TRAVEL A-Z
3/29/2007 10:01:51 AM by Jorge Arauz
We’ve scored the globe and used the alphabet as inspiration to bring you a collection of water-bound activities, waterfront locales and regional dishes to experience whenever a jolt of adventure strikes. Some things are seasonal, some are year-round, but all should be on the itinerary at least once — maybe twice — in your lifetime.
A Amazon River Basin Tour, Manaus, Brazil
Although your animal instincts may tell you to steer clear of the Amazon, a river basin tour of this ecological masterpiece might be just what the witch doctor ordered. Specifically, we recommend a look at the unworldly “Meeting of the Waters” point at sunset, where two distinct bodies of water meet to form the Amazon, but don’t mix. It’s like witnessing two watery horizons artistically meshing amid the chirping of exotic birds and the heartbeats of the piranhas and anacondas directly underfoot. On one side, you have the sandy waters of the Solimoes, on the other, the mysterious, murky waters of the Rio Negro. All over, red and orange hues surround you and the descending sunrays are just bright enough to reflect off the water ripples. For the best tour, go to Destination360.com.
B Bulgari Resort, Bali
One of the greatest jewelry makers in the world has created one of the greatest resorts on Earth, right on a secluded all-villa cliff on the southern tip of the Jimbaran Peninsula overlooking the Indian Ocean. A design marvel of traditional Balinese architecture fused with sophisticated contemporary design, this hideaway features native wood, indigenous stones, rare Balinese antiques and refined fabrics made exclusively for the resort. For reservations, go to BulgariHotels.com.
C Canoe Trip, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Grab a couple of paddles and a bunch of buddies and head over to Thailand for one of PaddleAsia’s tailor-made canoe tours. Created to appeal to novices and beginners, anyone can take part in one of these gliding adventures. Paddle your way through ancient rock formations and custom-route your trip so you run into your wildlife or plant of choice. Make sure to bring a camera to document the experience. To design the experience of a lifetime, go to PaddleAsia.com.
D Disney Cruise touring The Mediterranean
The “Happiest Place on Earth” also provides the best cruise on Earth — and it’s guaranteed to have a Cinderella ending. Exploring the Mediterranean on Disney’s 11-night cruise to Europe with Mickey on deck is not something many people have had the fortune of bragging about. Pretend like you’re reliving the golden days of cruising while you make waves on the beaches of some of the most charming seaside cities in the Med. Go to DisneyCruise.com for a complete itinerary.
E Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, CA
Designated as an underwater state park in 1994, Emerald Bay is the resting place of turn-of-the-century boats, barges and launches as well as artifacts from the old Emerald Bay Resort including telephones, sinks, toilets, a diving platform and even a Model A Ford. But don’t start calling any trunk shows or appraisers yet — state law prohibits any removal of artifacts from the site…and they’ve devised quite a few creative ways to catch artifact lifters, so make sure you don’t bring any up to the surface. Emerald Bay is closed from Feb. 1 to June 15, so plan your dive accordingly. For all the details on this world-class dive site, go to Parks.ca.gov.
F Full-Moon Festival, Hoi An, Vietnam
On the 14th night of the lunar calendar every month, a quaint, ancient town in Vietnam is transformed into a spectacle of paper lanterns lining the streets and candled paper boats gliding across the adjacent Thu Bon River. From sunset to midnight, locals dance in traditional pajamas and offer fruits and incense to the gods amid live music and crowd-chants. For the perfect accommodations to complement this full-moon fest, go to HoiAnRiverResort.com.
G Glacier Hike, Svalbard, Norway
Translating into “Cold Coast,” Svalbard is the perfect destination for a good ol’ glacier hike. The archipelago’s icy terrain offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks and close-ups of rare fauna and widelife including polar foxes, black guillemots and native reindeer. At night, tour leaders enact a polar bear watch, so a face-to-face nocturnal encounter with one of these grizzy carnivores is rare. For the glacier hike of a lifetime, go to ScanTours.com.
H Hvar, Croatia
Scent defines this place described by its tourism department as “the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, the island of lavender, sage and wine and the island of rosemary and secluded coves.” Fishing enthusiasts the world over love this place for the more than 360 species found in the bordering Adriatic Sea including white sea bream, black umber, moray eel and breize. Fishing cruises from the island generally last from one to two weeks with boats housing anywhere from 20 to 50 bunks. Diving, sea kayaking and nearby river sports are other popular attractions. For a complete breakdown of all to do in Hvar, as well as accommodations throughout Croatia, go to Havr.hr.
I Ice Hotel, Quebec, Canada
A frozen 30,000-square-foot wonderland, the Ice Hotel in Canada is comprised of 500 tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow. Four-foot-thick walls act as a natural insulator, keeping temperatures inside at a constant 23-28 degrees Fahrenheit. And just in case you were wondering, there are heated bathrooms available directly from inside the hotel for those midnight tinkles. Go to IceHotel-Canada.com for 360-degree tours and photos or call 1.877.505.0423 for reservations and rates.
J Jetskiing the Intracoastal, South Florida
Zooming along the southeast end of the Sunshine State on a go-fast jetski is as exhilarating as the region’s on-land offerings. Starting off in Miami Beach, dozens of dock-up bars and restaurants await you as you make your way up from Miami Beach all the way past West Palm Beach including Shuckers in Miami Beach (1819 79th St. Cswy.); Le Tub in Hollywood (1100 N. Ocean Drive); Cap’s Dock at Lighthouse Point (2765 N.E. 28th Court); Shooter’s and The River House in Fort Lauderdale (3033 NE 32nd Ave.; 301 SW 3rd Ave.); Panama Hatties in North Palm Beach (11511 Ellison Wilson Rd.); and Square Grouper Bar at Castaways Marina in Jupiter (1111 Love Street). If you don’t already own a Kawasaki, Honda, Sea-Doo or Yamaha, go to WatersportsFL.com for jetski rental options up and down Florida’s east coast.
K Kilchurn Castle, Scotland
This historic castle built in 1450 is best toured by boat from Loch Awe during the summer months. Known for looking vastly different from various angles, the castle sparks a sense of Medieval fairytales. When circling the castle, pay special attention to the remains of the tower that was struck by lightning that resembles a stepped circular podium in the courtyard. Internally, access to certain parts of the castle can depend on whether the castle is manned at the time or not. Either way, it’s worth checking out. Go to UndiscoveredScotland.co.uk for more information.
L Lahore Swimming Pool, Pakistan
It’s free. It’s huge. It’s one of the most unforgettable sights you’ll ever witness, guaranteed. Thousands of men, women, children and animals enjoy this natural swimming pool throughout the year, usually at the same time. The pool is especially packed during the hot and humid summer months. Tourists are welcomed. To plan a full itinerary after your massive dip, go to Tourism.gov.pk.
M Maine Lobster Roll, Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
If you work up an appetite while lighthouse-hopping in Maine, make sure to drop by The Lobster Shack at 225 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, for the best lobster rolls in the U.S. Situated along jagged shores and sandy beaches, The Lobster Shack has a prime view of The Portland Headlight, the most photographed lighthouse in the world. For directions, call 207.799.1677.
N Namibian Balloon Tour, Namibia
Looks like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were on to something. Although the main thing this mostly dried-up land has to offer for water aficionados are huge rivers at its borders and the thrashing Atlantic Ocean on its western side, the remains of ancient bodies of water are visible from the air in most parts. No one’s ever died along Namibia’s “Skeleton Coast” as a result of a fiery air balloon crash, so don’t stress. If you have a well-worth-it $2,750 to spend on the ballooning excursion of a lifetime, go to Namibian.org/travel.
O Octopus Hunting, Tokelau, Oceania
Locals say there are more than a dozen traditional songs created by many an octopi hunter in Tokelau to lure octopus out of their hiding places. Tokelau itself is comprised of three low-lying atolls named Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu. For those of you new to octopus hunting, the best time is at low tide on the reef. To lure them out of their underwater hiding places, stick a metal rod into one of the coral holes occupied by them and wait for them to wrap their tentacles around it before yanking them out. Legend holds that the likelihood of capturing an octopus is best nine days after the new moon.
P Positano, Italy
Sitting on the Amalfi Coast, this charming little Italian town features an enclave of house-laden hills that lead down to the coast. The site of several films including Only You (1994), starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr., and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), it also hosts the annual Cartoons on the Bay Festival. The island really has only two notable hotels including Il San Pietro and Le Sirenuse, although we recommend the former because of its views and Michelin-starred restaurant. To scope it out before taking the trip, go to IlSanPietro.it.
Q Qatar Night Dhow Cruise, Corniche Bay
If you’re in Qatar and you don’t plan on dhow cruising, you might as well pack up and head back home. Originally used by merchants, dhow vessels have evolved to attract even the most discerning tastes — from dawn to dusk and beyond. Gourmet meals, sunsets by candlelight and moonlit tours are all available through various Qatar-based tour organizations. For all you need to know about Qatar and the surrounding area, go to the most thorough website dedicated to the subject, MiddleEastHub.com.
R Roatan, Honduras
Our recommendation for this place is a bit different than the others. On this trip, we recommend you take a real estate tour of the island and see what’s available. Separated into four major areas, West Bay Beach, West End Village, Central and Sandy Bay, seeing all the investment opportunities around the island will give you a unique perspective on island life and all its offerings — in and out of the water. The Bay Island Voice (BayIslandVoice.com) is a good place to start for real estate listings, new developments and island news to keep you updated on what could possibly be your new home — or at least your exotic second home away from home.
S Sink into the Hot Springs of Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa boasts a series of natural hot pools of bright blue seawater set against a black volcanic lava landscape and white clay basin. Hoping to benefit from the curative properties, guests can be seen floating by on wooden rafts while being massaged or enjoying a steam bath in the white mud-walled caves of the lagoon. If you can’t wait to see it in person, go to BlueLagoon.com for a complete photo tour of nature at its best.
T Tugela Falls, South Africa
The world’s second-highest waterfall is #1 in our book. Located in the Dragon’s Mountains in The Royal Natal National Park, the total drop of the five free-leaping falls is a whopping 3,110 feet. Drink the water, take a picture, swim in it, but whatever you do, don’t dive off. And don’t worry about climbing to the top; the view is nicer from afar. For a complete listing of all the adventures to be had in this exciting part of the world, go to SouthAfricaSafaris.com or call 1.800.291.3346.
U Underwater Cave Diving, Yucatan Peninsula
This just in: A pair of cave divers have found subterranean passages in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula connecting the Nohoch Nah Chich (“The Giant Birdcage”) caves and the Sac Actun system (“White Cave”), which together measure 95 miles in length, creating the world’s longest underwater cave system. Seems like anything’s possible while cave diving in the waters of the Yucatan. Whether you decide to dive these submerged mazes solo or with friends, go to the National Association of Cave Diving at SafeCaveDiving.com for tips on how to do it right.
V Valencia, Spain
The home of the America’s Cup is also home to some of the most impressive waterside architecture. The original name of this place was “Valentia,” meaning “vigor.” Cathedrals, museums and residences are all best experienced from the water. If you only make it to one place in this city, make sure to see The Hemispheric at the City of Arts & Sciences. For a complete virtual tour of the city and all its grandeur, visit TurisValencia.es.
W Whale-Watching, Azores
Moby Dick was probably born in the waters of the Azores, and seeing one of his relatives is a guaranteed possibility when exploring this chain of islands. Sperm whales, pilot whales, striped and Risso dolphins and blue whales have all been spotted in this region. The best whale-watching expedition can be had aboard one of Futurism Azores Whale Watching’s trips. Email futurismo@mail.telepac.pt for more information.
X XXX Tour of Amsterdam
No, it’s not what you think. The three X’s stand for “X”citing, “X”treme and “X”troverted. If you can’t find that triple X-factor in Amsterdam, you’re barking up the wrong canal. The city boasts 165 canals, 1281 bridges, 70 cruise boats, eight wooden drawbridges, 2,500 houseboats and 120 water bikes. Make sure to take a two-hour candlelight cruise with Best of Holland departing from Rederij Lovers landing stage. You’ll glide by museums, houseboats and under historic bridges — all in the favorable hue of your candle. For a listing of all of Amsterdam’s wet offerings, go to Holland.com/Amsterdam.
Y Yellowtailing, Alijos Rocks, Baja California Sur
The best yellowtailing in the world happens in the Alijos Rocks, 480 miles south of San Diego and 160 miles from Baja, Mexico. Yellowtails of more than 50 lbs. have been caught here and yellowfin tuna in the 100 lb.-plus class are the norm. If yellowtails are on your mind, make sure to schedule a 7-10 day trip with Vagabond Sportfishing, the experts in these parts, at VagabondSportfishing.com.
Z Zakynthos, Greece
Gracing Wave’s October 2006 cover, this third-largest Ionian Island is home to one of the most secluded and private beaches in Greece, Smuggler’s Cove. Here, you can explore the reflecting Blue Caves and old on-shore shipwrecks. Best accessed by private boat or ferry, you can also visit Zakynthos by air via a short flight from Athens. Make sure to send a postcard or e-card from Travel-To-Zakynthis.com, whether you decide to make the trip or not.