Showing posts with label Vacaciones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacaciones. Show all posts

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Vacaciones? Nicaragua

A Caribbean queen's hidden treasure: Nicaragua. If you feel your gold coins have been looted by Wall Street pirates, have no fear, Nicaragua is the X mark on the world map of where to find treasure in blissful beaches, tiny islands, and a pleasing exchange rate for these rough economic times. The Eastern Coast boasts of white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters while Northern Nicaragua offers lowlands dotted with volcanoes (some still active).
Managua International Airport is the country’s major hub served by the following airlines: Aerocaribbean, American Airlines and Atlantic Airways. Both Big and Little Corn Islands on the Caribbean coast offer the most spectacular, unspoiled and isolated beaches fringed with coconut palms and blazing orange and violet sunsets. To get there you’ll want to catch a puddle flight off the mainland. There are no roads on the islands and the pace is unhurried and peaceful. Sip a refreshing cerveza and drift off to the wind bristling through the palm trees and the gentle waves lapping up to shore.

Where to stay:
Casa Canada http://www.casa-canada.com/.
Hotel Los Delfines http://www.hotellosdelfines.com/

Where to eat:
Anastasia’s on the Sea http://www.cornislandsparadise.com/
EnsueƱos http://www.ensuenos-littlecornisland/

If sun and surf starts to tire you or you see a buccaneer’s ship on the ocean’s horizon you can flee north to the lush, tropical mountains of Matagalpa where a cool climate and great hospitality awaits you. It even boasts the countries best cup of coffee, the Matagalpa roast. Matagalpa’s most luxurious lodge, the Selva Negra Mountain Resort welcomes you with private porches and spectacular views. The lodge offers nearly 1,500 acres of hiking trails filled with howler monkeys, ocelots, 125 species of birds and an array of 85 species of orchids.

Selva Negra Mountain Resort http://www.selvanegra.com/.
Nicaragua isn’t sprawling with five star resorts or boutiques (not as of yet) but you will find fantastic meals and beachfront rooms to fit your travel budget. If you’re looking to escape from the city crowds to a private destination undiscovered by most savvy travelers then your treasure awaits you.


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Vacaciones? Serengeti, Tanzania


Why Did You Go? Call it the mother/daughter version of 'The Bucket List' and to experience Africa's wildlife up close and in person vs. on the Discovery Channel!

What Should I Not Miss? The annual migration of thousands of wildebeast from Kenya to the Serengeti and the interplay (and preying) of animals involved in this movement.

What Should I Skip Out On? Weighing yourself down by packing too much, a backpack is enough. You're gauranteed dirt, dust & sweat! So just deal with it, the locals do!

What's The Coolest Souvenier You Brought Back? A designer bag by Doreen Mashika (http://www.doreenmashika.com/), luxury Italian leathers mixed with local, tribal and eco-friendly fabrics. African style couture!

What Should I Splurge On? A meal at the Arusha Coffee Lodge Resort. Dine amongst the plantations indulging in far from home delights like coffee grind glazed steak.

What Should You Absolutely Pack? A cheat sheet for the musical and bouncy Swahili language. Locals speak English well but a friendly "Jambo Rafiki" (hello friend) gaurantees a wide smile in return
Photo: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania