BUCKET LIST TRAVEL

Despite a devastating earthquake and hurricane, Puerto Rico is still welcoming tourists from around the world. Whether you choose to arrive by airplane or cruise ship, once you step foot on  the "Island of Enchantment" you'll see that Puerto Rico is still a "hot" vacation spot.              PUERTO RICO PUERTO  RICO is a Caribbean island with a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and a cosmopolitan city named San Juan. PUERTO RICO is beckoning. Whether you choose to take a cruise here or fly directly to the island, you'll find plenty of places to stay and lots of things to do on the "ISLAND of ENCHANTMENT." Puerto Rican is a tourist destination that welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Hospitality awaits, pick Puerto Rico for your top travel list! Puerto Rico was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 Puerto Rico has several uninhabited islands El Yunque National Forest has many h...

                                             Photo by: DISCOVER AFRICA The southern tip of Africa (SOUTH AFRICA) has a bit of everything from beautiful beaches to lush vineyards. South Africa boasts eleven official languages and has several points of interests. South Africa is referred to as the "Rainbow Nation" because it's made up of so many diverse cultures and religions. Table Mountain, is one of the oldest mountains in the world and a top attraction, the 850 km road through Cape Winelands is the world's longest wine route and where you can explore top wineries. South Africa is the land of safari's and you'll find many unique animals to photograph when the opportunity comes along. SOUTH AFRICA is a vast ecosystem with golden savannah, captivating deserts, and sun soaked coastlines intertwined with bustling cities and stimulating culture. Whether you want to...

Choices, Choices, Choices....in this day and age it's easier than ever before to visit volunteer, or vacation in several countries around the world. Whether you travel by air, train, or ship chances are you'll land somewhere. Which continent do you wish to travel to? What country is beckoning to you? BUTHAN, a Buddhist kingdom with friendly people and stunning scenery is the birthplace of Gross National Happiness. Why not put this country on your list of places to see in the world. SPOTILGHT ON BHUTAN: www.gadventures.com G Adventures is a reputable travel company with tours all around the globe including BHUTAN. Check out their website! ________________________________________________________________________ It's tucked between China and India, it's small and predominantly a Buddhist nation. This country has no traffic lights and smoking is illegal. Monasteries abound in Bhutan and monks spend their days meditating and chanting.  BHUTAN is what you can c...

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by World Happiness Report. With a population of just over 5.5 million people this country has a high quality education system, minimal homelessness, a strong safety net and an uplifting community spirit.  December in Finland is a standout because the Finnish really know how to celebrate Christmas.  It's in Rovaniemi, Finland near the Arctic Circle in the Finnish Province of Lapland where somebody famous resides, SANTA CLAUS. Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus.  Visiting and spending time in the happiest country in the world makes for an exceptional Christmas present. Santa Claus can be visited everyday of the year in Rovaniemi in Santa Claus village but December is the most magical time to see him in person. To make your visit to Rovaniemi, Finland extra special stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, a world of Glass Igloos, Midnight Sun, Northern Lights an...

Right about this time of year people are drawn to Transylvania, a region in central Romania. Transylvania is known for its baroque buildings, medieval towns, mountainous borders, and castles. One castle in particular is the Bran Castle, a Gothic fortress associated with the legend of the famous Dracula.Transylvania is located in a historic region of central Romania and is often referred to as "The Land Beyond the Forest." The Carpathian mountain landscape makes it a popular destination for hiking and skiing. With so much to see and do why not have a Transylvanian holiday?                                                                 Attractions in Transylvania: *Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) *Black Church *Peles Castle *Rasnov Citadel *Poiana Brasov (Ski Resort) *Turda Salt Mine       ...

BEAVER ISLAND     IRELAND is a popular country that gets lots of visitors, including myself. However when you don't have the funds or time to visit Ireland you can check out places closer to home that just might have a bit of the Irish in them. Over in the midwest state of Michigan is an island that rests on a freshwater Great Lake; Lake Michigan. The island is called Beaver Island (Emerald Isle of America). Ferries and planes depart daily from Charlevoix to Beaver Island. A ferry ride takes approximately two hours and a plane ride about 15 minutes. Weather conditions must be considered when visiting Beaver Island so the best time to visit is from the end of May to the end of October when the weather is most favorable. In 1847 James Jesse Strang brought his small band of Mormons to Beaver Island  and in 1849 Saint James was established on the island. James Jessee Strang crowned himself King and was the only king every crowned in the United States. Today S...

KENYA The African continent is huge, 54 countries make up this diverse continent. It would take a very long time to truly experience each country in Africa but it can be done. Where's a good place to begin your African journey? Why not KENYA?  Bordering the Indian Ocean coastline, this East Africa country encompasses lakelands, mountain highlands, savannah, and the Great Rift Valley. In Kenya you can observe a lot of wildlife; cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and zebra are a few of the exotic animals that make Kenya home. Nairobi is Kenya's capital. Referred to as the Green City in the sun, this city has sprawling buildings,a lively music scene, plenty of markets and shops, and it's good starting point for a famous tour of a safari. An African safari can cost anywhere from $125.00 to $1.500 per person per night. There are safaris to suit every budget and Kenya is often one of the more popular countries in Africa to visit. KENYA HIGHLIGHTS: Kenya Rai...