Stunning San Marcos

There is a beautiful and fun town nestled in the Hill Country of Central Texas. San Marcos is located 30 minutes south of Austin, Texas right off of I-35. This town has a population estimated at 50,000 people, but is continually growing.
The thing that attracts the most visitors to San Marcos and the surrounding is the abundance of beautiful rivers. The three major rivers that are visited are the Guadalupe, the San Marcos, and the Comal. The Comal River is the shortest navigable river in the state of Texas, coming in at a distance of 2 and a half miles. The rivers are flocked to during the warm summer months. Most river visitors come to camp on the shady banks and float on tubes. There are many tube rental dealers that rent tubes that are attached to coolers so you can enjoy“refreshment” while enjoying the cool and calm water. The trout fishing in the Guadalupe is said to be the best in the entire state of Texas. Schlitterbhan is another popular destination for visitors. The 65 acre water park is fed by the Comal River which allows for the water to be fresh and not chlorinated.

If water and the outdoors is not your thing the music scene in San Marcos is one of the best in the world. There is on astounding amphitheatre located on the banks of the Guadalupe. There is a large lawn where visitors can bring their own chairs and blankets to sit and enjoy music in a beautiful surrounding. There are also tons of small bars such as River Road Ice House and Cheatham Street Warehouse that host some of the most distinguished Texas Country bands today. Bands that have graced San Marcos’ stages are Stoney Larue, Rich O’ Toole, Jason Boland, Hayes Carll, Casey Donahew, Ryan Turner, Josh Grider, Randy Rogers, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, No Justice, Reckless Kelly, and many others.

If you really enjoy dancing I would recommend driving to Gruene, which is a suburb of San Marcos. Gruene Hall is the oldest dance hall in Texas, it was built in 1878. People have danced over its floors for over 100 years so it is defiantly a place to visit. While in Gruene you can stay in one of the Nicest Bed and Breakfasts in the state. The Gruene Mansion Inn is located right on the Guadalupe and has 30 rooms you can choose to stay in.

So if you enjoy nice weather, nice people, gorgeous rivers, and great music San Marcos is a paradise that is waiting to be discovered

Costa Rica

When you mention Costa Rica people automatically envision paradise. This tiny country in Central America draws nearly 1.5 million visitors each year. This has to do with the array activities that Costa Rica offers.

The ecosystem draws many visitors Costa Rica’s lush and beautiful forests contain animals from Howler Monkeys to Toucans. One of the best places to view wildlife from is La Fortuna. The famous La Fortuna Hanging bridges enhance your wildlife viewing experiences be providing you with views that could not be seen from the forest floor. While in La Fortuna you could go see the Arenal Volcano, which is famous for its generous flows and large eruptions. You could also visit Cloud Forest, which is a nature reserve that is more than 25,000 acres. But if you visit here you have to get there early. The park will not allow more than 160 people in the park at a single time; due to the fragility of the environment in this region. If you visit Cloud Forest is sure to bring a pair of shoes you can get muddy. The trails are always muddy due to its geographical location.

Costa Rica just does not have rainforests to offer its visitors. In fact, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. The most beautiful beach is Playa Conchal hands down. Its pristine white sands are soft as sand and the neon blue water is perfect for snorkeling and catching a glimpse of aquatic wildlife. Most night time bonfire/parties are accepted on public beaches. This is a great opportunity to drink, dance, and socialize. But if that is not your scene there are several desolate beaches where you see more hermit crabs than people. Costa Rica offers both popular crowded beaches and secluded romantic beaches.
So whether your idea of vacation is a night in the jungle in a thatched roof hut or catching some rays and surf at the beach Costa Rica would be a great destination to visit.

Thailand

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia. Thailand is bordered by Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and the Pacific Ocean. Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world, occupying an area slightly smaller than Spain. Approximately 65 million people live in Thailand, but its population cannot be pin pointed because some people do not have children in medical facilities. The countries official language is Thai and the majority of the population is Buddhist.

Many Americans enjoy eating Thai food, but to really experience Thai food you must visit the country it originated in. Thai food is balanced in the five fundamental flavors spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Thai food is renowned for its use of fresh herbs such as lemon grass, cilantro, and mint. Thai food varies from region to region due to the indigenous species that are available. But, one thing used in every region is fish sauce. Fish sauce is just fish that has been fermented; this provides the saltiness in Thai food. Rice and pasta are the forms of grain in the Thai diet, either rice of noodles are consumed at every meal. Protein is usually fish, shrimp, or chicken and is usually mixed in with the rice/noodles and stir fried with fresh vegetables and herbs. Common street vender food can be either stir fry or it could be an exotic cooked insect.

Ecotourism is quickly becoming the most attractive commodity to tourists of Thailand. Ecotourism is defined as: Tourism to places having unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being the primary concern. Trekking and biking through Thailand’s mountains is the most popular form of ecotourism. Trails in national forests have been marked to allow for safety and easier enjoyment of Thailand’s mountains and waterfalls. Backpacking is also another common way to see Thailand’s natural wonders. There are many campsites that are safe and secure to camp on as you go down the beaten path. If you are feeling extra adventurous you can hire I private guide to take you deep into the jungle. There is a large risk in doing this due to the dense jungle not being accessible by major roads or air. So if something went wrong it would be difficult to contact someone and reach civilization again. Many visitors also flock to the many beautiful beaches within Thailand’s boundaries. Other popular forms of ecotourism are scuba diving, water rafting, rock climbing, and bird watching.

So, if you enjoy great food and the beautiful outdoors Thailand is the place for you.

Egypt

There is a country in North Africa that has more history than almost anyone, with the exception of Italy and Greece. Egypt is one of the first places thought to have a nomadic pack settle. Around 8000 BC there are cave drawings supporting the fact that people had been there. The peak of the Egyptian Empire was from 1570 BC-1070 BC. In the year 31 BC Egypt was conquered be the Romans, marking the end of the rule of the pharos. Despite being conquered Egypt maintained an educated and wealthy society. Egypt still has one of the best economies in the Middle East today. The capitol city of Cairo has nearly 15 million people residing within its boundaries. This could be a difficult place to travel because of the language barrier; the official language of Egypt is Arabic.

Egypt is a travel for many history buffs. The most often visited site is the Giza Pyramids, which are located on the outskirts of Cairo. The most astonishing fact about these pyramids is that they were constructed by man power near the year of 2560 BC. The tallest of these pyramids was nearly 50 stories at its peak; but over time it has eroded and is a little shorter. For 3800 years these pyramids were the tallest man built structures on the face of the earth. The pyramids were the burial tombs for Egyptian royalty. But after the complex was completed the graves of ancient rulers were robbed and emptied. These Pyramids are the only item left of the Ten Wonders of the Ancient World.

In 1925 the world’s greatest statue, The Great Sphinx, was uncovered in the Egyptian desert; right next to the Giza pyramids. This statue is 240 feet long and 66 feet tall and looks as if it rose straight out of the sand. There is a great debate among Egyptologist on the exact time of the Sphinx’s construction. The general consensus is that the statue’s face is supposed to represent Pharaoh Khafra. For a long time just the Sphinx’s head was above ground due to small excavations happening over a period of time. Supposedly the reason the Sphinx is missing a nose is because Napoleon Bonaparte shot it off with a cannon. The Sphinx underwent restoration in order to make it look better.

The most famous of the mummy’s tombs that were discovered was King Tutankhamen’s, which was uncovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings. The Valley of the Kings was the burial ground of the most powerful and popular kings of Egypt’s golden age. King Tut was made pharaoh at age nine and ruled for ten years until his death at age 19. King Tut’s tomb was the most intact and untouched tomb to ever be uncovered. CT scans have been performed and Tut is thought to have died from gangrene shortly after breaking his leg. King Tut can be seen in an underground tomb in Luxor, Egypt.

As you can tell, history is the main element that would draw visitors to Egypt. Because it is definantly not the weather or the landscape. So, if you ever get the chance to visit Egypt I highly encourage you too if you like history.

Fabulous Fiji

There is a small island that is becoming a very popular tourist destination. Fiji is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of 322 islands but only 106 are settled. The two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and accommodate for about 87 percent of the countries total population. About 850,000 people live among the islands of Fiji.

Fiji offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities that the world can offer. Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capitol of the World.” Since many people want to witness the beautiful underwater world Fiji has, there are many diving companies. Due to the large amount of shops you can dive all day for a small amount of money. Classes are offered to teach you how to breathe properly before you go out into the ocean. A famous PGA golfer named Vijay Singh is from Fiji. Therefore it is quite obvious that golf is a major activity in Fiji. The most famous and luxurious of all the courses in Fiji is Denarau Golf Club. This course is on the island of Viti Levu, the geography of the course is quite flat with a few water hazards and tons of coconut trees. Travelers often backpack through the dense jungle and sleep at backpacker’s campsites. This is the best way to explore the islands jungle. There are many rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools of clean water that can be swam in, bathed in, and drank out of.

There are a variety of places to stay while you are in Fiji. There are the mega resorts that accommodate a vast amount of people. Mega resorts offer diving lessons, restaurants, bars, beaches, pools, and wedding services. Mega resorts are relevantly cheap for the amount of activities they offer, making them a good place for families and large groups to stay. There are also small Bed & Breakfasts that house anywhere from 2-20 people. Guests are issued private rooms within a residential house. You are server home cooked meals. These are a little more expensive, but allow for a more relaxed and intimate setting.

Fiji is a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. This is a place where complete relaxation can be reached and all of your worries melt away.

Fantastic Fort Worth

One of the most unique places in the state of Texas is the city of Fort Worth. I have been huge cities and tiny towns all over this great state and have not found any other place that is like Fort Worth.

Fort Worth has a city limit population of 700 thousand and a metropolitan population over 6 million. Yet, when you are there it feels like the city is nowhere near that big. There are many residential districts that draw in the aristocracy but, everyone there still seems to be nice. Many students go to the esteemed Texas Christian University located in Fort Worth. In downtown Sundance Square offers the feeling of being in a big east coast city. In Sundance Square there are many modern restaurants and high rise buildings. Another attraction to this city is the nice botanical gardens and professional zoo.

But the most interesting part of Fort Worth is referred to as the “Stockyards.” The streets are red brick and many of the shops are located right off the main street. You feel as if you live in the old west and are fixing to head out on a cattle drive. Twice a day real cowboys drive long horned cattle down Main Street, many tourists watch this daily occurrence. There are many shops that specialize in selling western boots, saddles, western jewelry, and Texas Country music. The restaurants are always packed. People come from all over the world to try steaks from Cattleman’s and H-3. The Love Shack is a restaurant that serves burgers, fries and milk shakes. The Love Shack is located outside and offers only outdoor seating. This is my favorite place to eat in the stockyards. You can have a great burger, a thick cold milkshake, and watch everyone having a good time off the balcony as you eat. Another well recognized and good restaurant is Risckey’s BBQ which has been in Fort Worth since 1927. There is never a time that live country music cannot be heard in the stockyards. Small bars hold concerts for upcoming artists such as the Jeremy Martin Band or Scott Copeland. Then there is “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk” called Billy Bob’s Texas. Billy Bobs is a huge venue that can hold 5,000 people. Mostly famous country acts perform on Billy Bob’s stage, but I have seen Hootie and Blowfish and ZZ top there as well. There is also bull riding on every weekend night at Billy Bob's.
If you are ever near Fort Worth, Texas I highly recommend spending the night and experiencing the stockyards for yourself. There is no other place like it and I guarantee you will enjoy your time there. Once you go it’s in your blood and you will have to go again!

Tel Aviv

This is the city referred to as the jewel of the Middle East. With a population of over three million this city is the second largest in the region. The city that people come from all over the world to visit is Tel Aviv, Israel.

This glorious city was founded in 1909 on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa. Artifacts discovered in Jaffa date back to back to 2000 B.C. subsequently, there are many historical sites that can be visited. In April of 1949 Tel Aviv and Jaffa were combined to create the formal municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo. A very popular beach in Old Jaffa is Givat Aliya Beach, it is a very beautiful beach. The water there is very rough and rocks line the beach but its beauty is so majestic it draws visitors despite being difficult to swim near. This beach is often used as a setting for weddings and romantic dates. Of course the port itself is what attracts many visitors to Jaffa. You can stand were so many people have stood waiting for the joys that sailors brought with them. This port is the oldest still functioning port in the entire world. Many people go to the pier to purchase the day’s fresh catch from local fisherman. There are also small restaurants and art galleries located off the narrow cobblestone streets.

Tel Aviv is a city filled with sky scrapers and very modern architecture. It is very busy, modern, and metropolitan. Many of the neighbor hoods are toured; just because for many outsiders it is shocking to see how nice the Mediterranean cottages that line the streets are. Then there are the high rise hotels and resorts that attract the many of the tourists. Most hotels are line along the multiple beautiful beaches that Tel Aviv has. The most luxurious beaches in Tel Aviv are Hatzok and Tel Baruch, both require attendance fees. Tel Aviv is said to have some of the most beautiful women in the world with many modeling for large companies. There are also markets, parks, theaters, and shops for those who are not interested in being on the beach. To get a great bird’s eye view of the city, you will want to visit the Azrieli Observatory. It is located on the top floor of Tel Aviv’s tallest building, which is 49 floors. There are guides which point out main attractions in the city below.

Tel Aviv is a city that can appeal to the metropolitan person and the one who appreciates the outdoors.

Jamaica

There is a small island in the Caribbean that is one of the most popular countries and vacation destinations in the world. Though it is roughly the size of Connecticut, Jamaica still has a diverse landscape and offers many attractions to tourists.

The culture of Jamaica is very diverse due to the great amount of immigrants that moved there in order to try and find a better life. The most popular races represented are Africa Nations, Americans, English, Irish, Spanish, German, Indian, and Chinese. The African race if represented by the faces of people nine out of ten Jamaicans are black. African culture has also made a mark in the art, religion, and customs. The Spanish, English, German, and Irish influences can be seen in language, architecture, names, and governmental systems. Chinese and Indian influences are mostly represented through the food of Jamaica. So, if you travelled to Jamaica you could easily feel at home and not alienated from the inhabitants of the country. Commerce in local markets selling items such as shirts, food, crafts, and memorabilia and be made easy by Jamaica sharing the same language as America.

The most popular of destinations would have to be the gorgeous beaches that Jamaica has. There are even a variety of beaches on this tiny island. There is white sand to dark sand beaches, rocky beaches, coves, and some beaches even have waterfalls flowing onto them. The most popular beach is referred to as Dunn’s Beach or Dunn’s River Falls. This beach is located on the northern part of the island near Ocho Rios. There are tons and tons of natural mineral springs that are said to have healing powers. There are also many caves that can be toured and explored. Visiting waterfalls is also another natural wonder that can be appreciated in Jamaica. Most waterfalls are monitored by staff for safety reasons. You can swim in the pools created by the waterfalls, cliff jump, and cane dive at many of the waterfalls located on the island.
To experience a little more of the culture you can take a tour of places where pirates hung out and where slaves hid when they ran away. Jamaica also has a prominent night life. There are a great amount of night clubs where Jamaican dance and music can be experienced.

There are some fancy restaurants on the island where they serve the generic upscale dinner. To experience the best food you must go out into a local market and sample the street vendor’s food. There is an assortment of food served by street vendors; commonly served dishes are Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, and peppered shrimp. Jerk is the most popular of these dishes. It is a spicy dish prepared a variety of ways depending on the region you are in, much like the way BBQ is treated in the U.S.A. Though it can be prepared different the key ingredients in all jerk prepared meats include, thyme, onions, pimentos and Scotch Bonnet pepper. Jerk is often served with a side of yams, sweet potatoes, or bread. Due to the spiciness of the food, Jerk is served with a Red Stripe Beer of coconut milk.
So if you are looking to really be integrated into the culture and customs of the destination you are visiting Jamaica presents a great opportunity to do that.

Incerdible Ireland

Although it is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland would be a great place to visit. The country has a total population in the neighborhood of six million people. Most of the people there are Roman Catholic, Methodist, or Anglican. The industrial and more populated area of Ireland is along the eastern coast, with large cities being Belfast, Cork, and Dublin.
There are many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed on Ireland’s beautiful landscape. If you enjoy equestrian sports anyone who visits Belfast; Down Royal Racecourse draws in equine admirers’ year after. This course has been holding races since the late 1600’s. There are hundreds of beautiful golf courses that dot Ireland’s rolling green hills. You can enjoy a round of golf at The Curragh Golf Club, which has been open since the late 1800’s. There are also many opportunities to cycle, fish, trail walk, rock climb, horse riding, sailing, off-road driving, and recreation shooting. Ireland has a plethora of outdoor activities to be appreciated.

Though Ireland is appealing to the outdoors man, if you have a little more modern taste Ireland can satisfy those desires as well. The city of Dublin has many chic designer shops and boutiques for the people who enjoy shopping for modern clothes. Dublin also has the Abbey Theatre which features Ireland’s most famous playwright’s works. Seeing that pubs are a very popular social destination for locals and tourists, many pubs are tourist destination. Pubs represent much of what Ireland’s culture is like. The most frequently visited pubs in Ireland are DeBarra’s located in Cork and The Stag’s Head located in Dublin. Ireland’s culture is family oriented and laid back. Another famous tourist destination that can be visited is the Guinness Brewery. Guinness is Ireland’s most popular beer; it has been brewing since 1759.

St. Patrick’s Day is the most widely celebrated holiday in the country. This holiday of Shamrocks, Leprechauns, and green beer serve as another reason to visit Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th to mark the day of holy obligation for Irish Roman Catholics. Dublin holds the largest St. Patrick’s Day which draws over half a million people during the five day festival.

Beautiful Brazil

One of the places my heart desires to go the most is a place south of the equator. This is a place of uncharted jungle to some of the most densely populated regions on planet earth. It is a land that is mysterious yet technologically advanced. The beautiful and amazing place that everyone needs to know about is the country of Brazil.
The majority of the country’s population is concentrated along the coast. These cities are huge urban areas the most popular cities are Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Rio de Janeiro is a very popular travel destination not to mention that it has a population over 7 million people. It is a very fun city with prominent arts and nightlife fueling the fun and lighthearted atmosphere of the city. The geography city of this huge urban area is like nothing here in the United States. Rio is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean allowing it to have white sand beaches but, if you turn around you will be astounded to see the cliffs, thousands, of feet tall, that tower over the city. It is said that you can go 15 minuets out of the city and feel as if you are lost in an uninhabited jungle. All of these features are a main reason why the 2016 Olympics are going to be held in this city.

If you would like to get out of the shadows of the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo you can head to the smaller port of Recife. Recife is a fishing village with architecture that is less modern. Many people that live here make a life out of being fishermen or working jobs, working in the port, or being seamen. For the people who want get really adventurous there is tons of jungle to be explored. Not to mention that the world’s most important freshwater river, The Amazon, cuts its way through Brazil’s landscape. Coming in at over 4000 miles long and up to 11 miles wide at some points the Amazon makes for a popular destination for people who appreciate the power of Mother Nature.