Curacao

Curacao; An Island Paradise

In the southern Caribbean Sea lies Curacao. One of the best kept travel secrets of island life, this beautiful escape takes you on a journey through culture and authenticity unmatched by its sister islands. With less tourist traffic, Curacao offers a more relaxed vacation with all the amenities of the more populated stays.

Christoffel National Park is the island’s most popular tourist destination. Home to the highest point on the land, the hiking and tours are something to see. The park closes early to offer a guided sunset tour that wildly enhances the beauty of our celestial surroundings. Few places around the world have this charisma and character.

Two beaches on the island allow you to wade into the crystal-clear waters and feel the sand between your toes. The island has rocky and sandy wading so water shoes may be needed!  

One of the newer attractions is The Amazonia Tour. Going back to its Mayan and native roots, this tour takes you on a journey through the past and introduces you to a strong influence in the present. The temple ruins and pyramids will transport you to a time when civilization was much simpler. This unique experience is both museum and zoo, taking you several places and periods in time at once.

A trip to Curacao sets the stage for some truly wonderful dining experiences. Korral Curacao is an open-air sushi bar under a huge umbrella hut. Across the island sits Déjà Vu, a rustic French bistro inspired restaurant with tons of island fare and charming ambiance. Maybe you’re into vino? There are tons of wineries and wine bars on the island, gathering the plentiful Caribbean flavor with the robust tastes of the world. Whatever the flavor you crave or mood you are in, Curacao has a dining experience for you.

When you need to escape, but don’t want the hustle and bustle of the Nassau or Turks and Caicos, Curacao is there to quench your island thirst. Get moving.

Ireland

Erin Go Bragh

Deep in Northern Europe, the vast beauty of Ireland awaits. From the beauty and rich history of Dublin to the outskirts of Killarney, this country is the place to spend a week or two. If all you know of Ireland is leprechaun lore, you’re missing out.

Among the myriad of museums, lies the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery the earth has to offer. Night kayaking, cycling excursions, and whale watching are just a few of the physical pursuits you can enjoy with your family. There are also miles upon miles of National Parks, hiking trails and sunsets and sunrises that will ease your troubles and pull the breath from your lungs.

Irish food is merely sampled in our American tradition. Corned beef and cabbage isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. The “Tayto Crisp Sandwich” is an Irish staple food. The Journalist on the Run has this to say, “A Tatyo crips sandwich is an institution in Ireland and no trip here would be complete without making one for yourself. All you need is 2 slices of bread, some butter and a packet of cheese and onion crisps. Some call it ‘survival food’, I call it heaven.” (journalistontherun.com) It sounds like a drab, plain snack, but When in Rome, right? You won’t be sorry.  Beyond that, the delectable tastes of this incredible country will knock your socks off and have you running for your camera at every meal.

Arguably the most famous attraction in Ireland is the Blarney Stone. Said to be good luck, “It is believed that whoever kisses the stone is endowed with the gift of gab, great eloquence, or the skill at flattery. It allows the gifted to impart the ability to deceive without offending.” (technogypsie.com) The journey to the stone is not simple, however. Once at the attraction, the visitor is held upside down so they may kiss the stone, which is a little ways down a chasm. The daring who wish to carry its luck with them, have to really trust the “Castle Guards” at the attraction to do this. It’s truly a wonderful experience.

For the Star Wars enthusiast, the filming for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi was set on the shores of Ireland. The beautiful seas and vast peaks and cliffs were perfect for the dramatic scenery needed to effectively tell the VIII’s story. You can take tours of the various filming sites and fill your camera with all the wonders of the Star Wars universe!

Finally, one of the most beautiful sights in this cultural nerve center is watching the Northern Lights. An enigma in themselves, they only appear every once in a while, but it is worth it just to take a chance. The lights have only been visible in the past few years, hailing a number of professional observers and amateur photographers alike.

As you can see, Ireland is truly a rare gem and a trip that should be on everyone’s “must see” list. 

New York City

The City That Never Sleeps

There is a reason New York City shows up in so many movies. The atmosphere, fast pace, and sight seeing are idyllic for any vacation. The city has a heartbeat all its own, vibrating and moving in a way that no other can quite match. Whether you want Chow Mein at 5am or a hot Italian sausage at noon, this is the city where it all happens.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Each borough has its own flavor and history. Manhattan is the most popular, with the shops on 5^th avenue as NYC’s biggest pull during the holiday season. Go ice skating in Rockefeller Center, get lost in Central Park, or for the more macabre traveler, visit the spot John Lennon was shot. In this city, the possibilities are endless.

One of NYC’s biggest attractions is Broadway! With so many amazing shows available, there is something for everyone and within any budget. Follow the show with the world famous Sardi’s, where almost every major Broadway star has been. You can take in a movie at one of the art theaters, which show classics like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Afterward, you can have the greatest dim sum you could ever eat stateside in Chinatown. 

Are you a foodie? You have never eaten better. New York City is home to some of the most amazing food you have ever tasted. Celebrity Chefs, cooking shows, and world travelers have all given their many recommendations to this amazing spread. Have one of America’s best cookies (dubbed by many magazines and websites) at Levain Bakery (167 W 74^th St). Serendipity 3 (225 E 60th St) is home to the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate and other delicious concoctions brought to you in a chalice fit for 5 people. With this and so many more, your palate will never be more satisfied.

Among some of the greatest sightseeing attractions in the states, NYC is home to the Statue of Liberty. Just walking up to this majestic statue is enough to take your breath away. If you’re lucky, you can take the staircase to the top and look out at the world through this historic landmark. Along with Lady Liberty, you can visit Ellis Island, where so many thousands of immigrants traveled through for a chance at a new life.  Maybe you could catch a glimpse of the past as you walk the marble hallways.

Whatever your tastes, New York has something for everyone. Bring the family, your love, or go by yourself. You won’t be sorry.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan: Leave the City for a Fascinating Day Trip

Like most of Mexico, Mazatlan is a place of natural splendors and inviting destinations. There is a lot to see and do in the city of Mazatlan, but for a real treat, take a day trip outside the city to make your vacation complete.

Mexico seems to be blessed with nature’s beauty, and the area around Mazatlan is no exception. Teacapan is a town that is perfect for those who admire nature. Bird watchers can take a guided boat tour to view the local birds. Nearby, the fishing town of Escuinapa offers pink herons, ocelots, and deer nestled in a natural habitat.

Want some physical activity to take your breath away? You will find a variety of things to do outside of the city. See the area from a bird’s eye view, as you zipline through the air over the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The Stone Island Peninsula (it really is a peninsula) can be accessed by boat, and once there, you can kayak, catch a wagon ride, or try horseback riding. And to cool off, there are always sandy beaches to be enjoyed.

Mining is an important part of Mazatlan’s past, and visitors can see mines and mining towns just outside of Mazatlan. The town of Copala mined as far back as the 1500’s. The mining town of El Quelite even has a site that was once a trading post for miners.

Besides mining, there are more historic and other sites in the region. Magnificent architecture, museums, and markets can be found. Many western movies have been filmed in this area, and a movie studio is still in operation. For thrills and transportation, visitors can pass over the world’s highest suspension bridge, the Baluarte Bridge.

Looking for some fun in the sun? The Mazatlan area won’t disappoint you. Just off the coast is Deer Island, where swimming and lounging can be enjoyed in a much less crowded atmosphere than many beaches on the mainland. Visitors can catch a boat to Deer Island and start a fun-filled day snorkeling, kayaking, or playing sports on the beach.

Make your Mexican vacation something special, and take a day trip outside the city of Mazatlan to enjoy history and nature. Or use this time off the beaten path to rest and enjoy the refreshing beaches. Whatever you decide to do, the area is sure to please.