American Traveler

UncategorizedOctober 30, 2008 1:32 am

Victoria Falls

  
 
The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is a waterfall situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world, as well as being among the most unusual in form, and having arguably the most diverse and easily seen wildlife of any major waterfall site.
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UncategorizedOctober 26, 2008 12:09 pm

Koh Samui

  
 
Koh Samui island of Surat Thani Province (or Ko Samui, Thai: เกาะสมุย), or often, simply Samui as it is referred to by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. It is Thailand’s third largest island, with an area of 228.7 km² and a population of over 50,000 (2008). It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. As of June, 2008, Koh Samui was granted official municipal status as an independant city (formerlly Koh Samui was under the jurisdiction of Surratthani).
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UncategorizedOctober 25, 2008 12:02 pm

Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe

  
 
Les Saintes, a spectacular cluster of eight islands situated just off the coast of Guadeloupe and accessible only by ferry or private yacht, is the very essence of French West Indies life—without the crowds to boot. Terre-de-Haut is the most appealing of them all, with its attractive beaches, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, and laid-back French-speaking locals; it’s also the only Les Saintes island with overnight accommodations. Beach bums will love the powdery white sands of the palm-lined Plage de Pompierre, while the spectacular underwater world of colorful reefs and exotic fish (attracting divers as renowned as Jacques Cousteau) makes scuba diving and snorkeling another huge draw. Rent a golf cart to get around (you won’t find much in the way of cars here) and zip around to a different beach at dawn, midday, and dusk.
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UncategorizedOctober 24, 2008 12:01 pm

Lamu, Kenya

  
 
Kenya’s oldest living settlement, Lamu, boasts golden sands fronting the Indian Ocean, tiny villages, and a breezy, slow-moving pace of life. It’s an island that offers a glimpse into the past—a place where donkeys are the main mode of transportation and residents still keep their arms and legs covered out of respect while out in town. The rich atmosphere and history alone makes Lamu worth the trek, but so do its beaches and waters: Shela Beach offers the best swimming, while excursions to ruins and coral reefs could have you snorkeling alongside frolicking dolphins.
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UncategorizedOctober 23, 2008 11:56 am

Ischia, Italy

  
 
Though well-known to European and Asian travelers, the island of Ischia is oft-overlooked by Americans whose sights are more often set on nearby Capri. Though you’ll hardly have Ischia to yourself, you will find fewer crowds and a less-pretentious attitude on this volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Though predominantly green and mountainous, beach bums will have no trouble scoping out a stretch of sand. And, when the sun sets, you’ll have your choice of accommodations for every budget to rest your head, happening nightlife to satisfy your inner dancing queen, and some of the world’s best food—this is Italy after all.

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UncategorizedOctober 22, 2008 11:52 am

Fakarava, French Polynesia

  
 
Overshadowed in popularity by neighbors Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, Fakarava, a pristine Polynesian island enveloped by a coral reef and blue lagoon waters, is so remote, it’s not even found on most maps. Yet, it’s part of a UNESCO nature reserve and rich in natural fauna, offers pink-sand beaches, and is rife with rare aquatic life that includes loach, meru, and barracuda—not to mention hammerheads and tiger sharks. Not surprisingly, scuba diving is the island’s top draw, but other attractions include the ancient village of Tetamanu, where you’ll find a Catholic church made of coral that dates back to 1874, and pearl farms, where rare black pearls are shelled.
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UncategorizedOctober 21, 2008 11:43 am

Cat Ba Island

  
 
If you needed another reason to visit Halong Bay—often hailed as the world’s Eighth Wonder—the limestone outcropping that is Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is it. The best way to explore the natural wonders of this little-known island—home to the remarkable Trung Trang Cave, cascading waterfalls, cliffs, and the awe-inspiring National Park—is via motorbike. A four-hour ferry ride from Halong Wharf will get you there, but be warned that accommodations are sparse and basic. If you’re not one to get fussy about lodgings, you’ll have no problem staying awhile on this untouched, unspoiled masterpiece by Mother Nature.
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UncategorizedOctober 20, 2008 1:20 am

El Nido, Palawan Philippines

 

Island Hopping is the main one, totally devoted to the over 50 beaches in the marine reserve of Bacuit Bay. There are a number of places to hire boats including packages that include food and tour guides. Or do it yourself by walking down the beach and hiring a boat. Alternatively you can also hire kayaks, paddle boats or even go windsurfing! Fishing is also available here.

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UncategorizedOctober 10, 2008 4:09 am

St. Thomas Island

  
 
One thing you can say about St. Thomas that may not be true on any other Caribbean island is that there is definitely a beach for everyone. If you have been searching for a party beach, St. Thomas has them. If you are looking for a beach perfect for sun tanning, you’ll find it right here in St. Thomas. If you love water sports, from snorkeling to scuba, parasailing to riding those funny banana shaped floats they tow behind jet skis, oh, and if you want to Jet Ski, there’s a beach for all of that, too.
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UncategorizedOctober 8, 2008 5:30 am

Seychelles Island

 

On the East coast of Africa, northeast of the island of Madagascar lies one of the most beautiful island archipelagos in the world – the Seychelles.  An archipelago consisting of more than 116 picture perfect islands, scattered over an azure ocean, glistening like dew in the morning light.From the main island of Mahè, hosting the capital Victoria, to the rushing tides of Aldabra, hundreds of miles away, the Seychelles is an experience unlike any other on earth. Each island is unique. Each beach holds its own charm. And every discovery will stay with you for life.

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