Travel Ideas

Westin Casuarina Hotel

When it comes to go on your beach vacation, it can be very hard to pick a destination.  There are many
places you can go, whether you want to explore the beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia.
Below, you’ll find 9 ideas to help you decide on where to go for your vacation.

1.  Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of
Hawaii.  Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of
the many innovative spa treatments.  Hawaii enjoys some of the best weather in the world - making it
a great choice for your beach vacation.

2.  Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship
golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for you to do.

3.  Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be pampered like never before.  You can visit the spa,
take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up with the dolphins.  The resort is conveniently
located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

4.  Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches.  The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.

5.  Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life of the city.

6.  Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City, Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the
East Coast.  Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7.  Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach vacation mood like never before.

8.  Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with
several water rides, slides, and water attractions the entire family will enjoy.

9.  Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

Fuerteventura - The Undiscovered Gem Of The Canary Islands

by: Alan Hayes

Fuerteventura ? blessed with over 150 beaches - is one of the least spoiled and the least discovered of the Canary Islands.
With a dramatic volcanic landscape, little rainfall and all year round warm temperatures, the desert landscape is unique and large areas of the island are protected parks.
Visit Fuerteventura and you are stepping back to the way Spain was perhaps 30 years ago ? no high rise buildings and a relaxed and gentle way of life, clean streets and beaches.
Unlike its more touristic and built-up neighbours of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura is a place to come to relax, unwind and step back in time. No dusk-to-dawn open air discos, no Club 18-30 ?
The island, the closest of the Canaries to Africa, has an embarrassment of beaches ? some are in deserted coves and little fishing villages, others down little dirt tracks - but the most popular ones can be reached from the main roads.
Not that main roads resemble those found in mainland Spain or the UK. Yes, they are well maintained and mostly straight but the lack of traffic is the first thing you notice. And the lack of traffic lights. So far I?ve found one on the island - and that has never worked!
Travelling is easy ? buses and ferries are cheap, run to time and integrate with each other so you can get from, say, Caleta de Fuste to Corralejo with ease.
Caleta de Fuste is very much an up-and-coming resort geared to families. You can find restaurants of all nationalities to suit all tastes and all pockets.
There are shops and bars where you can choose to have a quiet drink and watch the world go by. Entertainment can be found ? everything from live groups and cabarets to karaoke, quizzes and bingo ? but it is not as ?in your face? as Benindorm or the Costa del Sol. There are even places open to the early hours ? but you won?t be disturbed if you want a quiet night.Even the airport here turns off the runway lights and locks up at night time!
Caleta has a golden sandy beach set in a bay shaped like a horse shoe. The gently sloping shore makes for very safe bathing and this beach is the one most holidaymakers head for. But there is a south beach ? reclaimed from the sea and landscaped into small bays which are dotted with small circular brick structures to provide some privacy.
Fuerteventura (Fuerte ? strong: Ventura ? happiness) has been described as ?the land that time forgot?. It is the second largest of the Canary Islands and coming here really is like stepping back in time! Many people mistakenly believe the name of the island stands for ?Strong Wind? and although there is often a steady, pleasing breeze, this is usually a welcome relief that makes the hot temperatures a pleasure.
It also makes Fuerteventura a water sport paradise ? windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing take place all over the island.
Landing at the airport, the first thing you are struck by is the stark, lunar-like landscape. But explore beyond that and you find vast sweeping sand dunes, lagoons, little fishing villages and isolated sandy coves.
Caleta de Fuste is an ideal base for exploring this island being midway between north and south.
Head north to Corralejo where the first few self catering apartments appeared all those years ago. Now, it is a bustling resort and the holiday industry has taken off in a big way.
Approaching Corralejo the landscape gives way to miles of immense shimmering sand dunes reminiscent of Saharan Morocco, just 60 miles to the east. The famous dunes are now a protected national park.
Corralejo town itself still retains some of the charm of it’s early days especially around the old harbour area. From here you can see spectacular views of Lanzarote and the Isle of Lobos ? well worth a visit if you find even the pace of life on Fuerteventura a little too much!
Also in the north of the island is El Cotillo, a paradise for surfers. This lovely relaxed village has some great beaches, interesting lagoons and some good restaurants and bars. As you head into the village you will come across the new harbour. To the left are vast golden beaches and to the right, lagoons.
On the left of the village is the Forteleza del Toston, a round stone fort built in 1790 to defend against pirates.
The beaches are made for water sports lovers and many experienced surfers head to the stretches of sand between El Cotillo and Corralejo. The lagoon area is much calmer and peaceful ? white beaches with crystal clear waters.
This fishing village is a shrine to the Virgin de Buen Viaje (good travel) and these words can be seen painted on the cliffs overlooking the old harbour.
Heading from Caleta de Fuste to the south of the island are the beaches of the Jandia Peninsula, almost 20kms of vast white beaches some over 1kms wide.
This huge area includes golden white shores which vary from pretty coves backed by low cliffs at the Costa Calma end to huge dunes, vast desert-like areas and lagoons. It also includes the beach immortalised on thousands of postcards. The Playa de Sotavento is probably one of the most photographed beaches in Europe. It is also a spot where surfers flock to. The PWA world windsurfing speed and slalom event draws the best windsurfers every year and the world kite surfing championship was held in 2005.
At the southern end of the Jandia Peninsula is Morro Jable, another well developed resort with golden beaches and one which is well loved by German package tour operators. So loved, in fact, that even many road signs here are in Spanish and German. With so many beaches, not surprising naturists also love the island. It would be impossible here to list them all but there is a very good guide to the best beaches ? and to the best naturist beaches ? at the Holiday Fuerteventura island guide web site at http://www.geocities.com/holiday_fuerteventura/
But Fuerteventura is not just about beaches. It is also about sightseeing. One of the most awesome sights on the island is the shipwreck of The American Star ? a huge ocean-going liner which ran aground in a deserted cove several years ago under mysterious circumstances.
How this huge ship ? once the biggest of its class in the world ? came to rest there is another story and a controversial one but the sight of this towering wreck lying just yards off shore in a deserted cove just outside Ajuy is a very eerie and haunting sight. It is not easy to find but again, the Holiday_Fuerteventura site has instructions. From here, take the mountain road to Betancuria ? former capital of the island ? and you will be rewarded with some truly spectacular views and the town itself is well worth spending a couple of hours in.
Or try visiting Cofete - hard to reach but the beach runs for about 5kms, is white and sandy and has plenty of room and at the southern tip lies Cofete village ? isolated and used mostly as a weekend retreat.
Giniginamar is ideal if you are seeking peace and quiet. The beach, bordered by palm trees, is of black volcanic sand and in the village itself you can find local tapas and on the outskirts, some rather exclusive properties.
Arts and crafts are well catered for ? Fuerteventura is not known as the ?island of sculptures? for nothing! On almost every roundabout on the island, you will find a sculpture of some form!
There are a number of museums ? the craft centre at Antigua whcih is based around a converted windmill and the arts centre at La Olivia which has beautifully landscaped gardens and which features many works by the Canarian artist Alberto Manrique. Or La Alcogida, a living museum based around a village which shows you the way Canarians lived years ago.
There are many other parts of Fuerteventura that lie hidden from the mass tourism market ? long may it remain that way!

About The Author

Alan Hayes is a businessman who discovered Fuerteventura ? and stayed there! He set up Fuerteventura Holidays and Homes, a property management and holiday rental company which lets villas, apartments and houses to holidaymakers. Visit http://www.geocities.com/fuerteventuraholidayhomes/.
fuerteventuraholidayhomes@yahoo.co.uk

by: Seb Jay

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the world’s longest running annual celebration of all that’s great about jazz. Held in Monterey, California every year in mid-September the festival attracts jazz followers from around the globe. All the big names in the world of Jazz are represented - the 2005 program includes performances from Mavis Staples, Madeleine Peyroux and the Christian McBride Situation.
Make a date with Monterey
Tickets for the Monterey Jazz Festival can be purchased in advance. In fact, purchase of tickets at least a month before the festival begins is encouraged as there’s only so many to go around!
But the Monterey Jazz Festival is not just for jazz buffs. The three-day event, which is set within the breathtaking 20-acre Monterey Fairground - a giant oak-filled park in the city - offers plenty of fun for all the family. Aside from the magnificent setting, a whole host of side activities can be enjoyed, as well as displays of international cuisine and opportunities to shop from marquees and stalls.
Outside the park, activities in the city of Monterey abound too. Not to be missed is a walk along the coastal trail and a visit to one of the many beautiful beaches that line the peninsula.
Getting to Monterey
Monterey has its own airport. International travelers may fly direct into Monterey (airport code MRY) or connect to the airport via an internal flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up from Monterey airport at http://www.your-carhire.com
For more information on the Monterey Jazz Festival and for admission tickets visit http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org

About The Author

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

by: Sue Taylor

1. Queenstown in the South Island is considered to be the “Adventure Capital of the World”. You can bungy jump or go on a thrilling jet boat ride, go heli-skiing, sky diving, fly-by-wire, and luging to name a few. Both bungy jumping and jet boating were invented in New Zealand. New Zealanders have a saying about Kiwi ingenuity which is borne out in the tourist spots within New Zealand.
2. There is a wide array of different accommodation options to cater for all tastes. At the upper end there are Lodges which are the height of luxury. These lodges are ordinarily located in very scenic and secluded areas and all gourmet meals are included in the price. The price of this type of accommodation reflects the luxury and inclusions.
The next level of accommodation is hotels, from international 5 star down to 2 star for basic accommodation. The hotels will tend to be serviced on a daily basis and usually include one room and a bathroom. Hotel rooms will include tea and coffee making facilities, fridges and most hotels would include a restaurant.
A favored option for families is the ever increasing numbers of apartments. The apartments are generally self catering as opposed to a hotel stay but the advantage is that they provide more space and are self catering which means that you don’t have to eat out all the time thus saving you money to spend on sightseeing.
Then we have motels. Generally speaking motels offer more space than hotels and tend to be serviced daily but do not tend to be as luxurious. Motels often provide a separate bedroom or two and sometimes cooking facilities. You would need to check this out when booking.
There are also an increasing number of Bed and Breakfast’s. These vary dramatically and can vary from 5 star establishments to the fairly basic. If you enjoy “getting to know the locals”, the B & B option could be a good one for you. Generally breakfast will be provided as part of the price. Dinner would be by special arrangement only.
If you are on a budget there are plenty of backpacker hostels to choose from which are centrally located and well priced.
3. New Zealand has a great culinary landscape. Being a small island country surrounded by the sea, there are a multitude of seafood delicacies on offer. The ocean surrounding New Zealand is cold water thanks to Antarctica being relatively close. Cold water fish tend to have a delicate flavor. As well as fish from the sea, there are large lakes which are trout and salmon breeding grounds. Trout can not be caught commercially so there is no danger of supplies running out. New Zealand is also quite big on game and most of the more up-market restaurants will have a game option on the menu. You will find that there are dining options to suit every taste and budget. New Zealand might be quite removed geographically from the rest of the world but it is quick to adopt new types and styles of food and the kiwi ingenuity mentioned earlier in the article is demonstrated in the food served in restaurants. There are coffee bars and cafes, wine bars serving food, pubs with restaurants, family dining options, buffet’s as well as the more up-market al la carte options.
There is also a thriving wine industry in New Zealand. Wherever you go, you will see vines and many of the wines produced are top quality. If wine is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Marlborough located at the top of the South Island is one of the oldest and best known wine areas, most famous for production of Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is also becoming very well known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult wine to produce.
4. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you will know that the recent series of movies was filmed in different parts of New Zealand. New Zealanders are very proud of this and whilst traveling around you will come across many mentions of parts of the movies which may have been filmed in certain spots. There are also tours catering specifically to Lord of the Rings fans.
5. New Zealand has an interesting cultural history. It is thought that the Maoris who came from Polynesia settled in New Zealand about 1000 years ago. New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are many excellent museums within the cities and towns which offer a great overview of the relatively short and violent history of New Zealand.

About The Author

Sue and Grant Taylor now travel extensively and they have compiled a number of tips for traveling at their website: http://www.taylortraveltales.com.

by: Seb Jay

A magical city that draws millions to its attractions throughout the year, Vienna’s allure is simply irresistible come the festive season. In the days and nights leading up to New Year’s Eve few places in the world can match the Austrian capital for its elegance and uncompromising indulgence that harks back to an era when Vienna was the world’s music powerhouse.
Christmas lights, festive spirits and the traditional covering of snow and ice beneath foot all add to the ambience of Vienna on New Year’s Eve itself. But, in a city renowned for its music culture, there really is only one place to be and to be seen on New Year’s Eve - and that’s the Imperial Ball!
The Imperial Ball
The Imperial Ball in Vienna (also known as the Kaiserball) is one of the highlights of the Viennese calendar. Held in the halls of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the ball is a music and dance extravaganza taking in the Viennese Waltz and operatic melodies. The program includes a 4-course gala banquet, as well as an after-midnight operetta show.
The Kaiserball is an all-ticket event. Tickets for the ball should be purchased in advance. Several ticket providers offer packages that include the gala banquet and accommodation at some of Vienna’s most prestigious hotels. The Kaiserball is strictly black-tie. Guests are invited to dress appropriately for the evening and be prepared to dance the night away.
Getting to the Imperial Ball
International travelers should elect to fly direct to Vienna International Airport. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up from Vienna airport at http://www.your-carhire.com.

About The Author

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com

by: Figi Lesole

The Fiji Islands, are one of the most desirable destinations in South Pacific area. They are known for their climate, beauty, and culture and hundreds of thousands travel there every year to sample just a few days of paradise. With thousands of miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and emerald lagoons, the Fiji Islands fulfill everyone’s idea of the perfect tropical paradise. Add to that dream a few waterfalls, a rainforest, and deep, lush valleys and the Fiji islands soar are simply insurmountable as a tourism destination.

the Fiji Islands are a unique setting with some of the friendlist people in the world as its residents. You will experience the unique blend of old and new not found in other locales. Here you can relax and enjoy what you will surely call your own paradise.

Whatever your interest may be, there is something on the Fiji Islands for everybody. Many visitors take the time to experience local markets and villages while others merely like to lie on the beach and read a book. Most sporting activities are geared for daylight hours, but the larger cities have evening movies and some have independent restaurants and nightclubs. Dances and festivals may be held on weekends, holidays or other special occasions.

The Fiji Islands are unparalleled in their range of water and outdoors activities and for the water lover, the Fiji Islands are shjeer heaven. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available year round to allow people to explore the safe but exotic marine life. Wind and body surfing, sailing of all types, kayaking and water skiing are just a few of the many other activities for visitors to enjoy the warm tropical waters.
For those less inclined to have fun on the water, land lovers may prefer to explore the rainforest, caves or archeological sites. In addition, back-packing, biking, golf, tennis, horse back riding and bird watching are other activities that are readily available.

The Fiji Islands offer all of the customary lodgings, but the small intimate resorts with their unique bungalow style accommodations are an experience not to be missed. These bungalows otherwise known as bure can be simple or world class, depending on your budget. You will find them to be the perfect place for your dream wedding or honeymoon, family vacation, and even that lengthy business trip. These resorts usually offer all inclusive packages, providing rooms, meals, activities and entertainment.

About The Author

Figi Lesole is the owner of Fiji which is a premier resource for fiji information. For more information, go to http://www.fijicom.com.

by: Matthew Crist

Mallorca ? the largest of Spain?s Balearic Islands ? offers a wide range of scenery, from fertile plains to mountain peaks plus culture. Great shopping and gorgeous beaches complete the picture. It is easy to see why it is such a very popular European holiday destination. Mallorca airport is modern, efficient and huge ? it is a long way from the gate to the baggage claim!
So how do you get away from the typical tourist bustle and enjoy a quiet relaxing time, yet be close to the center of things in Mallorca? ? Stay at the Bon Sol Hotel. This hotel, highly recommended by close friends, is located in Illetas just five kilometers from downtown Palma. Illetas was once a small town on it?s own but has now been enveloped by growing Palma urbanization. The hotel is spread into many sections over seven levels that are serviced by pretty pathways and an excellent system of elevators. The common areas are endless and outstanding with unique eclectic decorations that date from medieval to modern times and provide a warm and friendly environment that effectively encourages relaxation. There are several Knights in Armor posted at strategic locations on guard for the guests.
The hotel is family owned and run by Lorraine and Martin Xamena, who represent the second generation. They are hands on managers and are always guiding the hotel with friendly efficiency, complemented by an attentive staff, most of who have been at the Bon Sol for many years. The web site is located at: http://www.ila-chateau.com/bon_sol/
The Bon Sol is nestled into a hillside in a small cove giving it wonderful privacy with a very small but cozy private beach. The beach is complemented by four pools at various levels from the beach to the main hotel. There is also more than adequate sun worshipping equipment and tons of shade for those who prefer it. The architecture is best appreciated from the sea and gently blends the hotel into its landscape without attempting to dominate it.
There are two active bars and two restaurants ? one pair by the beach and one up the hill at the main hotel level. The food is excellent and there is lots of it! We chose the modified American plan ? breakfast is buffet style with an excellent egg station, plenty of fruit and a good selection of breads and pastries. Dinner offers a different menu each night and they will accommodate your wishes if you prefer ordering off the menu.
The 92 rooms are each unique, but all are large, have good bathrooms, excellent views, with a balcony or terrace. There are 28 villas for families or more extended stays.
Most of the guests are frequent visitors ? in fact, the opening line when you meet someone new in one of the elevators, or in line for a breakfast omelet is ?Have you been here before?? The answer is usually yes. This is the best recommendation of all!
For something completely different take a drive into the mountains ? the roads are good and the views are outstanding. Visit Valldemosa, Deia, Port de Soller and Andratx ? it is a fun and easy day trip.

About The Author

Matthew Crist
Visit http://seat23.com for more travel information.

Jimmy Buffet Slept Here ? Why Caribbean Villas Are So Darn Popular

by: Bob Bouknight

You?re ready to book that trip to the Caribbean that you?ve been talking about for so long. You go online to get your airline tickets. Easy.
But here?s the hard part? where to stay? So many choices. You could book a hotel, a condo complex, or a vacation villa. How do you decide which one is right for you and your family or group?
Well, the best place to start is by asking what amenities and services you?re looking for. What are the most important options to consider before laying down your hard-earned cash on a deposit?
Space? Convenience? Privacy? Cost? Let?s look at all four features.
SPACE
Generally, hotel rooms and condos don?t afford you a lot of space unless you?ve booked the penthouse suite. Many people justify this by saying they won?t be spending much time in their rooms anyway. But unexpected bad weather can change that forecast quickly. And perhaps one of the reasons they?re not spending much time in the room is because there?s no room for the whole group to gather! Many people choose a villa vacation because of that reason alone. Typically there?s a living area or family room where everyone congregates for drinks and conversation? if they?re not outside on the pool deck. And sometimes the size of one villa bedroom can be as large as an entire hotel room. (Tip: If space is important to you, always check out the square footage of your accommodations before you book!)
CONVENIENCE
Let?s face it, there?s a lot to be said about the convenience of staying at a hotel and typically having a store, activities, concierge, and restaurants right on the premises. However, unless it?s an all-inclusive (which many find is the way to go, especially with kids), you?re paying for all those meals and it adds up after a while. Because condos and villas have kitchen facilities, they give you the option of buying food at the local grocery store and preparing meals back at your place?whether light snacks or full blown dinners. Many villas also have the advantage of providing or arranging for island chefs to be brought in so you don?t have to worry about the cooking chores. Most villas also have gas barbeque grills for the outdoor chef in your family or group.
PRIVACY
If fighting the crowds is not your idea of a vacation, then a villa rental may be the way to go. Unless you travel in the off-season, you may spend more time trying to find a lounge chair by the pool than actually relaxing in the sun. Some people don?t mind sharing their vacation with strangers, but others see this as a time to spend exclusively with family or friends. Add to that the fact that many villas are located on or next to secluded beaches, and vacation houses win at privacy hands down. One trade off may be that generally villas don?t put out lounge chairs on the sand for their guests; however many provide beach chairs to borrow.
COST
This is a hard one to calculate because there are such wide ranges of prices and services from island to island. At first blush, anyone looking at a villa rental may shy away because of the prices. But usually, once you break it down, you can rent a four bedroom villa for about the same price as two standard rooms at a hotel or condo, everything being equal. Compare apples to apples and see how the cost works out for the places you are considering? chances are you?ll actually be paying the same price but getting a lot more space and privacy by renting a villa! (Tip: Be sure and check what is included in the quoted rate. In many Caribbean countries the hotels, condos, and villas must collect a government accommodations tax. Some hotels and condos also add a service fee, which altogether could tack another 20% onto your bill. Ouch!)
So? villa, condo, or hotel? You can see that where you stay in the Caribbean requires a little bit of planning. The first step is to decide what features are most important when you?re looking for your slice of paradise. For an increasing number of groups, couples, and families, a Caribbean villa rental provides the comfort, privacy and space they desire.

About The Author

Bob Bouknight is a vacation rental owner on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. To find out more about the island and his oceanfront Caribbean house rental, go to www.SunsetPointVilla.com.
Copyright 2005 Omega Properties Ltd.
bob@SunsetPointVilla.com

by: Mike McDougall

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the hippest spots on the backpack merry-go-round. It?s a surfer?s paradise in Central America?s most laid-back holiday spot. Areas such as the Nicoya peninsula and Dominical further to the south are the real hotspots where the beaches are sublime and trees and rocks tumble down the meet the fine, white sand ? Costa Rica has a reputation for its magnificent flora and fauna and there?s nothing to be disappointed about on that score here. Pelicans and frigate birds wheel overhead as the booming calls of howler monkeys resound from the nearby rainforests. For those not satisfied by the ocean alone there are also numerous hikes in the region and due to Costa Rica?s relatively small size you are never far away from the eco-tourism centres further inland.
Sticking out like a spare limb into the temperate waters of the Pacific, Nicoya has a myriad of unspoiled beaches where the breakers roll in consistently offering great surfing for all levels of ability whether you?re a pale rookie paddling out for the first time or a sun-gnarled veteran. It is this variety that makes the area perfect for one of the world?s fastest growing sports and the region has had a fantastic reputation in the worldwide surfing community. A few years ago villages such as Santa Teresa were no more than a few fishing huts clustered together but with the boom of tourism in the area numerous services are now provided by locals offering the dusty streets a ramshackle charm ? a perfect setting for the laid-back surfers and the ever-growing community of young visitors. For those just wishing to hang out then there a numerous beach restaurants and beer shacks where laid back tunes and chilled cerveza set the tone for the after hours entertainment.
Further to the South lies Dominical, probably Costa Rica?s most famous surfing grounds. It?s slightly less isolated than the Nicoya region offering easy access to the surrounding national parks and also the nation?s capital, San Jos?. The area is famed for its ?surf camps? where surfing, accommodation food and activities are all included in the package and is a great way for beginners to get into the sport and even for experienced surfers who get the chance for tips from local instructors. The region has begun to develop but by no means to the extent that we are used to in big European resorts, eco-lodges are the typical accommodation here and the focus is on preserving an area of immense natural beauty. Whether surfing Dominical?s famous breaks or just chilling on the beach you?ll find the area is as close to paradise as you?re likely to get in Costa Rica.
It?s also worth noting that it?s not just surfing that?s on the activities list on Costa Rica?s pacific coast, the whole area is a huge aquatic playground; waters teeming with fish and other life mean great scuba diving and yes, you guessed it, great fishing with many local boats taking tourists out on the hunt for tuna, wahoo, marlin and other big game.
There are even language schools opening to cater for the influx of young travellers (see http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/ for an excellent example of this) ? no longer solely the domain of evening classes in the UK, learning a second language these days is all about cultural immersion. The message is ?why not learn Spanish whilst you?re learning to surf or dive?? and with much of Central and South America now more open to tourism there?s no better time to learn the skills to make yourself understood whilst enjoying the more obvious pursuits open to travellers.

About The Author

Mike McDougall has five years experience working as a travel writer and marketeer. He is currenlty working to provide additional content for http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/, a Spanish language school with an excellent presence in Spain and Latin America.
This work is licensed by a creative commons licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/uk/
mikeemc13@yahoo.co.uk