Here are five reasons why Costa Rica should be on your travel bucket list.

The beaches

If you’re a bit of a beach bum, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of beaches in Costa Rica. Extending over both the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, you’ll get to enjoy the incredible range that Costa Rica has to offer. Puerto Viejo is famous for its black sand, while the southern coast of Costa Rica has beautiful white sand that looks and feels like sheer paradise.

The climate

As with most Central American countries, the Costa Rican climate is mild and balmy. In the early part of the year from December to April, the country is at its hottest and driest, so if you want to enjoy the best of the Costa Rican weather, book your getaway for then. To escape the heat, you can venture up into the mountains where it’s cooler, and a trip to the Arenal Volcano or Costa Rica’s other must-visit volcanoes makes a great day out.

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The wildlife

Costa Rica’s rainforests offer some amazing opportunities to witness some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife. While out at sea you can enjoy a spot of whale watching, but it’s in the rainforests themselves where things get interesting. When booking Costa Rica holidays, make sure that you ask about the wildlife tours taking place so that you can visit the sloths, toucans, tapirs, and more in their incredible natural habitat.

The people

If it’s a warm welcome you’re looking for, you’ll get it in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans call themselves ‘Ticos’, and are well-known for being generous and welcoming. Spanish is the official language of the country, and you’ll come across many people who speak English as a second language – so get practising your Español and enjoy meeting some of the incredible locals during your visit.

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The coffee

Couldn’t survive the day without your morning coffee fix? You’ll be in good company in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for producing some of the world’s best coffee, and you can be sure of some amazing taste experiences during your stay. From coffee tours to tastings, you’ll be able to indulge your coffee habit right from where the coffee is grown for the perfect brew you’ll be sure to want to take back with you.

Costa Rica is a destination with so many possibilities for adventures. If you’re thinking about booking your next incredible adventure, why not consider a break to Costa Rica? Ideal for a multi-destination holiday with Caribbean countries or US destinations, you can plan the trip of a lifetime. Need more travel inspiration? Take a look at some other adventure and travel pieces to help you plan your next escape.

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That’s not really a surprise, but here’s one place that was in our top 8, Breckenridge.

Summer dog-sledding

Okay, why did nobody tell me this was a thing?! If you’re ever having a bad day, just Google ‘Summer dog sledding Breckenridge‘, and I promise you you’ll feel better. The dogs at Snow Cap Sled Dogs require year round training, so it doesn’t need to be snowy to go on a sled ride!

Cost ranges from $20 to $75 per person depending on the tour, whether you just want to meet the little pups or whether you’d like to go on a full expedition. Booking is required to avoid disappointment, because I know i’d be REALLY disappointed if I was in the area and didn’t get a chance to do this.

Gondolas & ski lifts

I’m probably a little bias here, because as most of you already know, my best friend asked me to marry him at the top of a mountain over-looking the Alps after getting a cable car. The views from being tens of thousands of feet in the sky is absolutely incredible, and you don’t go home with sore legs. Most importantly, it’s perfect when you don’t have much time spare but you want to enjoy the beautiful views from the top of a mountain.

The Breckenridge gondola is 7,592 feet long and takes a quick 10 minutes from town to the base of Peak 8. The best thing about the Breckenridge gondola is that it’s completely free! There’s absolutely no reason not to go up and you can do up more than once. Don’t forget your wallet though because there are restaurants and a pub at the top.

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Hiking trails

Whenever I’m looking to book a holiday, whether it’s a short trip or a long vacation, somewhere we can go on beautiful hikes is usually at the top of the list. Unsurprisingly Colorado offers outstanding hiking trails with stunning views. No matter what your ability there are plenty of routes to choose from.

After browsing TripAdvisor and Instagram the 6.8 mile path around Mohawk Lakes is on my bucket list. The trail is rated as difficult and primarily used for camping, fishing, fly fishing and hiking. Other popular trails include Quandary Peak, the McCullough Gulch Trail and Tenderfoot Mountain trail.

Kayaking

I’m crazy lucky that I live by the sea in one of the most stunning parts of the country, Cornwall. Whenever I get the opportunity I go for a paddle in my kayak around the coast and admire the gorgeous scenery. I’ve always wanted to try kayaking somewhere different though, and Colorado has made my list.

Surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks, Lake Dillon looks like an incredible way to spend the day on the crystal clear water. As if there weren’t enough options located right in the heart of Summit County, the world famous Arkansas River is a short drive away.

For those looking for a true adventure, you can also take whitewater kayak down one of Summit County’s moving waterways. The 1,800-foot Breckenridge Kayak Park is the longest in the state and includes 15 water features that challenge all levels of boaters. I’ve never tried it before, but I’m willing to give anything a go once!

How to get to Breckenridge from the UK

Denver International Airport is just 1 and a ½ hours from Breckenridge. Once in Denver, you can either opt for an airport transfer to Breckenridge or head on your own mountain road trip. We recommend hiring a car so you can take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife, en route!

Remember, you will need to apply for travel authorisation under ESTA before you travel. UK citizens must also have an electronic passport to be eligible for visa-free travel to the US. You won’t need any vaccinations though![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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#1. It’s Easier To Get In Than You Think

Those who have not been to the USA might think that getting in needs a lot of paperwork and careful greasing of a few official hands. In truth, travellers from almost 40 countries are eligible for the US ESTA visa which authorises entrance on the territory for visits up to 90 days. All you need to do is to register online in advance, fill up a simple form and confirm your travel dates. For the sum of $14, the ESTA authorisation will be sent soon after to your email address.

#2. The Iconic Hollywood Sign Was An Advertisement

Did you know that the Hollywood sign, which is located on the Pacific side of the USA, in Los Angeles, was first placed there as a temporary real estate sign in 1923? It was designed to attract home buyers and first used to say Hollywoodland. The “land” part of the name was finally dropped in 1949.

#3. You Don’t Need A Driver’s Licence

As surprising as it might sound you don’t need a state driver’s licence to compete in the NASCAR – National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing – race. Indeed, several drivers competed while they were not allowed to drive legally, having had their driver’s licence suspended. Kyle Busch, for example, has his licence suspended for speeding, but he could still take part in the race. In 2004, Scott Wimmer failed a breathalyser test but was still allowed to compete.  

#4. A Desk Full Of Candy

There is a desk full of candy on the Senate floor. This is an ongoing tradition that has been started in 1968  by California Senator George Murphy, who kept a desk full of candy despite the no eating rule on the floor. Since then, the tradition has been continued without interruptions.

#5. Uncle Sam Existed

Uncle Sam was a real person whose name was Samuel Wilson. Samuel Wilson was a meatpacker in Troy, NY, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. In the War of 1812, he became the official meat inspector for the Northern troops.

His natural friendliness and generosity were well-known in Troy, where he had a meatpacking shop so that people used to refer to him as Uncle Sam. The tradition continued, when the troops in 1812 began to joke that the US label on the meat barrels stood for Uncle Sam.

Finally, the joke grew, and US was officially adopted by the military forces as a synonym for Uncle Sam.

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Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is not only the largest city in Brazil, but also one of the most populated in the world. Located in the south-east region of the country, this sprawling metropolis is well known for its gastronomy, skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. It’s also a melting pot of different cultures, and has the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan. While some images make San Paulo look like another concrete jungle, the city has a lot of public parks for a settlement of its size, which you can escape to if the noise and the traffic ever gets too much for you. Portions of the Atlantic Rainforest are even technically within the city limits! Countless Brazil flights land in San Paulo every day, so what are you waiting for?

Paraty

If you want all the culture and vibrancy of a major city, but also a taste of the rich history of Brazil, then Paraty may be a better destination for you. This settlement is a paradise of emerald-green sea, coastal mountains, tropical rainforests and historical intrigue. Basically, everything you could want to get a genuine flavour of Brazil! Like many other places in Brazil, this city is a former Portuguese colony, and was established centuries ago on the shores of the bay of Ilha Grande. The centre of the city may as well be one big museum exhibition of its fascinating history; full of cobbled streets, brightly coloured colonial houses and ancient churches. Many of these rustic buildings now serve as B and B accommodations, known locally as “pousadas”. There are all kinds of historical attractions in Paraty, but one that you certainly don’t want to miss is the colonial defensive forts, which still have their original cannons and walls.

Rio de Janeiro

If you like your trips to be fast-paced, exciting and unforgettable, then Rio de Janeiro could be the perfect destination for you. Nestled in the south-east of Brazil, Rio is among one of the most visited cities in the whole of Latin America, and after only a couple of days there you’ll be able to tell exactly why. With its gorgeous beaches, world-famous landmarks, and of course the annual carnival, you’ll have a hard time running out of things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. If you ever want to take things slow, you can visit the many natural attractions, such as Sugarloaf and Corcovado. Of course, a trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which stands at the top of Corcovado looking down on the city.

The post Why Everybody Is Heading To Brazil In 2017 (and We Might Too!) appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Canada is also known as the Great White North, in relation to its swathes of unending arctic terrain and the propensity for snow. But this isn’t very good to most people, apart from perhaps ice fishers and polar bear trackers, so what else is there for a nature lover?

Well, one thing probably stands out head and shoulders above the rest (not mentioning it just yet as we’re dedicating a paragraph to it in a moment, hold your horses), but there are in fact a wide range of different natural attractions in the second largest country in the world.

The Canadian Rockies

This awesome mountain range stretches for so long that it’s home to not one, not two, but five national parks! You can really see where the continental plates crashed together here; it’s a testament to the power of nature.

As for things to do, the obvious would be hiking, but there’s also skiing, snowboarding and even fishing, so there’s no chance of you getting bored.

Niagara Falls

Yep, this is the big one, probably the most popular natural attraction in all of Canada, and one of the most widely-known natural wonders of the world. You’ll find the three glorious waterfalls in Ontario, flowing across the border to New York State.

The only way to truly experience their breath-taking majesty is by seeing them from the deck of the Maid of the Mist, the local ferry boat which takes you out to the bottom of the falls. Prepare to get wet!

Baffin Island

The fifth largest island in the world, Baffin Island is known as Oikiqtaaluk to the local Inuit peoples, and you’ll find it dropped neatly between Canada and Greenland. It was called Helluland by the Norse, and featured heavily in their mythical sagas.

One of the larger cliffs is called Mount Thor, while the highest peak is called Mount Odin, playing up the Norse connection; it is these that Baffin is famous for – they make great jumping-off points for BASE jumpers.

The wildlife is amazing, too – you can find polar bears, Arctic foxes, lemming, Arctic hares, ringed seals, snowy owls and even the Baffin Island wolf!

The Northern Lights

Also known as the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are one of the most incredible, awe-inspiring sights you will ever see. The true beauty of nature shines through in this brilliantly beautiful phenomenon of a light show.

Gases in the atmosphere collide to create this intense display of lights, which change colour from red, to green, to blue, to white, depending on how far north you travel.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Head east from Calgary and you’ll find this amazing National Park. The park itself is picturesque, covering all sorts of natural formations like spires, ridges and pinnacles, making it the Canadian equivalent of Yellowstone. Cameras don’t do it justice.

As you might have guessed from its name, Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to many thousands of dinosaur fossils, making it a haven for palaeontologists everywhere. Sure, you can camp out under the stars, but that pales in comparison to taking part in an actual dino dig!

The post 5 Reasons Why We’re Itching To Explore Canada appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

It was the first time that S had been on a cruise ship, but I’d been on a few in the past. Granted, it had been some time, but I was lucky enough to do a lot of cruising and traveling with my family when I was younger. We headed to the Caribbean mostly, so I’ve pulled together the top destinations, which I hope to again return to soon!

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There really is no better summer destination than the Caribbean. Gorgeous sandy beaches, turquoise waters, rugged mountain terrain, lush forests and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze ensure that this area of the world is a relaxation oasis. However, the Caribbean also boasts plenty of fun and adventure with water sports, hiking trails, swimming with dolphins and safari being just a few options.

The best way to soak up the paradise that is the Caribbean is with a cruise, as this way you can explore the different islands and discover their distinctive personalities. These are the must visit Caribbean islands on a cruise holiday.

St. Lucia

When you imagine what a Caribbean paradise looks like, it is likely that St. Lucia is what you are imagining. Beautiful mountains, pristine white beaches and calm turquoise waters perfect for paddling in; St. Lucia is a beautiful and serene island. It also boasts the world’s only “drive-through” volcano and a number of fun and distinctive towns to explore in the heart of the island. 

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Jamaica

Often the first island that springs to mind; Jamaica is the heart and soul of the Caribbean and a must visit. A famous reggae scene, delicious cuisine, beautiful wildlife and flora, lush forests, clear waters and a laid back atmosphere make this a favourite with plenty to see and do. 

Barbados

An incredibly laid back and friendly place which is also a relaxation haven; Barbados is a stunning island which lives at a leisurely pace. However, there is also a lively city in Bridgetown which features many fun cultural activities. Barbados also features a diverse landscape and some of the most scenic beaches in the entire world.

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Cayman Islands

There is plenty of fun to be had on the Cayman Islands, which is made up of three main islands each with their own distinctive personality. The smallest island, Little Cayman, has a relaxed atmosphere and one of the best dive walls in Bloody Bay Wall, whilst Cayman Brac boasts breathtaking natural beauty which makes it ideal for rewarding hikes. Grand Cayman is the main attraction with a cosmopolitan feel, a stunning beach and an excellent food and drinking scene.

These are the four must visit islands when you embark on a cruise to this magical area of the world. To find the best deals on cruises and get the ball rolling on your trip, it’s worth checking out independent cruise agents Iglu Cruise. Who can put you in front and plan the perfect Caribbean cruise.

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