas are enough to envelope any traveler, these islands supply abundant opportunities for fun in the water or on land. Water activities include: Boating Sailing Swimming Diving Deep Sea Fishing It is an ideal vacationing spot for fun in the sun or a more active adventure since the water temperature remains around eighty degrees Fahrenheit all year. Travelers seeking fun on land in the Bahamas have the option to view man-made attractions, attend a show, shop, take a tour, bird watch, hike, or relax at a spa. It is a true paradise that provides the perfect setting for a one of a kind getaway at any time of the year.

February 10, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Bali is a unique coastal destination consisting of breathtaking hills, mountains, rice terraces, rugged coastlines, beaches, and barren volcanic masses. It provides a picture-perfect setting for any individual or family wanting to get away from the stresses of daily life. The area's distinctive culture and deep spiritual roots contribute to the location's popular nickname of the “Island of the Gods.” Bali is an ideal vacationing spot for travelers who desire a world-class diving or surfing experience. It also holds several historical and archaeological attractions that are easily reachable from a plethora of accommodation choices. It is an Indonesian province lying to the west of Java and the east of Lombok as part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Mount Agung, an active volcano, is the highest elevated point on the island; however, many other elevated points can be found throughout the region. Rice crops lie to the south of the central mountains where they steadily descend and the northern portion of the mountain range has a steeper slope, which makes it ideal for coffee production. Bali is completely surrounded by coral reefs and the whitest sanded beaches lie on the south side of the island along the resorts. Popular Tourist Areas Most tourist activities remain in the southern portion; however, certain excursion opportunities exist in other regions of the island for the more active traveler. Kuta, one of the most developed Bali cities, is a great location for surfing, shopping, an active night-life scene, and local culture. Visitors desiring a quieter, upscale resort area have the option of Seminyak. This suburb region holds a variety of fashionable restaurants, trendy bars, and dance clubs for fun nights near the beach. Sanur houses an abundance of sea-side resorts that are an ideal family location while Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, provides travelers with sightseeing opportunities such as museums and craft shops. Bali Attractions Bali is a perfect vacation destination offering extremely pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from seventy to ninety degrees Fahrenheit all year. Rain is more common between the months of December and March; however, the days remain sunny as most precipitation occurs in the afternoon for only a short period of time. The Hindu temples residing in Bali are one of the location's prevalent drawing points. A number of temples exist throughout the island since each village must maintain at least three as part of area customs. The Bali shoreline consists of both white and black sanded beachfront with the exception of a few forest areas and straight cliff drops. Visitors should take some time to see a few of the museums in the area or to peruse local crafts. Scuba diving, surfing, white-water rafting, fishing, and swimming are a few water fun options made available to visitors. Sightseeing tours are another great choice for exploring the numerous wonders of Bali. Individuals desiring fun on land can choose from horseback riding, jungle trekking, mountain cycling, or paragliding. Whatever the desire, Bali is an island paradise where travelers get to bask in the sun while enjoying some of their favorite activities in a gorgeous setting.

February 18, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Barbados is part of the Lesser Antilles in the western portion of the North Atlantic and lies to the east of the Caribbean Sea. The island is one of the regions most developed of all local tourist destinations. With a fairly flat terrain, Barbados experiences two basic seasonal changes with the wet season occurring from June to November. Precipitation takes a large dip beginning in December thus resulting in the months up until May being referred to as the dry season. Temperatures remain at a comfortable seventy to ninety degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year regardless of the season. Gentle breezes aid in the warm climate experienced by visitors and the island's location contributes to a decreased risk of hurricanes. Barbados provides the perfect paradise for travelers who want an outstanding climate, reliable weather conditions, and a relaxing, fun experience. Where to Go Visitors desiring upscale resorts should consider remaining on the west coast of the island. This portion of Barbados offers picture perfect views, historical sites, and plenty of amenities. The Botanical Garden provides a plethora of plant species for visitors to look at and learn about. Cricket is a popular game on the island and it’s always fun to catch a game during a stay. The Mount Gay Rum Distillery offers a forty-five minute tour where participants not only get to view how the product is made, but also get to do a little tasting at the end. Each section of the island delivers its own roster of activities and accommodations for meeting individual preferences. Travelers seeking chain restaurants like Burger King will be out of luck since locals rarely eat beef. Cultural tastes have resulted in fast food choices like chicken at KFC to be the only ones available on the island. Bajan cuisines consist of a spice yet flavorful combination such as stew and beans with toast. The Flying Fish is a signature dish of the area consisting of an outside breading served with a type of mustard sauce. Visitors should try the traditional dish of Pepperpot, which is a pork stew served with a spicier brown sauce. Restaurants in Barbados supply a variety of choices to meet the individual tastes of travelers. What to Do Barbados is known by many for its world class water sporting opportunities such as surfing. Visitors have various breaks to choose from based on preferences including the Soup Bowl located on the eastern coast of the island. The south coast has been a chosen location for the Silver Sands windsurfing tour and offers exceptional surfing options. Plantation houses located off the coast provide the opportunity to have a unique meal or view a few exhibitions. Atlantis Submarine Tours supply the chance to view the wonders of the deep from a real submarine and Segway tours can be taken along the north coast of Barbados to comfortably explore the countryside. Additionally, catamaran cruises are available to spend the day snorkeling above shipwrecks. The destination offers travelers a great time of trying new foods, participating in fun activities, and relaxing on the beach while staying at this gorgeous destination.

February 28, 2013 / in Featured Destinations Chamonix is a popular outdoor destination residing in the southeast portion of France and was the original site of the 1924 Winter Olympics. Sitting near the Aiguilles Rouge as part of the French Alps, Chamonix resides as one of the older ski resorts in the country of France and is most notorious for winter sports. Mont-Blanc, one of the highest mountains in the region, is part of the offered skiing experience. The peak’s base serves as a center for a variety of outdoor activities. Extreme sports on the peak include: Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Paragliding Skiing Rafting The area is also famous for its cable car ride to the top of Aiguille du Midi, which was originally constructed in 1955. This attraction remains as one of the highest traveling cable cars throughout the world and has been combined with another system for reaching Pointe Helbronner. The two allow visitors to cross Mont Blanc in its entirety by cable car; however, the car going to Pointe Helbronner is only open in the summer months. Alpine mountaineers typically flock to Chamonix in the summer to face the challenges supplied by Aiguille du Dru. The area is a favorite location for travelers who love mountain sports such as skiing, biking, and climbing. Visitors must take the highway, ride a railway line, or fly in by helicopter to reach Chamonix upon entering France. See & Do While this destination remains fairly focused on active, extreme winter sports, visitors have several sightseeing or exploration choices in Chamonix, France. The Mer de Glace resides as one of the biggest glaciers in the area and can be accessed by the Montenvers rack railway. This railway station provides an astonishing view of the glacier in addition to a view of the Face of Grand Jorasses, which is a famous north face of the European Alps. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is another great tourist attraction consisting of the most significant vertical range among all worldly options and provides a great view of this one and of its kind destination. Cable car trips are available to view various portions of Chamonix and visitors also have the option of the Montblanc Tramway when desiring to see the many valleys of this destination. A multi-pass can be purchased by visitors wanting to ride more than one cable car during their stay. Guided mountain tours and adventure travel expeditions can be taken to explore the French Alps while staying at Chamonix. A mountain sanctuary is an option for travelers wanting to retreat into the exciting territory. Those interested in cooking should spend time at the Chalet Academy to participate in quality chef training. Professional guides offer summer or winter tours for skiing, trekking, climbing, or mountaineering. Travelers desiring to ski have choices such as Vallee Blanche, The Brevent, La Flegere, and Le Tour. Hiking and biking are additionally popular activities while staying at Chamonix. It is a great destination for the active traveler who likes new, extreme experiences or families desiring the perfect spot for learning to ski.