Tag Archives: Plan

Road to Hana Maui
Hawaii, Maui, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Snapshots: Hana Highway, Maui

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Maui’s Route 369, aka the Hana Highway, has become a must-do road trip for visitors with access to a rental car. Snaking its way for more than 50 miles along the island’s lush windward shore, this undulating roadway periodically breaks free of rainforest cover often to reveal panoramic views of the Pacific.

The route carries drivers over 59 bridges, many of which are single-lane structures dating back to the early 20th century. Between the curves, stops for oncoming traffic at the bridges, and more stops to admire waterfalls and other scenic attractions, a one-way transit can consume three hours, and most devote an entire day to getting there and back.

The town of Hana offers a limited range of activities and amenities, but the real point of this road trip isn’t being there, it’s getting there.

St. Vincent Vermont Nature Trail
Caribbean, Plan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trip Ideas

Walk This Way: Vermont Nature Trail, St. Vincent

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St. Vincent is one of the greenest and lushest islands in the Caribbean, and much of the central highlands remain in an unspoiled and natural state. This landscape offers plenty of great hikes on trails that pass by waterfalls, wind through rain forests and climb to the islands highest point, La Soufriere, at 4,048 feet high.

For those not up for a long, steep day of climbing, the Vermont Nature Trail offers the perfect alternative. Located within a 10,000-acre nature preserve in the island’s southern interior, this trail is just a half-hour drive from the capital of Kingston. On the way, the road passes through coconut plantations, and then climbs into the mountains to offer views of coastal valleys and bays.

The trek is fairly moderate with marked trails and informative signs noting the flora and fauna in the area. The two-mile pathway leads walkers through the Buccament Valley, with landscapes that transition from reclaimed plantation grounds and rainforests filled with towering ferns to tropical evergreen groves and stands of bamboo that reach 60 feet high.

These woodlands are home to the island’s national bird, the rare St. Vincent parrot. These birds are easy to recognize by their unmistakable call and flamboyant plumage. Birders will delight to know that the area is also a sanctuary for the crested hummingbird, red-capped green tanager, black hawk and the whistling warbler.

Gosier Island Guadeloupe
Caribbean, Guadeloupe, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Gosier Island, Guadeloupe

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On the calm southern coast of Guadeloupe, the seaside town of Le Gosier lures vacationers with a collection of charming small hotels and cafes. The shoreline is laced with sheltered coves and sun-spangled beaches, but the area’s favorite aquatic destination lies just offshore.

Islet du Gosier is a half-mile long strip of sand and greenery surrounded by shallow reefs. A historic lighthouse rises above the island’s palm grove to warn mariners away from the shoals, but these same coral reefs now attract day-trippers. Cruising yachtsmen anchor nearby and dingy ashore, while taxi boats provide easy access via a five-minute boat ride from town. More ambitious types can rent a kayak and paddle out from Datcha Beach, and some locals even make it a practice to swim to the island for their morning constitutional.

Once there, visitors can spread a towel and relax, or don mask and snorkel to explore the surrounding coral gardens. There are public restrooms on the island, and local vendors often set up shop on the beach, offering a range of savory refreshments. Though popular, this offshore haven rarely draws a crowd, and is about as close as one can get to experiencing a deserted island without actually being shipwrecked.

 

Guatemala Semuc Champey
Central America, Guatemala, Plan, Trip Ideas

Guatemala Waterfalls: Discover Semuc Champey

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In the rugged highlands of central Guatemala, the waters of the Cahabon River flow over a series of limestone ledges that create small waterfalls and clear water pools. This is Semuc Champey, a national monument that has been called one of the most beautiful sites in Central America.

Were it closer to civilization, this aquatic Eden might be overrun by tourists. Instead, it remains the exclusive domain of local villagers and adventurous travelers willing to make an all-day pilgrimage from Guatemala City or Antigua over rough and winding country roads.

In addition to swimming and drifting the river, travelers can set out on scenic hikes through mountain rainforests and explore a spectacular cave system. Near the river are several rustic jungle lodges where one can fall asleep to birdcalls and the sound of flowing water.

Cuba Trinidad Santisim Church
Caribbean, Cuba, Plan, Trip Ideas

Authentic Caribbean: Church of Holy Trinity, Trinidad, Cuba

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In the heart of Trinidad’s old town, the Church of the Holy Trinity overlooks the Plaza Mayor. It could be said that this neoclassical structure owes both its existence and notoriety to foul weather.

In the early 18th century, a powerful hurricane destroyed the first church that stood on this site. It took nearly 75 years to complete the grand edifice that would become one of Cuba’s largest churches. But it is not the architecture alone that has made this one of Cuba’s most noted religious institutions. The sanctuary is home to “El Señor de la Vera Cruz” (The Lord of the True Cross).

This 18th century wooden sculpture of Christ was originally to be shipped from Cuba to a church in Veracruz, Mexico. The ship carrying the statue was hit by bad weather when leaving Trinidad, and forced to return to port.

Twice more the vessel set sail, only to be rebuffed once more by bad weather, and forced to unload a portion of its cargo. Guided by what seemed an act of divine intervention, church officials decreed that the statue would remain in Trinidad, and to this day, the Lord of the Cross draws both the devout and the curios.

oahu hawaii north shore wave
Hawaii, Oahu, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Snapshots: North Shore, Oahu

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When surfers describe something as “totally tubular,” this is what they mean. The view from within the curl of a breaking wave is known as the “green room.” Only a select number of wave riders will ever gain entry, because placing board and body in this legendary sweet spot requires both skill and the perfectly shaped wave.

One of the best places in the world to ride inside the tube is on the North Shore of Oahu, when winter storms far to the north generate large swells that travel across the Pacific and break on island beaches. Though most visitors to famous surf breaks such as Waimea Bay and Pipeline will never see the inside of a wave, it can be quite rewarding to watch from shore as some of the world’s best take on these towering walls of water.

St Bart Anse des Flamands
Caribbean, Plan, St. Barts, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Snapshots: Anse des Flamands, St. Barts

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Much like the jet-set crowd that make seasonal pilgrimages to its beaches, St. Barthelemy can seem larger than life. Though the island is just nine miles long and a mile wide, it can seem much larger when driving the winding roads that hug the hillsides and round elevated curves to reveal breathtaking bays and hidden crescents of white sand.

To escape the seasonal flocks of beautiful people who occupy eastern hot spots such as St. Jean, head north from the port city of Gustavia. The drive will carry you through several small villages and over the island’s central spine to the quiet north-coast village of Anse des Flamands. Here, a half-mile stretch of silken-white sand lies tucked between green headlands. You’ll have no trouble finding a quiet patch of sand to park a beach towel, and don’t forget the sunscreen, as there’s minimal shade among the scattered palms and sea grapes that line the shore. Fortunately, shelter and refreshment can be found just a few steps away at local beach bars.

After some time at water’s edge, you might want to lace up the walking shoes and climb the hill overlooking the bay. This extinct volcano is credited with giving the island its mountainous terrain, and the views from up top are stunning. After your decent, stay for dinner at one of the small hotels and restaurants located along the shores to add the final touch on a perfect day.

Cuba El Nicho Waterfall
Caribbean, Cuba, Plan, Trip Ideas

Caribbean Cascades: El Nicho Waterfalls, Cuba

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Most everyone who visits the central-Cuban cities of Trinidad and Cienfuegos finds their way to El Nicho Falls. Located in the Escambray Mountains, this site is one of Cuba’s most popular natural attractions, drawing locals and visitor alike with the promise of beautiful views, natural beauty and the chance to cool off in sparkling pools of water.

The Parque El Nicho is a small and scenic national park hidden within a wildlife refuge. The cascades known as El Nicho are actually a trio of waterfalls that spill into natural ponds. The Hanabanilla River feeds the waterfalls as it meanders through lush vegetation before it begins to cascade over rocks and ravines into a series of cool, crystal-clear pools.

An easy 10-minute walk takes you to the first set of falls, while an additional half-hour reveals additional cascades, along with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys of central Cuba. Additional marked and unmarked trails within the park also lead to caves and forests that showcase the island’s exotic flora and fauna, including Cuba’s national bird, the tocororo. These birds thrive in the mountains, and are easy to identify with their plumage of purple, red, black and white.

The park is located just outside of Cienfuegos, the trip can take over an hour with the often rough and winding country roads that pass traditional villages, plantations and fields of sugarcane. If driving a rental car, you’ll want to leave plenty of time to take in the scenery and possibly stop off at a coffee, mango or banana plantation. If driving isn’t in your plans than join one of the several excursions that leave from Cienfuegos. You can also take a local bus right to the entrance of the park.

Costa Rica Celeste Waterfalls
Central America, Costa Rica, Plan, Trip Ideas

Costa Rica Waterfalls: Rio Celeste Waterfall

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At first glance, the impossibly blue waters of the Rio Celeste seem artificial, as if vats of indigo dye were added to the flow. In fact, it is dissolved minerals from volcanic hot springs and boiling mud pots that leach into the water to create this river’s trademark hues.

Flowing from the slopes of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Río Celeste snakes and splashes its way down from the highlands and over a waterfall hidden deep in the jungle. Though somewhat remote, this cascade can be reached by an hour’s hike through a verdant rainforest that is home to white-faced monkeys and several hundred species of birds.

Those who do make the trek often reward themselves with a cooling dip in the pool at the base of the falls, perhaps followed by a relaxing soak in one of the natural hot springs found nearby. Tenorio Volcano is a short drive from the La Fortuna resort area, and is considered one of the crown jewels of Costa Rica’s National Park system.

Kauai Poipu Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian Snapshots: Poipu Beach, Kauai

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The setting sun warms the western sky as a pair of surfers catch one last wave at Kauai’s Poipu Beach. This waterfront park is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, as it offers protected tidal pools where youngsters can frolic, exciting surf breaks and a colorful reef where sea turtles and monk seals often join the resident schools of tropical fish.

Located on the island’s southern coast, Poipu is close to many of the island’s most popular resorts and restaurants. The shoreside park provides restrooms, showers, picnic facilities and lifeguards. An additional reward for beach goers in the months from December through May is the frequent sightings of humpback whales, which often surface close to shore. For these reasons and more, Poipu has been named as one of America’s best beaches.