Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Dead Sea?

A Trip To The Dead Sea

One last interesting location in the world is the Dead Sea, located in Israel.  The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth, at 1,300 feet below sea level.  This concept really amazes me; there is no life within the Dead Sea and the water itself produces chemicals.  Not to mention, people can simply float all day, while our skin gets treated (the chemicals are very healthy for our skin).  One last amazing fact is that the water within the dead sea is always extremely warm; in the winter, the maximum tmeperatures reach 86 degrees, while in the summer, the maximum water reaches 104 degrees.  This is definetely one place I cannot miss out on in life!  More information and facts about the Dead Sea can be found at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vie/Deadsea.html.

Interesting Resort


Poseidon Undersea Resort










Although I have concluded the top 18 vacation spots in the world with Santorini, Greece, I found a very interesting resort in Fiji that I thought I would share.  Located in Katafinga Island, Fiji, the Poseidon Resort is located underneath the ocean.  This website, http://www.poseidonresorts.com/poseidon_flash.html , gives away information about the resort.  It supposedly opened in 2008, however, I have not been able to find many articles about it, which makes me wonder how successful the resort is actually doing.  For $15,000 a week per person, one can recieve two nights in a room underwater, 5 nights in an island villa on the ocean, and an all-exclusive pass. Is the resort worth this? Who knows.  If I had $15,000 to spare, however, I would definietly travel here!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

#1 Vacation Spot

Santorini, Greece
http://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/santorini/guide.htm

As the number one spot to travel to in the entire world, I chose Santorini, Greece.  I fell in love with this location when I first watched the Sisterhood Of Traveling Pants 2, which was filmed in Santorini.  This area is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, and features beautiful, old, white villages that are picturesque.  The white cuildings allow the area to seem so much brigher and cheerful.  Three islands make up Satorini, each of which are beautiful and unique in their own way.  The two beach towns, Perissa and Kamari, are known for their balck-sanded beaches and attract many touritsts.  These two areas include bars, great restaraunts, shops, and cafes.  Akrotiri is a must see, where the village dates back to the ancient Minoan days and contain ancient ruins.  The culture of Santorini is very different from other areas, and the residents of the area are friendly and welcoming.  This area is simply beautiful, and the villages offer so many new experiences and attractions, which make Santorini the top vacation spot in the world. 

#2 Vacation Spot

Bali, Indonesia
http://www.pawongan.com/
http://www.2indonesia.com/attraction.html



When I first heard about the island of Bali in Indonesia, I thought who would ever go here?  However, what I failed to realize was just how beautiful, secure, and interesting a vacation in Bali would be.  This spot, located in the Indian Ocean, falls in at the #2 vacation spot of the world.  Bali is known to be one of the most popular spots for tourists to take a holiday, and it is unique for its warm ocean, beautiful sandy beaches, rich geen forests, and ancient temples.  The history of the area dates way back, and the residents of the island still practice many old blessings and rituals.  Bali is known for its culture and peace; people of the area are quiet, serene, and wise.  Some main attractions of the area include the beach of Kuta, the resort of Nusa Dua, the Tanah Lot temple, the textile industry of Gianyar, the Gunyung Batar volcano, and many other sights!  Bali offers a variety of experiences to travelers, which is why I chose it to be #2.


Monday, May 21, 2012

#3 Vacation Spot

Boracay, Philippines

http://www.dreamboracay.com/


When I first saw a picture of Boracay in an adversitment I recieved in the mail, I knew that I was going to travel here later in life.  I chose Boracay as the #3 vacation spot in the world because it is one of the last "undiscovered" beaches in Asia for a vacation getaway.  The fine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water makes the beaches of the island beautiful, and help make this spot paradise.  One unique aspect of Boracay is that the ocean water is shallow, so you take a stroll in the water.  Other poplar activites in Boracay include water sports, hiking, (party) hopping, trekking, caving, mountain climbing, biking, scuba diving, and horseback riding.  With so many fun things to do, who wouldn't want to visit here?!

#4 Vacation Spot

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/summer-holiday-on-great-barrier-island/



One of the most beautiful places to visit in all of the world is the Great Barrier Island in New Zealand.  This island, which is known for its vast amunt of colorful coral reefs, is located in the Hauraki Gulf.  I picked this vacation spot as #4 because of its this spot is not built up on, and has few shops, roads, and electricity, which allows one to really enjoy the beautiful yet peaceful scenery.  Hiking, snorckleing, or visiting waterfalls, going in hot pools, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches are the main activities to do on the island.  Also, one cannot miss out on going on the "Windy Canyon" lookout, which offers a view of the entire island.  I hope to visit this place soon!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

#5 Vacation Spot

Key West, Florida
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/key-west-beach-vacation-19141.html



Key West lies at the southernmost tip of the continental US.For those who crave that upbeat, caribbean vibe, Key West is the perfect place to go without traveling outside of the United States.  Falling in at #5, the lowest, Southermost point within the US is only 30 miles from Cuba, is a popular vacation destination.  Key West gives tourists the best of both worlds; it can provide you with a relaxing, lazy vacation, or it can provide you with a fun-filled, exciting vacation.  The main street in Key West contains hundreds of stores, restaraunts, and night-life clubs.  The many beaches along the coastline contain white, sandy beaches, some of the most famous being  Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Smanthers Beach, and Higgs Beach.  From personal experience, you simply cannot go wrong with this popular destination, which is why I chose it to be #5!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

#6 vacation Spot

London, England
http://www.londontravelvacation.com/



I'll admit it; I have wanted to go to London on vacation ever since I first saw Mary Kate and Ashley's "Winning London" movie.  The city always looks so upbeat, historic, and interesting-- why wouldn't anyone want to visit?  London consists of history, tradition, music, art, theatre, food, sports, and many other various activities.  The metropolitan city has many spots to visit, such as Big Ben, Hyde Park, The London Eye, Tower of London, the British Museum, and so much more!  This is one city I hope to travel to soon, which is why is falls in at the #6 vacation spot in the world!

#7 Vacation Spot

The Islands of Fiji
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/fiji-vacation-travel-36085.html



I chose the islands of Fiji as the #7 vacation spot in all the world because it is truely paradise.  The 333 islands that make up Fiji are located in the South Pacifc. While some of the islands have been built on with resorts and other buildings, the nature in the mountains have stayed preserved and offer an eco-friendly setting. Fiji is popular amongst families, and each island offers an array of different activities such as relaxing on the beautiful beaches, snorkeling, visiting hot springs, zip-line, scuba diving, seeing waterfalls, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, and many other various activites.  Fiji may be the only islands that are preserved and not build upon, which is why it is #7. 

#8 Vacation Spot

Galapagos Island
http://www.webwombat.com.au/travel/articles/galapagos.htm

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Isldans, off the coast of Ecuador, fall in at the #8 vacation spot.  For those of you who love animals and nature, this historic, popular island is the perfect place to be.  Colonies of rare birds, sea lions, and giant tortoises are common to Galapagos, and unique to the rest of the world, which is what makes this spot so special.  One of the best ways to experience the wildlife of the island is to experience Ecoventura, a dive vessel that allows you to get up close and personal with the animals.  The Galapagos provides people with amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is why I chose it to be #8.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

#9 Vacation Spot

The Seychelles

http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/travel/how-to-plan-the-perfect-seychelles-vacation-for-your-family.html

http://skvots.net/beautiful-beaches-seychelles.html



At the #9 pick, I chose the islands of the Seychelles. (Warning: If you do not like beaches, do not come here!) The 115 islands of the Seychelles are known specifically for one thing, their beautiful beaches. Each island contains very unique beaches, and are very different from each other. The western cultures within each island give off a friendly vibe and environment. The Islands are located within the Indian Ocean, and the two main islands are Praslin and Mahé. One of the most unique, beautiful, and popular islands is Anse Lazio, due to the extreme white sands, clear waters, and giant boulders. The islands are conveniently located, and easily accessible, so after seeing on island, one can go off and visit another in the area! You simply cannot go wrong with this vacation spot!


 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

#10 Vacation Spot

Capri, Italy

http://goitaly.about.com/od/capri/p/capri.htm



For the #10 vacation spot, I chose the Island of Capri on the Amalfi Coast of Italy..  Located on the Meditteranean Sea, this picturesque spot is a must-see for all travelers.  Asides from the beautiful rocky beaches, there are many unique things to do in Capri.  Some of these activities include visiting Faraglioni (are with the natural wonders of rock formations), Anacapri (the highest town on the island), La Piazzetta (the central square), The Phonecian Steps (800 old steps with great views), and many other historic sites.  A vacation to Capri is unlike any other, which is why it falls in at #10 on my list.

#11 Vacation Spot

Bora Bora, Tahiti
http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/frames/bora-index.html




As the #11 pick for top vacation spots, I chose Bora Bora of the beautiful island, Tahiti. This specific spot is unquestionably the most romantic, relaxing, and stunning island of all the world. Famous amongst many honeymooners, Bora Bora's bungalows on the water provide all with amazing experiences and views of the emerald water and mountains. Some activities of the island include snorkeling, shark feeding, tours of the mountains, visiting lagoons, ray-feeding, or simply just relaxing. The breathtaking scenery makes Bora Bora better than almost any other island, which is why it falls in at the #11 vacation spot in the world.

#12 Vacation Spot

Madrid, Spain

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/travel/08hours.html




The #12 vacation spot is Madrid, Spain. I chose this specific city to be in the top 18 because it offers a variety of activities and provides many new experiences/opportunities for all. The old, famous city is known for its beautiful architecture, the most popular being the Plaza Mayor. The vibe of Madrid is very upbeat, although at the same time, it can be relaxing. With the many sights to see and activities to do, ranging from dining at a street cafe to watching bullfights, the city offers many forms of entertainment. Madrid will provide many with new, fun, and unique experiences, which is why it falls in at #12.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

#13 Vacation Spot

Kauai, Hawaii
http://kauai-vacations-ahh.com/blog/




The beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii falls in at the #13 vacation spot in the world. Kauai is known for having the top most beautiful beaches in the entire world, the most famous including Hanalei Bay, Ke’e Beach Park, Poipu Beach, and Hideaway beach. Each of these beaches represent paradise; all have beautiful mountain views, wonderful areas for snorkeling, and are well worth the long trip. Another must see is the waterfalls that the island contains, such as Wailua Falls. The views of the waterfalls are unreal and stunning, which is why Kauai is the #13 vacation spot.

#14 Vacation Spot

Sydney, Australia
http://travel.aol.com/articles/sydney-australia



As the countdown to the #1 vacation spot in all of the world continues, Sydney, Australia falls in at #14. Coming a long way from its original purpose, storing refugees in 1788, Sydney is a huge attraction for many, and contains much history. The sophisticated and modern style of the city is one-of-a-kind, and contributes to the beauty of the area. Not only does Sydney contain many activities to do such as shopping, entertaining nightlife, visting museums, seeing wild life, but it is also famous for its beaches. Bondi, Coogee, Cronulla, Manly and Wattamulla are a must to visit. Because of the uniqueness and entertainment the city offers, Sydney is the #14 vacation spot to see!

#15 Vacation Spot

Tokyo,
Japan

http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812,00.html



The #15 vacation spot in the eintire world is Tokyo, Japan. The busy streets of Tokyo will always have a fun activity to do, whether it is shopping, visiting historic sites, seeing natural scenery, or enjoying outdoor activities. The options are unlimited in Tokyo, and the city offers beautiful scenery through its modern and old architecture. The famous Shibuya Crossing is a must-see, and really contributes to the city/urban feel of Tokyo.

Monday, May 7, 2012

#16 Vacation Spot

Aruba
http://www.aruba.com/thingstodo.aspx





The island of Aruba falls in as the #16 vacation spot in the world.  Aruba is famous for its mile-long, white sand and crystal blue water.  There are many activities to do in Aruba, including jet-skiing, wave running, snorkeling,  diving, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, enjoying nightlife, or simply relaxing.  You can't go wrong with visiting the "One Happy Island."

#17 Vacation Spot

New York City, NY

http://travel.usnews.com/New_York_NY/Travel_Tips/


The city that never sleeps, Ney York City, falls in at the #17 top spot of the top vacation spots in the world. Although this vacation getaway is not the most relaxing, it certainly will certainly be the most exciting! The city offers so many activities to do, whether it's visiting museums, shopping, seeing plays/concerts, dining at famous restaurants, or simply enjoying the buzzing atmosphere, the options are unlimited. Visiting SoHo, Times Square, Central Park, and 5th Avenue are a must. With all these options to do, who wouldn't want to visit?

#18 Vacation Spot

Huntington Beach, CA

http://www.stockteam.com/hbwelcom.htm
       


Huntington Beach, California falls in as the #18 top vacation spot (on my list) in the world.  This hotspot, which is also known as "Surf City," is famous amongst many tourists and surfers.  Known for its great surfing waves, Huntington Beach contains the Huntington Pier, which is a main tourist attraction and has many activities to do. The best place to eat in Huntinton Beach is at Ruby's, which is conveniently located at the end of the pier, and is an old-fashioned diner with fantastic food and service.  This vacation spot has many activities to do during the day and night on Main Street, which makes it fall in at #18.