The Bahamas: Discover An Island Paradise

With more than 500 miles of the world’s clearest, turquoise water, this 100,000 mile stretch of 700 petite islands in the Atlantic Ocean is one of the most scenic and secluded vacation spots around. It’s uninhabited, pristine beaches are ideal grounds for scuba and deep-sea diving, world-class sport fishing, kayaking and snorkeling by day and extravagant island dining and dancing by night. Its warm tropical climate ranges from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Fly or sail in; the Bahama Islands are just a few miles south of the Florida coast, making it a short and comfortable voyage. Each island is unique, offering its own history and culture. When visiting the Bahamas, be sure to set aside time to visit some of its most renowned attractions – from Cartwright’s Cave to the Barrier Reef and Tongue of the Ocean, the world’s largest underwater coral reef located just off Andros Island. Other attractions include:

* The Hope Town Lighthouse
* The Lost City of Atlantis
* Eleuthera/Harbor Island’s Haunted House
* Exuma Clays Land and Sea Park
* Cat Island’s The Hermitage, Mount Alvernia
* Lucayan National Park’s Kayak Nature and Cave Tour

Golfing fans love the Bahamas, where you’ll find championship greens and fairways amidst pleasant breezes and idyllic weather conditions. Tee up for a scenic day on palm tree-lined courses on The Abacos, The Exumas, Grand Bahama and Nassau/Paradise Islands.

While on the Islands, it’s easy to not only tour the local sights, but also hop Island-to-Island. Guided tours, Jitneys or buses, scooter and bicycle rentals, mailboats, ferries, private boats and charter air accommodations are all within reach.

Birthplace to Sidney Poitier and Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach, the Bahamas are home to a small group of English-speaking, Christian natives with a tight-knit population just under 300,000. Natives are largely of West African heritage and dominantly reside on the New Providence and Grand Bahama Islands.

Everyone should experience the tranquility of island life, if only for a few days. Discover the Bahamas. To learn more about cruise packages, liners, destinations and seasonal travel deals such as a Bahamas vacation package, visit http://www.vasrue.com/ see “Travel” today.

Labels: ,

posted by admin @ 5:34 PM, ,


Taking A Bird Watching Vacation


popular hobbies in the World. What at one time was just a backyard interest has now grown into extensive bird watching vacations. When looking for a bird watching vacation, you can choose from one as simple as a weekend getaway or you can elect to go on one as long as a 14-day extravaganza full of rare and interesting birds to watch.

There are more than 1000 different species of birds in the United States alone, all of which are unique in their own way. Each species of bird has their own call pattern, sound, shape, and even a different beak. As a bird watcher, you may only have about a half a second to identify a bird by seeing how it moves through the trees, or by the shape of its wings. For the amateur bird watcher, it can be frustrating out there alone, not knowing what to look for, or what type of bird you have found. That is why a bird watching vacation can be quite an adventure for you, as well as a time for you to learn a hobby that you may soon fall in love with. Usually bird watching vacations are guided tours with a large group of people who enjoy helping others discover the love of bird watching.

Where to Go On a Bird Watching Vacation

The possibilities are endless when deciding where to go on a bird watching vacation. Here are just a few choices that have been rated some of the best bird watching vacation spots in the World. Costa Rica has often been considered the Mecca of bird watching. With such exquisite locations as the reserve of Bosque de Paz and the La Ensenada refuge, Costa Rica is one of the most popular bird watching vacation spots to be found.

South Africa frequently offers bird watching vacations to Kruger Park, Pretoria, Hluhuwe Game Reserve, and everywhere in between. Birders can experience a great variety of local birds, migrants, and endemic birds that make up the almost 850 species that can be found in this stunning location.

During a winter bird watching vacation, you may want to find yourself on the sandy beaches of The Grand Bahama Island. Grand Bahama Island has the distinction of being the 2nd most bird-populated island in the Bahamas. The Rand Nature Centre is home to West Indian Flamingos, Red-legged Thrushes, the endangered Bahama parrot, as well as numerous other species of birds. While kayaking in the crystal clear water you will have the chance to see rare birds that live in the Mangrove swamps, and the Caribbean Pine Forest.

Opportunities are plenty on any of these bird watching vacations. It is up to you to choose the one that takes you both to a beautiful location and one that will thrill the bird enthusiast within you.

Labels: ,

posted by admin @ 4:57 PM, ,