Tropical Escapades, East To West – Miami to Papeet

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”

Take a scenic drive through the residential area of Manga, and admire the beautiful mansions built in Republican-style architecture at the end of the 19th century. Explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure built in Latin America. Enjoy a boat ride to the Islas del Rosario, 26 coral islands located off the coast of Isla Barú, and continue to the island of San Martín de Pajarales to visit the aquarium. Enjoy a spectacular dolphin and shark show and other marine attractions there. Board the beautiful Spanish Galleon, a replica of a 17th-century sailing ship, for a cruise of the inner bay of Cartagena.

Puntarenas, which means “Sandy Point” in Spanish, is the capital and main city in the province Puntarenas, Costa Rica, at the Pacific coast. The oddly-shaped province has its largest section in the South, far from the capital. A mountainous country, Costa Rica ranges from sea level to peaks as high as 13,000 feet and a succession of white, sandy beaches follow one another along the Pacific Coast. The country was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Explore the town of Corinto surrounded by the pristine cerulean-blue Pacific. Then visit Leon to admire the Leon Cathedral and the artistic treasure trove, Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián. Back in Corinto, be sure to see the Alfonso Cores-Corinto History Museum, Library & Auditorium. Stroll through the lush, tropical Parque Central admiring the handicrafts, locally grown produce and handmade clothing of the vendors lining the streets. Look for souvenirs and locally made hammocks to take home – Nicaraguan hammocks are among the best and most comfortable. Enjoy a fresh seafood meal and a locally brewed beer or cold margarita in a family run restaurant overlooking the sea in this serene island destination.

Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country’s colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvilleadraped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes. Travel to famed Lake Atitlan and step back in time as you encounter the indigenous people in all their finery still living along the lakeshore. Or better yet, fly to Flores and experience the magnificent and enigmatic Mayan temples and palaces of the Tikal complex, surrounded by jungle.

Acapulco, nicknamed “Pearl of the Pacific,” is Mexico’s most glamorous pacific resort. Located on a deep, semi-circular bay, Acapulco is located southwest of Mexico City. Few destinations can match its superb weather with an average of 360 days of sunshine per year and with temperatures comfortably in the 80s. Acapulco was important as a port city for Spanish galleons sailing between Spain and the Orient long before it was “discovered” as a vacation playground.

Twenty years ago Cabo San Lucas, at the southernmost tip of Baja, was little more than a fishing village occasionally visited by itinerant Californian surfers and sport fishermen with the means to sail in or fly down. In recent years, however, it has rapidly become the focal point of Los Cabos, the catch-all term for the beaches and resorts ringing the toe of the peninsula. Condos have sprung up, palms transplanted, water piped in and everything is kept pristine.

Situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo greets guests in its historic downtown area, packed with restaurants and shops. As beaches are high on any visitor’s list, be sure to head to beautiful Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, a black-sand mecca for surfers and canoeing enthusiasts. Other local attractions include Pana’ewa Zoo, the only rainforest zoo in the United States; Nani Mau Gardens, where a tram ride takes you past such highlights as the iron bell tower and lovely orchid pavilion. Spectacular day trips are available, from volcano tours to kayaking adventures to trips to hiking tours in Akaka Falls State Park.

Explore Kahalui Maui, on Hawaii’s Valley Island with its natural treasures on land and sea including Mt. Haleakala Crater, Iao Park Needle Mountain, and spectacular beaches for swimming, diving and surfing. Head to Lahaina on the westward side of the island and visit the magnificent world-famous banyan tree in front of the Old Courthouse building. Browse mile-long Front Street with its shops, galleries, whaling history museum, and restaurants. Stop for a refreshing shave ice. Look for unique souvenirs like Maui’s famous “Kitchen Cooked” potato chips, coffee, and leis. Back in Kahalui visit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Enjoy a meal of Hawaiian pig, poi, or fresh seafood in this lush and naturally luxurious tropical settings.

Honolulu is both the capital and most populated city of Hawaai. In the Hawaiian language, honolulu means “sheltered bay” or “place of shelter.” The city was settled by Polynesian migrants, but it is not known when they first made the area their home. The turbulent late 19th century and early 20th century saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii’s subsequent annexation by the United States, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all keeping Honolulu the main seaport of the Hawaiian Islands.

Honolulu is both the capital and most populated city of Hawaai. In the Hawaiian language, honolulu means “sheltered bay” or “place of shelter.” The city was settled by Polynesian migrants, but it is not known when they first made the area their home. The turbulent late 19th century and early 20th century saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii’s subsequent annexation by the United States, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all keeping Honolulu the main seaport of the Hawaiian Islands.

Nawiliwili Beach Park is a beach park and port on the south-east coast of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It is located on Nāwiliwili Bay

Nawiliwili Beach Park is a beach park and port on the south-east coast of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It is located on Nāwiliwili Bay

Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, which comprises 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet and peaceful. In the small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Raiatea and Taha’a are two separate islands sharing the same lagoon. Located 120 miles northwest of Tahiti, between Huahine and Bora Bora among the leeward Society Islands, Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. The island tour reveals lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, and pineapple and vanilla plantations. Discover fascinating under-water scenery within Raiatea’s deep lagoon, rich with fish and surrounded by mountains.

Bora Bora lies 150 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore “motu” islets inside a protective coral necklace. Its lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. A partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, and old Army bunkers and cannons left over from WWII, when 5,000 American GIs made a “friendly invasion.”

Bora Bora lies 150 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore “motu” islets inside a protective coral necklace. Its lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. A partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, and old Army bunkers and cannons left over from WWII, when 5,000 American GIs made a “friendly invasion.”

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.