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Watch a few movies and you’ll have yourself believing that Safari’s are nothing but sweat-filled hours in the sun and dust while watching for a few large animals after spending the night in a humid camp, but Hollywood has done nothing to portray the true beauty that can be experienced when participating in a real safari. If you love incredible sunsets, rare and exotic wildlife, and romantic evenings with the one you love, Africa has more to offer than you might at first expect. Below are our seven favorite Safari lodges in Africa. Each provides incredible accommodations designed to help you begin and end your excursions in luxury and style.

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Continue reading Africa’s Most Luxurious Safari Vacations »

A look at Canada – that harmless, inoffensive giant among world nations – meanders on with three more towns that beckon tourists with a plethora of attractions. While one can jump around in Europe and tour a country in a matter of days, Canada, much like the United States and Australia, is impossible to digest in one fell swoop. Too immense and spread out, it would take over a week just to drive from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver, British Columbia, if one were crazy enough to even attempt the epic trip. As a result, those who plan to visit Canada have to choose a region with great care. With that in mind, here is the rest of our handy city guide.

Ottawa, Ontario

The capital of Canada is a charismatic little city, which unlike many world capitals, has much more to offer than a staid central seat of government. The Parliament, ironically enough, is a wonderful attraction, not just in terms of architecture and historical import, but as the national symbol of this proud democracy. The best time to visit is July 1, when hundreds of thousands of proud patriots celebrate Canada Day with fireworks and a slew of top musical acts.

Continue reading 6 Cool Canadian Cities II »

Vacations provide the ideal excuse to let your hair down, let loose and indulge. We tend to consume more alcohol when we travel and for good reason. Without the constraints of daily routine to bind us to conventional and even responsible behaviour, our collective guard is down. As such, we imbibe. A few daiquiris at the poolside bar, a couple of cold beers on the beach, wine with dinner and so on. All in the name of innocent escapism.

For some however, alcohol is the reason they travel and choose a particular destination. This coincidentally is what our top 10 list is all about. National drinks, or in other words, tipples that are so woven into the cultural fabic that they constitute indelible symbols incapable of separation from their country of origin. These wonderful concoctions have become tourist attractions in and of themselves. Visitors are drawn to consume them as an effective means of “blending with the locals” and spend considerable amounts touring their secretive facilities of invention.

Continue reading Best National Drinks Part I »

Despite a reputation, accurate in many respects, for being expensive, London remains one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet. The city is without a doubt, one of the most complete in the world. Other than a boundless supply of tropical weather, London has it all. Since the advent of the European Union, the rise of China and India and the cultural and economic stagnation of the United States, the metropolis has emerged as the defacto world capital. From fashion and style to commerce and cuisine, London is on top. The action takes place in the city boroughs, which is where we commence anew in the third and last installment of our London guide.

Merton

For many, the borough of Merton is notable for one reason: Wimbledon. Without a doubt, the Lawn Tennis Championship held here every year draws the eyes of the world, if not the best tennis players around. The stadium complex and museum is a top draw with tourists. Do not however, overlook Merton Park and the banks of the River Wandle.

Continue reading A Guide to London’s Boroughs III »

True equestrian lovers know the excitement of the adrenaline rush that comes when a major race begins and the horses start beating their way around the tracks. The horses, and their riders, are respected by their audiences as they barrel towards their goals with power and dignity. Horse races are held all around the world, but only a few are held in high esteem. Look for one of these events the next time you consider heading out to a race.

The Kentucky Derby

Continue reading The Top Horse Races Around the World »

We’ve all heard the ultimate wish, uttered under breaths in the midst of a strenuous work day or after a tedious task. “I wish I was on an island.” Islands are the ultimate destination for fun, sun, and plain old relaxation. There’s no reason why your next vacation destination can’t be an island, and there are dozens of choices all over the world. Here you’ll find just a few of our favorites!

1. Bali

Continue reading The World’s 10 Best Vacation Islands »

Playground to the stars and resort area par excellence to anyone in search of a posh and exotic destination, the French Riviera has it all. Perhaps the most famous vacation spot in the world, the Côte d’Azur is party central, exclusive VIP escape and quiet retreat in one fabulous package.

If you want to plan that first trip to the Riviera and need a place to start, or want to return and elude the crowds this time around, look no further than our handy guide. With a brief description of the 26 towns that dot the Riviera coast from east to west, the first installment of our guide kicks off on the border of Italy.

Menton

Technically a commune - a quirk of French municipal administration - and not a town, Menton’s nickname is The Pearl of France. Smack on the border with Italy, with a quaint port area and historic old quarter, legions of tourists flock to Menton’s famous gardens, baroque basilica and Jean Cocteau museum.

Continue reading A Guide to the French Riviera I »

The third installment of our investigation of places around the world most under threat begins with a common source of controversy. Debate will rage forever on how far we must go as humans to balance conservation with practical concerns in our modern world. To develop or not develop, at great financial opportunity cost, is the major question. Those who believe that money is the root of all evil will certainly not change their minds once they read on.

North Shore, Kauai, Hawaii

Once a pristine coastline the envy of the Pacific, the North Shore of Kauai is now under threat because of that very deadly sin. In our endless quest to secure a portion of idyllic landscape, we often neglect long term concerns and look the other way. The North Shore and much of Hawaii for that matter, is a supreme example. What was a natural paradise has become a wasteland of speculative land developers, resorts and harmful tourist activity.

Continue reading 20 World Disappearing Acts III »

When we think of planning our next vacation, volcanoes don’t normally come to mind. Volcanoes, after all, are dangerous and unpredictable natural wonders. At the same time, their power and the long lasting impact they have on the landscape and environment are just as intriguing. These 10 volcanoes are some of the most magnificent in the world - add them all to your list of places to visit in your lifetime!

1. Mount Vesuvius

Continue reading The Top 10 Most Magnificent Volcanoes to Visit »

Some hotels are known for the fine dining restaurant experiences they provide. Others are known for their amazing guest services and comfortable accommodations. Still others are known for their magnificent spas. While all of these key elements contribute to stellar hotel experiences, there is one point that is often overlooked - the hotel pool.

Some hotels are known simply because of their incredible pool accommodations.

1. Korakia Pensione

Continue reading The Top 10 Hottest Hotel Pools in North America »