|
(ARA) - If international travel teaches us anything, it is the folly of preconceived notions. Whether you have high hopes or low expectations, you rarely get what you expect when traveling to new places, and it's often an exercise in disproving cliches.
For instance, cruising is thought of by some as strictly floating between sunny, sandy beaches. But really, it's much more than that, and can satisfy even the most adventurous travelers. Whether you're looking for history, adventure or simply the thrill of encountering new cultures and places, consider taking a cruise to the many exotic destinations that major lines go to.
Galapagos Islands
Explore the majesty and creativity of nature on this cluster of islands, like an earlier visitor who arrived by boat, Charles Darwin. They're a far jaunt into the ocean from the rest of Ecuador, but cruises out to the islands, like those operated by Celebrity Cruises, leave from the dramatically situated capital city, Quito. Cruises often include a tour of the city, which is a great opportunity to see its historic old town and get a feel for the lively city.
But of course, the highlight is jumping between the islands and seeing all they have to offer. North Seymour island is home to multitudes of nesting blue footed boobies and one of the largest colonies of frigate birds to be found anywhere, and the sea lions on the island have a reputation for being as curious about tourists as tourists are about them. The island of Baltra, which was used as a U.S. military base during World War II, is a great place for spotting land iguanas. While some of the islands are a stark, almost lunar, landscape shaped by volcanic activity, others have beaches that are great for swimming and sunning.
Panama Canal
It may be a modern marvel, but it's world-changing history nonetheless, and you can find yourself smack in the middle of it on a cruise that passes through the Panama Canal. To get the full effect, look for cruises that combine Atlantic and Pacific destinations, by way of the 40-mile route created by the canal. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers 13-, 14-, 15- and 19-day voyages that combine incredible destinations. Starting off with beautiful Mexican cities - Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Huatulco - you can get a taste of the county's rich culture and its breathtaking beaches and coastal landscape. The last Pacific stop before the canal is Puntarenas in Costa Rica, where activities like river rafting are combined with visiting characteristic towns like Sarchi, which is has a centuries-old artisanal woodcarving tradition. After sailing through Panama, the historic walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, is the next stop. Explore the intricate colonial architecture of the old center and find out why Colombia's star is once again on the rise among intrepid travelers.
United Arab Emirates and Dubai
Here's a secret that experienced travelers will attest to - the people of the Middle East are some of the most welcoming in the world. In many local cultures, guests are held in the highest esteem and treated with honor; hosts go out of their way to make visitors welcome. What's more, the region has unparalleled history, unique scenery and incredible shopping.
Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are a fascinating combination of ancient tradition and modern panache. Dubai is developing at breakneck speed, and its skyscrapers and deluxe hotels are in a contest of one-upmanship, each more luxurious than the last. To get a taste of Dubai and the nearby Emirates, Royal Caribbean Cruises has itineraries that take travelers to a variety of locales, including Abu Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain, where you can go sand skiing, ride desert-bred Arabian horses and tour palaces and fortresses.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
|
