Central America and Mexico

Central America and Mexico: Exploring Mayan sites, colourful markets, local homestay, vibrant nightlife, swimming in the Caribbean's crystal blue waters, wandering the cobblestone streets of colonial towns, sampling new food and drink.

Live like you mean it on a legendary 46-day journey through six countries. Swap San José's bustling streets for lush jungles, Mayan pyramids and amazing white sand beaches. Share coffee with the locals or—if it’s to your liking—toss back a tequila in a colonial plaza and experience Central American culture with others who share your appetite for adventure. Perfect for the adventurer on a shoestring who wants to explore the region’s diversity, this trip will provide a sampling of the best of Central America.
As it is located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. The heat and humidity of the coast and lowland areas may affect you with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it is simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day.

Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggers on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains.

Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

Visit to Rastafarian Indigenous Village

Blissing out on world-class beaches around the island, bargaining at the local market, drumming at a Rastafarian village, dancing with the locals at a Maroon village, sampling Kingston nightlife.

Escape the all-inclusive resorts and see a side of Jamaica that few tourists experience on this whirlwind ten-day adventure. Meet true Rastafarians and learn about the original inhabitants of the island while hiking through lush wilderness. There are chances to visit the Appleton Estates rum distillery, the Bob Marley Museum and a Blue Mountain coffee plantation—for a taste of culture with a splash of fun in the sun. With plenty of time to relax on Jamaica's famous white sand beaches, you're going to come back well rested—and with a real understanding of this vibrant island.

Rastafarianism is first and foremost a native Jamaican religion - indigenous to Jamaica and it is therefore a significant contributor to the enrichment of Jamaica’s cultural identity. Rastafarians, also known as Rastas, have as primary tenet of their religion and lifestyle, the teachings of Marcus Garvey. Garveyism and the Rastas by extension, promote ethnic pride, self-determination, self-reliance and the recognition of the country’s African roots which are all positives, especially, for a country still in the infancy of nation-building. The Rastafarian ‘dread locked’ hairstyle is recognized worldwide as Jamaican. Dread locks was popularized in the 1970s when Bob Marley and the Wailers hit the world stage – this era, quite possibly, signified the launch of “Brand Jamaica”. The brand was represented by a guitar toting ‘rebel with a positive cause’, with dread locked hair: a Rastafarian. Rastafarians have also had great impact on Jamaica’s music industry, tourism industry, fashion, language among other cultural aspects.

If you'd prefer to leave the city behind for the day, venture up into the famous coffee-producing Blue Mountains. The lush hills and fresh air are a nice break from the coastal heat. Tour a coffee plantation or two and enjoy a cup of the area's black gold.

Canals of Bangkok

Canals of Bangkok, Buddhist temples, float down the mighty Mekong, visit majestic caves, cascading waterfalls, stunning limestone karsts, explore Hanoi, sail a junk through Halong Bay, shop Hoi An, explore tunnels in Cu Chi, cruise the Mekong.
Description

From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to Halong Bay's magnificent limestone karsts, this trip encompasses the highlights of Indochina.

The center of the UNESCO world heritage listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Why not pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in on of the town's cafes.

Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations.

Santo Domingo

Rafting in the highlands, canyoning down waterfalls, biking down a mountain, experiencing Cabarete night life, exploring the fascinating colonial zone of Santo Domingo.
Description

For those with limited time looking to experience the best of the Dominican Republic, this comfortable week-long adventure offers a true taste of the region. On this active adventure, you'll go whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River then really get your adrenaline pumping rappelling down a waterfall on a canyoning adventure. Tear it up on mountain bikes through the stunning scenery of the Septentrional Range and enjoy a dose of local culture in Santo Domingo. While plenty of activities are included, you'll always have free time to explore or relax—ensuring you a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. The city is located on the south side of the island on the Caribbean Sea, and at the mouth of the Ozama River. Founded by Bartholomew Columbus (brother of Christopher) in 1496, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, and was the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. Today, Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic's major metropolis, and is the largest city in the Caribbean by population.
Day 2-3 Jarabacoa (2B,L,2D)
Guided walking tour of Santo Domingo Colonial Zone and half-day whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River. Option to ride by horesback to the Jimenoa Waterfall or visit organic coffee plantation Finca Alta Gracia.

A beautiful adventure in breath-taking surroundings, carving through the “Dominican Alps” you will experience excellent class III rapids that will change your image of a Caribbean island forever. Experience jumping from the "El Cerrazo" rock and swimming through the "Crocodile" rapids. Rapids are gentle to start with, allowing time to learn skills and understand guide commands, leading to more challenging sections of river later in the trip. Rafting is followed by lunch and then transfer back to the hotel.

Europe- Amsterdam

Partying across Europe, exploring historic cities, galleries and museums, discovering medieval towns straight from a fairytale, embracing a variety of cultures, sampling regional wines and delicacies.
Description

Ah, a relaxing week’s vacation in Old Europa. What could be finer? Don’t ask anyone who’s taken this trip! Our seven-day odyssey across five countries is a blur of beauty, culture and adventure from start to finish, with loads of optional activities to pick and choose from. From the varied architectural wonders of Prague to the nightclubs of Amsterdam and Berlin to romantic Bruges and classic London, this trip contains more European awesomeness per minute than should be permissible by law. (We won’t tell if you won’t.)

Amsterdam is one of the coolest cities in Europe. Beautiful, hip, and laid back, with lots to do, lots to see, many pubs, food from all over the world and friendly people. A visit to this stunning city can feel like stepping back in time, surrounded by the charming architecture dating back to the 17th century. But this city is far from old-fashioned and will be best seen on foot or like the locals, by bicycle.

If you only do one thing in Amsterdam, make it a canal cruise. Amsterdam's canals are its signature and cruising these criss-crossing waterways puts the city in perspective while offering unique views of dozens of spectacular Amsterdam sights in a short period of time. Afterwards, head into a cozy bruin café o “eetcafé” (to the Dutch what pubs are to the British and Irish), local spots where friends gather to catch up over a beer or glass of house wine.

Southern Islands

Since pre-Columbian times, the site of Quito has been inhabited by the Quitus, the Shyris and the Puruhas. The Inca reached this city before the Spaniards, but levelled it to the ground rather than give it up to the Spanish. The present capital was founded by the Spanish on December 6th, 1534. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775).

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend eight days exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the comfortable g4 to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region’s largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience—that’s why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.

Arrival transfer and Continental breakfast while in Quito, 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station, Incredible wildlife encounters, Daily opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands, Snorkeling equipment onboard Galapagos Yacht.

There are several excellent museums scattered throughout the city. The Casa de la Cultura Ecuadoriana has an interesting display of traditional musical instruments and Ecuadorian traditional dress, a large art collection, and a small natural history museum. For archeology the best museum to visit is the Museo del Banco Central with its well displayed pottery, gold ornaments, skulls showing deformities and early surgical methods, a mummy and many other objects of interest. The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvelous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town.

Northern Tuscany Local Living

Northern Tuscany Local Living: Countries Visited -Highlights

Enjoying day hikes in stunning Tuscany, tasting local specialities, savouring home cooked meals, relaxing at our authentic countryside accommodation
Description

The difference between a tourist and a traveller? Tourists visit. Travellers inhabit. And once you’ve seen, smelled, felt and tasted northern Tuscany, you’ll want to move right in. This journey into the Garfagnana region offers a truly immersive and transformative experience for mind, body and soul. Over eight days, you’ll live like the lucky locals who work and play here year-round. Hike the unspoiled mountains by day, learn to prepare delicious local cuisine and revel in the simple pleasures of country life by night.

Introduction
The difference between a tourist and a traveller? Tourists visit. Travellers inhabit. And once you’ve seen, smelled, felt and tasted northern Tuscany, you’ll want to move right in. This journey into the Garfagnana region offers a truly immersive and transformative experience for mind, body and soul. Over eight days, you’ll live like the lucky locals who work and play here year-round. Hike the unspoiled mountains by day, learn to prepare delicious local cuisine and revel in the simple pleasures of country life by night.

Nairobi

Nairobi to Joburg Overland
Countries Visited

Highlights

Spotting the 'Big 5' from 4x4 safari vehicles, inhaling the aromas of a spice plantation, snorkelling Zanzibar's waters, getting the heart pumping at Lake Malawi, gazing out across Victoria Falls, spotting the 'Big 5' in Kruger National Park, discovering the less-visited Zimbabwe, walking in search of rhinos in Matobo National Park, witnessing Shangaan traditions.
Description

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kruger National Park, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls—we originally called this trip ‘Africa Complete,’ but those pesky lawyers made us change it. While it may not feature all of Africa, it’s still pretty darn close: Wildlife safaris, cultural contact, rugged landscapes and natural landmarks spread across six incredible countries. And with supremely knowledgeable CEOs, meals prepared from fresh local produce and starlit camping stays, you’ll gain a kinship with this land and its people you won’t find anywhere else.

Introduction

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kruger National Park, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls—we originally called this trip ‘Africa Complete,’ but those pesky lawyers made us change it. While it may not feature all of Africa, it’s still pretty darn close: Wildlife safaris, cultural contact, rugged landscapes and natural landmarks spread across six incredible countries. And with supremely knowledgeable CEOs, meals prepared from fresh local produce and starlit camping stays, you’ll gain a kinship with this land and its people you won’t find anywhere else.

Where I have traveled this summer- Antarctic

About Arctic / Antarctic
On an antarctic cruise, you have a rare chance to appreciate the beauty of one of world's most remote and unspoiled places.

Although Antarctica may not provide ideal conditions for sunbathing, the cruise will give you a chance to visit a magnificently scenic part of the world that few people ever see. There will be unique opportunities for face-to-face encounters with the exotic wildlife that dwell in this icy realm.

These includine a variety of penguins, crabeaters, Weddell and leopard seals, humpback and killer whales, migratory birds, and nesting Antarctic terns. In addition to the wildlife, the natural wonders of Antarctica will leave you spellbound. Imagine the awe-inspiring vistas of snowcapped peaks, sheer cliffs, giant icebergs, and clear, dark-blue waters.

I spent last summer studying abroad in Antarctic focusing on its emerging economy and the impacts of globalization in the developing world. This winter I will be spending three weeks abroad traveling through Fiji and New Zealand.

Bangkok Travel

Bangkok
Flying out to somewhere and seeing what happens is one of the best things I've ever done, I'd advise doing it but make sure you do have some knowledge of Thailand before you go, just to make things easier. Bangkok is pretty safe, and you should be okay there as a female. However, from what I saw in Bangkok, everybody mainly comes in groups and it would be difficult to make yourself apart of a group of people that already know each other.

I didn't see many lone travellers, but I guess if you look elsewhere you may find someone?

If you stick to the main cities or touristy parts of Thailand you will be more than fine on your own, if you're going to go a bit more rural I'd advise dressing modestly. But Thais outside the main tourists places are more friendly too. So yeah, if you end up on your own you should be okay unless you do something crazy.. Although, if you really want to travel with someone then there are websites like travbuddy which may help you find someone.

I went last summer with a mate to Thailand/Laos/Vietnam/Cambodia. Most people were in a pair or as part of a tour i found when i was out there...

We flew out to bangkok with 0 plans other than attempting to get back to bangkok 9 weeks later. didn't even know where the city was from the airport when we landed or how to get there...

Basically i wouldn't reccomend travelling as a single female anywhere really. If you can get a friend to go with you then just go out there with no plans and blag it a little bit. Everything out there can be booked the same day for cheaper prices than you will get booking it from England. Go to this guy called "joe" just off Khao San road, behihng the temple, near my house guesthouse, he will sort you out all your travelling needs tbh. You can book it at the bus/train station yourself and save a dollar but by the time you spend $3 getting to the station and back and hours of your time, get other people to book it.

If you can't find a friend then sign up with one of the tours that STA recomended earlier. You'll be guaranteed an awesome trip with like minded people.

Travel to Hawaii

Hawaii is a land of curious paradox.

A place where the destructive force of volcanoes has created a fertile destination for you to discover filled with rainforests, waterfalls, warm turquoise waters, and black and white sand beaches. All these elements come together beautifully and form a romantic backdrop to your dream vacation. Imagine full days in the Big Island cities of Hilo and Kona, plus overnights on Maui and Kaua'i.

With all that time, you can drive the road to Hana, marvel at the rainbows in Waimea Canyon or stroll to a torch-lit lu'au. You'll see more of Hawaii for less on a Cruise!

The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Look around.

There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you're a new visitor or returning, our six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler.

Western Isles and Scotland

Western Isles and Scotland

Love and romance in Scotland

Scotland is one of the most romantic places in the world and a great location to rekindle the flame of love, or even wed.

This is our very successful archaeological journey through the West of Scotland. We have invited archaeologists who are or have been researching or working along the Antonine Wall; in Argyll along the west coast; through the Highlands of Inverness and into Perth to come and give us their own introduction to their sites and areas. You will also be accompanied throughout by an archaeologist who will be able to weave the different threads of the story into that of Scotland.

We follow Scotland’s story through the prehistoric and early Pictish peoples, to the arrival of the Romans, discovering her early ambition to take all of Britain, and seeing the archaeological evidence of her failed attempt to do so. We have included a visit to the tiny island of Iona and the monastery founded by St Columba who brought Christianity to Scotland from Ireland.

We cover a lot of ground and there will be some long drives but this will be an adventurous archaeological journey through the glorious and dramatic landscapes of the Highlands and Islands. This challenging environment was the stimulus for all manner of ingenious responses by the early local population. ‘Crannogs’, dwellings built on small islands or on stilts in the lochs; ‘brochs’, fortified towers with walls so thick that people could walk around inside them and so high that they could do so on many storeys, and ‘duns’, smaller fortified tower/farmsteads.

Travel to Sardinia

Sardinia - Nuraghic Warriors and Phoenician Traders
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
During the Bronze Age a dynamic society of warriors and traders developed on this rugged island, leaving behind them a staggering 7000 ‘Nuraghi’ - fortified round towers with associated villages. We also visit Megalithic, Phoenician and Roman sites and travel through beautiful countryside. The abundant and distinctive wildlife will delight botanists and bird watchers.

Until recently the importance of the island has been underestimated, partly because, one suspects, it was never colonised by the Greeks. Sardinia’s period of greatest prosperity and architectural splendour was BC, rather than AD. This was during the Bronze Age when a dynamic society of warriors and traders developed here, as shown by the presence of a staggering 7000 ‘Nuraghi’. The ruins of these splendid fortified round towers, some with outworks and associated villages, are a unique feature of the archaeology of Sardinia.

Sardinia has been popularly regarded as rather isolated, an impression encouraged by its rugged landscape and self-reliant islanders, who speak an obscure dialect and cling tenaciously to their customs and folklore. The archaeology tells another story, however, of rich prehistoric and classical cultures which were regularly in contact with other parts of the Mediterranean.

Together with the engaging bronze figurines - bronzetti - they provide an insight into an island society of intriguing complexity at an early date. We also visit earlier Megalithic sites, later Phoenician trading colonies and Roman cities as we traverse the island.

It is a wildly beautiful place - relatively poor and undeveloped except in pockets such as the busy capital of Cagliari, or the delightful Aragonese harbour town of Alghero.

Travel to New Orleans

New Orleans: back in full swing

The shop names say it all. Trashy Diva, Voluptuous Vixen, Constant Envy… Walk down Chartres Street in New Orleans's wilfully bohemian French Quarter, with its richly coloured houses and frilly cast-iron balconies gushing with flowers, and it is clear that this is a city where the sensual life matters.

Boutiques selling perfume, corsets and lingerie give way to handsome Jackson Square, lined with purveyors of hope. Fortune-tellers and tarot readers vie for attention with the pencil-point spires of St Louis Cathedral. A uniformed jazz band tunes up as a splendid white carriage with matching horse clip-clops off for a romantic ride through a bewitching ensemble of Spanish, French and Creole buildings.

Set beside a venerable bend of the Mississippi, New Orleans has always been that dreamy, steamy place where Uncle Sam finally throws off his top-hat and goes lindy-hopping. Tennessee Williams, Mardi Gras, Dixieland, voodoo, gumbo – the call is exotic and hard to resist.

Strangeness is everywhere. New Orleans has stalls selling alligator burgers, and tribes of men who dress up as Indians in outrageous feathered costumes that take a year to make. There are bars that resound to the foot-tapping beat of zydeco, and there are fish named pompano and sheepshead. The locals confer using words such as lagniappe (a little bit extra) and po-boy, which is a sandwich, not an impoverished youth.

It seems to have been like this for ever. In 1920, when Prohibition arrived and agents were despatched nationwide to assess the severity of the problem, New Orleans was found to have 5,000 bars.

While it took an inspector 14 minutes to be offered an illegal drink in New York, here it was just 37 seconds – generously proposed by his taxi-driver.

Comparisons with Venice are appropriate. Both cities have ravishing looks, bags of atmosphere and a precarious relationship with water. As we all know, in August 2005 Hurricane Katrina triggered floods that devastated the city.

The verdict is that this was a man-made disaster – levees meant to provide protection failed. This view is banged home emphatically in David Simon's hit television drama Treme, which is named after the city's historic and culturally rich African-American neighbourhood.

Beginning three months after the disaster, the series shows its citizens struggling to transcend the tragedy, with a superb backing track of home-grown tunes. Many locals consider it "hyper-accurate", and a third season is now in production.

"Some say we are the northernmost city in the Caribbean," a resident suggests – which is plausible given the warmth, colour and laissez-faire lifestyle enveloping me. New Orleans is the only city in the United States where it is legal to drink alcohol in the street, with 24-hour bars and signs saying "Cocktails to Go". Every weekend the pedestrianised party-strip of Bourbon Street becomes a raucous, boozy mayhem filled with out-of-town drunkards festooned with coloured beads.

International travel- Canada's spirit bear

Life through my lens: Canada's spirit bear
Mark Carwardine, the zoologist and BBC presenter, recalls an unforgettable first encounter with a spirit bear in Canada.

Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Spanning over 9.9 million square kilometres, Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area, and its common border with the United States is the longest land border in the world.

I had been waiting quietly on the riverbank for several hours, listening to the gentle patter of rain. Every so often a black bear would pass by, fishing for salmon on its way upstream. But suddenly an apparition emerged, ghostlike, from the dark recesses of the forest: a rare and elusive spirit bear.

I was in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, the largest remaining tract of intact temperate rainforest left in the world, which stretches seamlessly from the northern end of Vancouver Island all the way to south-east Alaska.

This breathtaking wilderness is chock-full of wildlife, but the spirit bear is the jewel in its crown.

One of the animal world’s great enigmas, it is a walking contradiction – a white black bear (an extremely rare colour variant of the American black bear). It is neither a polar bear nor albino. It has normal pigmentation in its eyes, nose and skin and the whiteness comes from a recessive gene, so, to be born white, the bear must inherit the gene from both parents. Also known as the ghost bear, or Kermode bear (named after Francis Kermode, former director of the Royal British Columbia Museum), it is elusive and rarely seen – except for a few weeks every year in one tiny corner of the forest.

Found nowhere else in the world, it spends the winter fast asleep and prefers to hide in the dark, tangled recesses of the forest. But if you go to the right place, at the right time of year, your chances of a close encounter are surprisingly good.