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Have you had the pleasure of exploring the island of Fiji? There are so many places of interest that you can visit and spend some quality time with someone special at the same time. Your travel journal will be filled with wonderful memories to look back on long after you return home! Here are some highlights I recommend that will help you make the most of your trip!  This exotic country in the Pacific Ocean is certainly captivating. Its beauty is undeniable, so it's no wonder the archipelago of more than 300 islands is one very desirable getaway destinations in the world. The natural allure of Fiji isn't the only reason to visit though. There are endless adventures in the country, which is why so many come back time and time again. Here are some of the best things to do, see, and experience in Fiji…
Visit the Yasawas The Yasawas is composed of 20 islands that feature abundant greenery, volcanoes, blue lagoons, and much more. There's so much to do that you could spend days on the Yasawas. You can go hiking, meet manta rays, check out the beaches, or take a seaplane. Partake in Water Activities in the Mamanucas With nearly 20 islands, the Mamanucas is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Fiji. Being among the volcanic archipelago, you'll notice travelers partaking in a ton of different water activities. Snorkeling and surfing are perhaps the most popular among them all.
Check Out a Firewalking Ceremony Throughout Fiji, you will see native Beqa men partaking in firewalking ceremonies. It's truly amazing to watch them walk across the scalding hot stones without getting burned! Stroll through the Fiji Museum Spanning over 3,700 years, this museum tells of the history behind Fiji. You'll see everything from Indian artwork to shell jewelry throughout this spectacular overview of the Fijian culture. Hang out for a Bit at Port Denarau Marina This port features a huge, 32,800-square-foot Retail and Commerce Centre filled with restaurants and shopping. You can even take advantage of the 18-hole golf course or enjoy a little time on a jetboat before leaving the port. Oh, and don't forget to purchase any of the necessary travel essentials you forgot to pack! Relax in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant Situated in the foothills of the Nausori Highlands, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one amazing place to explore in Fiji. With an assortment of vividly colored orchids, you could walk through this garden completely enthralled with its beauty for hours. 
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 St. Lucia island in the Caribbean holds a wealth of natural beauty—lush mountains, a steaming sulfur volcano, 19,000 acres of rainforest, charming black-and-white-sand beaches, stunning rare colorful foliage and exotic wildlife. When you add the pleasant St. Lucia weather and the nice beaches, you understand why it is a popular Caribbean destination. There's much to do on this little island, although given it's rise as a high-end resort, you will need your wallet handy if you wish to take advantage of much of it. The rainforest is an ideal place for hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching or just enjoy standing near a waterfall to soak up the mist from its spray. And there's also whale-and dolphin-watching, snorkeling, kite-sailing, fishing and diving. Vacationers going to St. Lucia travel there generally for two distinct reasons: either to enjoy its charm and undeveloped feel, still found in some places, or to luxuriate in five-star waterfront luxury. Whether staying in a deluxe, all-inclusive resort or a local inn or hotel, St. Lucia and its residents extend a warm welcome. An avocado-shaped island 14 mi/23 km wide by 27 mi/43 km long, St. Lucia is one of the greenest and lushest areas in the Caribbean. The island is mountainous, except for the northern area around Gros Islet and Rodney Bay. Most of the resorts and towns are located right along the shore. The twin volcanic peaks, Petit Piton and Gros Piton—probably the most-photographed mountains in the Caribbean as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site—are on the southwestern side of the island. If you are planning to visit St. Lucia, there are "must sees" that you may want to add to your itinerary during your stay. Typical excursions include tours of historic buildings and a sugar mill or more rigorous adventures such as horseback riding, hiking, rain-forest canopy tours, snorkeling or flightseeing. The most popular tours include an opportunity to view and photograph the Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and those visiting by boat have the option of snorkeling in the marine reserve at the base of the twin peaks. Island-wide tours often include a drive through Castries with stops at the open-air markets, a visit to a working plantation and a refreshment break in one of the fishing villages to sample local foods. Adventure tours focus on watersports, such as diving, or land activities, such as zipline or tram rides through the rain forest. A photo tour combines sights with insights into capturing their memories. Other options include a visit to the drive-in volcano, a walk though one of the botanical gardens, or a tour of Pigeon Point National Park.  The Church Of The Immaculate Conception, Castries, St. Lucia   Castries, Saint Lucia  Pigeon Island , St. Lucia Be sure to include at least a few of these great natural attractions!Sights—The mineral baths at Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens; views of the Piton mountains; touring the sulphur springs at La Soufriere Volcano, which is called "the drive-in volcano"; spotting the endangered parrot, the Amazona versicolor; the black-sand beaches on the south end of the island; a zipline ride or tram trip through the treetops in the 19,000-acre/7,690-hectare rain forest. Museums—The history and culture of growing sugar at La Sikwi Historical Sugar Mill and Plantation; multimedia displays at Pigeon Island Interpretation Centre. Memorable Meals—Pumpkin soup at The Coal Pot; green fig and saltfish at Ladera Hotel's Dasheene Restaurant; little plates at Orlando's; savory creme brulee at La Terrasse; cocktails made with local rum Bounty, or Piton Shandys (a blend of beer, spices and fruit juice) after a day on the beach. Late Night—Counting nesting leatherback turtles; dancing to soca music during Friday-night street parties (Gros Islet's Jump-Up and Anse La Raye's Fish Fry); mingling with yachters and expatriates at The Lime in Rodney Bay. Walks—A hike on the Edmund Forest Reserve Rain Forest Trail; a challenging climb up Gros Piton; a stroll through tropical forest to a sandy beach. Especially for Kids—Climbing over the ruins and cannons at Fort Rodney at Pigeon Point National Park; snorkeling along shallow reefs at Anse Chastanet Resort and enjoying watersports on Reduit (pronounced red-wee) Beach; watching pools of furiously bubbling mud at La Soufriere—an active volcano.  And for you Casino go-ers, casino gambling is not a major draw on St. Lucia, but for those who love it, there is a decent one. The minimum age is 18, and complimentary membership is required. Treasure Bay Casino St. Lucia's first casino has 260 slot machines and 22 table games (including three poker tables). There also is a full bar and snack areas, and the casino itself is in a 60-store enclosed shopping mall. Patrons must be at least 18 years old and must obtain a complimentary membership to enter. Open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-3 am, Friday and Saturday until 4 am. U.S. currency is used. Baywalk Mall, Rodney Bay (Gros Islet), St. Lucia. Phone 459-2901. http://www.treasurebaystlucia.com. Whatever your pleasure, we can make just about anything you can dream up--happen! I'm eager to help you make those dreams come true so let's talk--and let's get your bucket list out. I'm sure we can check off a box or two with a trip to your favorite luxury destination!
Cheers!  Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first. Hopefully, these eight guidelines will assist with your decision. Best traditional village life: The island, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and has a little over 6,500 inhabitants and a bit over 20 small villages. Naxos has ancient towers, paved streets and has maintained its unique Venetian architecture.   Best nightlife: Mykonos, also known as ‘The Island of the Winds’, is world renowned for their vibrant nightlife. Little Venice and Paradise Beach are popular party destinations where clothing is optional, and the LGBT scene is major. There are male go-go dancers everywhere and parties typically last all night. July and August are the main months for tourism and the wildest parties.  Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: With gusty winds that can be seen from a mile away; Paros island is best known for kiteboarding and windsurfing sports goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the main beaches where the sport is practiced. The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular hub for the sport. Best beaches: Located in the Aegan Sea, Milos is a beautiful volcanic island that is rich in minerals as well as rich history. Firopotamos, Kastanas and Paliorema are some top beach destinations in Milos. The white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands are picturesque backdrops. Although some may be only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches throughout Milos that you can explore. Best for nature lovers: Ikaria has some of the World’s most pristine and untouched nature territories. It has been identified as a place that promotes life longevity and better overall health. Best couples getaway: Folegandros does not get the crowded tourist scene as most Greek towns do. They have a broad selection of restaurants and cafes. Chora is the main village and has been preserved well, noting open landscapes and clifftop housing.   Best Robinson Crusoe destination: Koufonisia is comprised of two islands, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). The preferred way to navigate the area is by foot or cycling as everything is within walking distance. The island has a museum and many sightseeing options. Best food: Cretan cuisine focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands. Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita and Apaki.
Now you’re all set! With a myriad of beautiful architecture, scenic waterfronts and rich history. There is much to enjoy.
Click the map below for Destination Guides to your Favorite Places!  Sea Turtle on the Sand  Wild White-headed Capuchins  Arenal Volcano Monteverde to Playa Grande Although the journey from Monteverde to Playa Grande is bumpy and steep, with roads being riddled with potholes, gorgeous beaches and visits from the majestic sea turtles are a nice treat to many. Playa Grande is home of the Leatherback Sea Turtles. They lay eggs and build nests between October and March and between April and September, the eggs hatch and thousands of baby turtles hobble their way into the ocean. To witness this beautiful scene and get up close and personal with these sea creatures, arrange a tour at Las Balulas National Park. Stay at the charming Hotel Las Tortugas where you can take in views of the sunset from your room.   Tamarindo to Santa Teresa While the drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is not the smoothest, you are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes. Take a break from sightseeing and stop at one of the sopas (small restaurants) and indulge in authentic Costa Rican cuisine, from empanadas to patacones (deep fried, flattened plantains). Additionally, Santa Teresa is the perfect destination for both relaxation and leisure. It’s idyllic white sand beaches are great for laying down a mat doing yoga or grabbing a surfboard and catching a wave. Continue your relaxation at the laid-back Hotel Tropico Latino where you can enjoy a full-service spa. If you’re ready to experience these unique road trips for yourself, contact Palmer Preferred Travel today so we can get your travel experience started. Click the link to email or click here to call (612) 221-7245 Happy Road Tripping!  Desolate beaches are tucked in everywhere in Costa Rica  Fortuna National Park
This Central Pacific archipelago includes hundreds of islands and a diverse range of activities to partake in. With huge waves, volcanoes and an interesting culture, Hawaii will keep you busy and entertained. These are eight top things to enjoy while visiting the beautiful atoll. Whale Watching – The ‘Big Island’ is the most popular destination for whale watching in Hawaii. The peak season to catch a glimpse of Humpback whales is from January to March. You have the option to view via a cruise or private boat tour. Luaus – These traditional ceremonies are a major source of entertainment on all islands within Hawaii. Take the opportunity to enjoy live dancing, learn about Hawaiian as well as Polynesian culture and enjoy a delectable cuisine. See a Lava Show – Hop aboard a World class catamaran to get up and close to the volcano fingers as they enter the sea. You will have thoroughly trained staff aboard and safety is paramount. You can select from a tour in the morning, sunset, day or twilight tour. Helicopter Tours – There are various tour lines that offer unique aerial journeys that allow you to view the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery. From volcanoes and waterfalls to hidden valleys and majestic coastlines. A helicopter tour is truly an ideal way to sightsee. SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding) – This activity originated in Hawaii and is a derivative from surfing. SUP is soothing and allows you to explore the waterways on your own terms. A great paddle path to take is from the Lanakai Beach to the Mokulua islands. Horseback Riding Tours – Explore the coastline or venture to hidden trails on an exploratory horseback tour. Most companies offer private as well as group tours. There are countless ranches and stables that accommodate tourists. Paniolo Adventures is one of the largest, with an 11,000-acre cattle ranch located in Waimea. Mauna Kea – This dormant volcano is a unique wonder to explore and erupted over 4,000 years ago. You can hike the summit but be sure to stop by the VIS (Visitor Information Station) to check for weather and safety tips. Kona Coffee Farm Tour – Kona coffee is some of the best gourmet coffee that you can find and is world-renowned. Kailua Kona, which is located on the ‘Big Island’, is the heart of Kona coffee. When taking a tour, you will get to see processing facilities as well as the coffee fields. Don’t forget to take some time to indulge in the popular beverage. Okay, C'MON and grab your gear and take charge of your getaway with these great suggestions that will be sure to make your experience fascinating. Contact us at Palmer Preferred Travel and let us get you going. Before you know it you will be touring the tropics! |
Debbie PalmerOwner and Travel Expert at Palmer Preferred Travel Categories
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