Have You Discovered These Buzzworthy Travel Gems?
Have You Discovered These Buzzworthy Travel Gems?
We wonder why some amazing vacation spots are largely undiscovered by Americans. How could places that are scenic, historic, dollar-favorable, comparatively safe, and filled with lovely, welcoming people not be on every traveler’s bucket list? We’re speaking of Central and South America!
Another factor to make the best use of precious vacation time – countries in this region are in the same time zone as the eastern U.S. (or within a couple of hours), for less jetlag and travel time than other international destinations.
How about a trip to Argentina, and the capital city of Buenos Aires, where you can immerse yourself in Spanish culture from the moment you step off the plane? The perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city of boasts a vibe similar to European cities, but with its own flavor of culture, food, architecture, music, activities – and spectacular photo-opportunities! Climactic and topographical variances in Argentina gives travelers the chance to plan a trip well-suited to their outdoor interests, weather preferences and schedules.
Uruguay, bordering Argentina, is a hidden gem that wows with its combination of subtropical scenery, grand architecture, and the people’s devotion to soccer! According to Wikipedia, Uruguay ranks first in Latin America for democracy, peace, and quality of living. The vibrant capital city of Montevideo reflects the progressive modern lifestyle of its residents and offers wonderful plazas, viewpoints, wineries and sophisticated cultural activities to experience.
A little closer to home is Costa Rica, increasingly popular amongst Americans for its natural beauty. You can visit a real jungle and beautiful beaches in the same trip, and mingle with native exotic wildlife! For outdoor enthusiasts of with any level of interest in being adventurous – from taking a leisurely stroll to zip-lining, a trip to Costa Rica means fun, relaxation, and great resorts!
Galapagos Islands, Angel Falls… here are more great South America destinations.
Links to the websites above will help get your wish list started! Our travel consultants are experienced and knowledgeable about these areas, so they’re ready to help narrow down the many possibilities and plan a trip based on your interests, schedule and budget.
(photo of Buenos Aires courtesy of klm.com)
Related Blogs
Simple Steps to Make Your Holiday Travels Easier
By Travelong | Our Blog
Simple Steps to Make Your Holiday Travels Easier Traveling during major holidays can be stressful and exasperating to say the least. However, there are several ways you can mitigate the worst of it and make the experience much easier – and maybe even have a trip where the ‘getting there and back’ portions become positively ordinary! First, when planning a trip that requires flying during notoriously busy travel times such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, consider flying on the day of the holiday, at off-peak times during the surrounding days, and/or from a secondary airport near your departure or arrival location. When possible, opt for non-stop flights so you’ll be less affected by delays. It’s best to book as far advance as possible for holiday travel, as flights will undoubtedly fill up and you want to be assured a seat on the flight(s) of your choice. Confirm your seat assignments when you book for the best possible seats. Be sure that your name on the travel documents matches your ID (license, passport, etc.). A little organizing before the trip can reduce stress at the airport. We recommend creating a master checklist based on your travel needs that you can simply pull out and customize for each trip. It may include “things to do”, such as get mail stopped, arrange for pet care, get vaccines, check passport, etc. and “things to bring”, such as medications, sunscreen, hiking shoes, camera, etc. This Traveler’s Checklist from the U.S. Department of State summarizes some of the more official travel needs, while the easy (and fun) Travels’ Checklist tool creates a customized list based on your travel plans. Before leaving for the airport, go ahead and check in online. If you provided an email address when the flight was booked, the airline will send you an automated message with very easy steps to follow to check in online. Even if you can’t print the boarding passes, this will still expedite your time checking in. In fact, you can go paperless for the entire process by having your boarding passes sent to your smartphone. In addition, you can download apps or check on the airline’s website to know the status of your flight. Once you arrive at the airport, be prepared to wait! This is no revelation to anyone who has flown in recent years, so the best thing to do is use the time to catch up on reading, watch videos, play games, etc. Bringing a few snacks may help! To get through security a little easier, we recommend you make sure carry-on liquids are packed according to regulations (see TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule), wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and wear socks to avoid walking barefoot through the security checkpoint. Planning ahead and being prepared can reduce holiday travel stress, making the time spent at your destination more enjoyable. If your holiday travel plans include choosing a vacation destination, contact Travelong of Summit to learn about the best places based on time of year, weather, special offers, and more.
Embrace Fascinating Vibes in Bali, Indonesia
By Kris T. | Island Vacation
For those seeking a more faraway winter experience, Bali beckons with its rich culture and diverse landscapes. Explore ancient temples, surf the famous waves of Uluwatu, and unwind in luxury resorts surrounded by lush rice terraces. Bali is the perfect destination for a unique and memorable winter escape.
Savor the Caribbean Charm in Turks & Caicos
By Kris T. | Island Vacation
Turks and Caicos boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Grace Bay Beach, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, is a must-visit. Dive into vibrant coral reefs, indulge in delicious island cuisine, and let the laid-back atmosphere whisk away your winter blues.
