South & Central America

Honestly, the things we do to travel sometimes! My husband and I spent an hour of our Saturday morning sitting on a plastic chair surrounded by snotty nosed kids and coughing seniors. Ahh, the glamour of international travel! Why were we here? Egypt in 5 weeks, that’s why.

On the edge of sanity after listening to a one sided conversation from a teacher with a broken toe aimed in the direction of an overworked receptionist about the trials and tribulations of having a child, and god forbid going back to work after 2 years off, it was finally our turn. Going into the doctor’s office I was thinking 2, maybe 3 injections, after all I have been traveling since I was 19 and had several vaccinations along the way. My husband has never had a vaccination in his life (gotta love the Irish health care system?!), so with some smugness I had been teasing him all week that he would be getting MANY injections.

Checking my medical records, the doctor informed me that yes, I had previouly had a couple of the vaccinations I would need for Egypt, so I began to relax. Hmm, it might just 2 shots after all. That is until he finished the sentence “…but they have expired and you will need a few boosters.” Dammit!

In the end I needed 5 shots, and he needed 4! Yes that’s right, he who has never been immunised needed less than me. How does that work I hear you ask? Well apparently these days Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are combined into one, whereas when I originally got mine, they were still separate and the boosters still need to be separate.

Getting over the shock of this news, I resigned myself to a second visit next weekend - surely you don’t get 5 vaccinations in one day? For the second time in a day I was horribly wrong. How silly of me, I have 2 arms right, so let’s just get 3 in one arm, 2 in the other, oh it just kept getting better and better! I now have a new resolve to visit all the exotic destinations on my wishlist covered with this set of immunisations in the next 10 years before these ones expire.

By lunch time our bodies were swarming with microscopic quantities of 5 nasty diseases, our arms hurt like hell and we were $430 poorer. Egypt - you better be worth it!

-Kerrie O’Mahony

If you are traveling overseas, don’t forget to check for health advise and recommended travel vaccinations before you go - a preventable disease is not the kind of souvenir you want to bring home from your trip!

Ok, so technically it’s a bit of a stretch to make Live Earth a travel related event, but let’s just say it was a global event and we are a global company. Viator are proud partners of Carbonfund.org and try to educate our customers of the impact which travel can have on the environment. Is that enough of a connection to include it on the Viator Travel Blog?

I say yes!

John Butler joins Paul Kelly on stage

Despite the cynics of the world joining forces to disparage the event, the Live Earth concert series was a huge success around the world on the weekend. They may not have been organized by the almighty Bob Geldof and incessantly meddling Bono of U2 fame, but Al Gore proved there are more members of the global music community with a conscience than just these 2 aging rockers.

Yes these guys often live extravagant lifestyles with what appears to be little regard for the environment, but that does not automatically disqualify them from being part of the event. If we apply that logic, surely only those who already live a “green” life should be allowed to attend. Maybe, just maybe the whole point of these concerts was to raise awareness and provide a little education for those feeling a little helpless.

Ok, rant over, onto the fun stuff - Live Earth Sydney!

In a word, awesome! The first few acts got the crowd warmed up for the big guys to come later on. The line-up was an Aussie music fans dream come true. The only way it could have been improved is if Hunters and Collectors and Midnight Oil reformed (not going to happen, but I came live in hope…), and possibly if the organizers had reconsidered the order of play. Seriously guys, Jack Johnson second billing? He may have been the only international act, but he was oddly out of place in the who’s who of Oz rock. Don’t get me wrong, he was good, but following on from Wolfmother, not the best choice.

Eskimo Joe get the crowd on their feet

For me the show started with Paul Kelly. He has been around for years and is responsible for some classic pub songs, including From Little Things Big Things Grow, a particularly apt song for the day which got the crowd cheering as he was joined on stage by Missy Higgins, Kev Carmody and crowd favorite, John Butler.

Surprisingly early in the play order, Eskimo Joe hit the stage for their 30 minute set. One of the hottest Australian bands around at the moment, the Joe blew the crowd away and didn’t stop to take a breath, using every minute of their allocated time.

Up next, Missy Higgins took to the stage for her solo set and was clearly happy to be there. One for the girls, it wasn’t long before the crowd sing-a-long got back into full voice as she belted out Scar. Things got a little more serious when the ever political John Butler Trio hit the stage with a blistering drum solo and some serious banjo playing. JB himself took the opportunity to spread his views on Nuclear energy but as with Wave Aid 2 years ago, the glaring omission of Something’s Gotta Give left the crowd wanting just a little more from the boys.

Next up it was time for the big haired Andrew Stockdale and Wolfmother to let rip with a few eardrum bursting numbers. Clearly one of the big name drawcards to the event, they hit the stage running and didn’t stop until the very last riff of Joker and the Thief. The high energy of Wolfmother was followed by the gentle, laid-back melodies of Canadian Jack Johnson. He sounded OK, but I admit I used the opportunity to do another beer run so I can’t really comment!

John Butler Trio sends a message to the world

By the end of the night, the 48,000 strong crowd were well and truly warmed up for the long awaited performance of the reformed Crowded House. Let’s face it, this is what the majority of the crowd were here for. As they took to the stage it was like they had never gone away and the crowd loved it! Sticking to the old classics, the crowd swayed and crooned along to Don’t Dream it’s Over and Weather With You. No more complaining about the long queues at the bar (reportedly up to 1 hour, but I queued longer than that for the bathroom!), all was forgotten as the masters did their thing.

At the end of the day, the musos put on a fantastic show, it didn’t rain and a few people got a little education on the state of the planet and what needs to be done to fix it. Rome wasn’t built in a day and global warming won’t be reversed with one series of concerts.

It’s easy to criticize events like this but for those who didn’t attend or even watch the televised coverage, what gives you the right to comment on the impact of the shows. I consider myself fairly aware of environmental issues and do what I can to reduce my impact on the earth, but I don’t claim to be perfect. I had never considered that buying locally produced products saves the emissions created when transporting goods from afar, therefore I learnt something from the day. If everyone who saw the shows took away one piece of new information, isn’t that a start?

Let’s face it, it’s just a concert, it’s not meant to change the world.

-Kerrie O’Mahony

If Live Earth has awakened your inner travel bug and inspired you to check out our planet before we destroy it, check out Viator’s list of things to do in the cities which hosted concerts over the weekend - Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Johannesburg, London, Hamburg, New York and Rio de Janiero.

There are two things in life that I would consider great loves (besides family and friends, obviously) — music and travel. While I am yet to find the perfect job which incorporates both, my current position at Viator is as close as I can get. My days consist of talking about travel, writing about travel, reading about travel - basically immerse myself in travel. To make it even better I can have my iPod almost permanently connected to my head while I do it - music and travel, I’m a happy camper!

As a result it’s easy for my mind to drift away into “fantasy holiday world”, that wonderful place where you get to travel to every corner of the earth without leaving your seat. If you are having a bad day, its that place you can take your thoughts to where you are having exciting adventures or seeing spectacular sites. Today I have spent the day in a hot air balloon over Catalonia. This is the newest addition to our range of things to do in Barcelona and has happily occupied my thoughts for the majority of the day.

There is something very peaceful about floating through the skies in an oversized basket attached to a giant balloon. I have only done it once before (last year in Cairns), and those who are regular readers of the Viator blog will know I’m not a huge fan of heights, but there is something quite serene about the experience. That is when the burners aren’t firing, completely shattering the peace, and if you can get over the fact your feet are an awfully long way off the ground. Never the less, I was surprised at how smooth flying in a balloon is, and amazed at what the sound of nothing is like.

Compared to a helicopter flight, hot air balloons are much quieter and smoother, but you are at the mercy of the winds with a balloon so you pretty much land wherever mother nature wants to take you at the time. In my case, it was the middle of an overgrown muddy field while apathetic cows looked on as if they had seen it all before.

So when embarking on your next vacation, check out our range of hot air balloon activities for a unique perspective of your destination.

-Kerrie O’Mahony

With around 7 weeks to go until the July 7 deadline, the top 10 front-runners in the global poll to name the Seven “New” Wonders of The World has been revealed.

Leading the way so far after a pretty impressive 47 million votes are:

• Acropolis in Greece
  

  Where in the world did the Pyramids go?

• Ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico
• Rome’s Colosseum
• The Eiffel Tower in Paris
• The Great Wall of China
• Incan ruins of Machu Picchu
• Petra in Jordan
• Statues on Easter Island
• Britain’s Stonehenge
• The Taj Mahal in India

Just in case you are wondering about the absence of Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, they have been removed from the poll. As they are part of the original Ancient Wonders of the World, Egyptian officials felt their historical value should not be questioned and strangely enough submitted a protest at their inclusion. As a result of the protest, the Pyramids of Giza have been granted an honorary status and removed from the poll. Maybe it makes more sense in Egypt…?

If your favorites are not on this list of places in the lead for the coveted 7 positions, you better get voting, this is your last chance to have your say. Come on New York, where is the Statue of Liberty? Shame on you Australia, get voting to give the Sydney Opera House a fighting chance. Let’s get some “less ancient” places on the list!

-Kerrie O’Mahony

Casco Viejo, Panama City

The fantastically diverse scenery that Panama (a.k.a. the ‘bridge of the Americas’) offers means that no single visit can do justice to all its attractions. This is doubly true if you’re an adventurous type of traveler. Oceans, mountains, jungle and hip urban nightlife… Panama really does have something for everyone.

The following itinerary takes in a few of the places I visited last year, on a route that (more or less) follows the Interamericana Highway from Panama City to the border of Costa Rica. It’s a guide only, and while it’s possible to cover the sights in 10 days, don’t let that stop you spending more time in any one of the suggested locations – after all, if I was forced to spend a few extra days sipping coffee in Boquete, I wouldn’t exactly be disappointed.

Things to see & do in Panama City

As a major thriving capital lying — quite literally — at the heart of Latin America, Panama City is more than just a transit lounge. Although it’s perhaps true that few tourists spend a lengthy period of time in the city itself, nevertheless there are plenty of attractions to make for an enjoyable three- or four-day stay. Whilst New York-style skyscrapers dominate the Pacific coastline, Westernization hasn’t yet become suffocating, and the city has retained its distinct Latin pulse.

The Panama Canal Locks

In terms of sightseeing, the Casco Viejo neighbourhood is a particular highlight, with colonial architecture, old churches and laid-back narrow streets making an ideal place to while away an afternoon, if not longer. The coastline also affords great views of the city’s skyline from here.

The Causeway at the south of the city is also worth visiting – both for the restaurants, bars and stunning ocean vistas, and also as a boarding point for boats to Isla Taboga, a picturesque island just off the coast. Panama Viejo, a series of ruins of the old city that now lies at the eastern edge of today’s city, is also worth a visit if you’ve time on your hands.

For nightlife, many travellers hang out in the Bella Vista area of town, which is awash with restaurants, bars, clubs, and even the odd casino, all of which mean there is something for all ages. Salsa, electronic music and rock predominate. The Causeway is also worth checking out – as one of the most popular new spots in the city, you can just walk amongst the range of bars and clubs to find something that suits your mood. If it’s the specific Latin vibe you’re after, you can do worse than simply asking the locals for their recommendations.

Of course, no trip to Panama City is complete without a visit to the nearby canal. Best viewed via the Miraflores Locks, with its large museum, platforms for fantastic viewing plus an excellent open-air restaurant, the Panama Canal’s awe-inspiring size as an international shipping canal is an absolute must-see. If you’ve time, it’s even possible to arrange a Panama Canal transit tour. Partial transits take place each Saturday morning (lasting about 4.5 hours), with one full transit taking place one Saturday each month.

El Valle de Antón

Located about 120 km (75 mi) west of Panama City, El Valle is a quaint rural town surrounded by lush forest and mountain peaks. At an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,280 ft), the valley has a lovely climate, offering a welcome respite from the baking coast. Although it’s possible to do a day trip from the capital, El Valle merits more than just an afternoon, so my advice would be to relax, stop over and enjoy the soothing tranquility.

The waterfall at El Valle

One of El Valle’s main attractions is its handicrafts market, browsing through which you will encounter anything from traditional Indian items to colourful baskets and Panama hats. There are also scores of good forest trails for exploring on foot, as well as the gorgeous 85-meter (278-ft) high waterfall Chorro El Macho, which is a must-see. After a good few hours’ hiking, the Thermal Baths complex found on the west side of town, where healing mud can be applied to the skin, is the perfect way to unwind on a sunny afternoon.

Las Lajas

This beautiful palm-lined beach lying just over 10 km (6.2 mi) south of the Interamericana on the road to David (Panama’s second-largest city) is the perfect place to chill and relax for a couple of days – or longer, if you’re like me and take pleasure in having a beach literally all to yourself. I was here last year and had a wonderful few days watching the Pacific tide surge in and out whilst topping up my tan. There were rumours of a golf resort being planned for development; it is to be hoped that such speculation remains just that, for it would be a tragedy for the laid-back, tranquil vibe to be ruined. All of which, of course, makes it all the more pressing for travellers to enjoy the beach in its present state.

Although weekends are obviously busier with native families being lured to the seashore, during the week the entire beach can be virtually yours for the taking. There are only one or two restaurants, but the food is generally fine (especially the fresh fish) and the ocean views make any wait for service worthwhile. Watching the sun turn violet as it goes down over the Pacific is one of life’s little treasures.

Boquete

Lying amidst the highlands roughly seven hours’ drive west of Panama City and 40 km (25 mi) north of David, this delightful alpine town is one of the true highlights of the country, both for its unspoilt natural splendour and its wonderfully fresh climate. It’s also one of the best places in the country to buy coffee.

With its quaint cafes and restaurants, this is the ideal place to recuperate, whilst at the same time taking advantage of the stunning scenery to explore the region on foot. Aside from the surrounding natural beauty, Boquete holds a few attractions of its own. Mi Jardín es Su Jardín (My Garden is Your Garden) is a stunning garden open to the general public. There are also excellent coffee-estate tours offered by both Kotowa Coffee Estate and Café Ruíz, with visits to coffee plantations and roasting facilities rounding off with soothing cupping sessions for avid caffeine-lovers.

The laid-back atmosphere is addictive, although it belies how many travellers use the town as a base from which to explore the mountainous terrain, including the national parks of Volcán Barú and Cerra Punta, as well as white-water rafting on the Río Chiriquí or chilling out for an afternoon in the Caldera hot springs. Simply put, it’s a place where you can choose to do as much or as little as you like, without feeling guilty. I came expecting to stay a couple of nights and ended spending over a week.

Volcán Barú

This challenging hike up Panama’s highest summit is well worth the effort if you’re fit and healthy. There’s no real need to hire a guide as the trekking path is pretty clear, but you’ll need to take plenty of water and nibbles, as the trek takes around seven to ten hours depending on your level of fitness and/or how much time you spend taking in the sights.

Ideally you should try to make it to the summit within an hour after sunrise, otherwise clouds are likely to dash all hopes of seeing both oceans. The downside is that this necessarily means starting out in the early hours (think five o’clock) by the light of the moon. The eerie early morning breeze and the ominous outline of the volcano against the black background is enough to make even the drowsiest alert, however. Alternatively, you could do the trek in daylight, camp on the summit and watch the sunrise the following day. Just remember that it’s a bit lonely on top, as well as windy.

The spectacular vista from the summit makes all the effort worthwhile. Literally the whole country seems to be within view, and the stark physical contrast between the lush green highlands and the barren lowlands as they slide towards the beaches becomes all too apparent. It’s a genuinely humbling experience.

You will also do yourself a disservice if you fail to take time to observe the abundant wildlife that thrives in the woodland that adorns the slopes of Barú. If you are lucky you may even spot a quetzal, the sacred bird of the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples, and whose brilliant green and blue feathers and crimson breast cannot but impress.

Be warned, though, that taxis don’t just hang around waiting at the entrance to the national park. It’s therefore highly likely you will be faced with seemingly having completed the trek, only to find you’ve another few kilometres’ walk back to Boquete. So do your homework, try and arrange a rough estimate pick-up time from a taxi, and savour the moment of having conquered Panama’s highest point.

–Anthony Lye

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s complete list of tours and things to do in Panama, from cultural tours to eco tours to Panama Canal Transit tours.

Just as I was narrowing the field in my travel wishlist, Kelly beat me to the post (literally!) and blogged her Top Ten Travel Wishes. However, it takes more than a similar theme to dissuade me from my need to blog, so here are the Top 10 destinations on my travel wishlist.

Narrowly beating Dubai to squeeze in at number 10 is Aitutaki Island in the Cook Islands. Since seeing it on a travel show years ago, I have longed to see the perfect white sands and crystal blue waters of this remote island. A colleague honeymooned in the idyllic location late last year and now I have heard it first hand, my yearning grows stronger every day.

Sitting happily at number 9 is Monaco, the ultimate French Riviera destination. Of course, I would love to go there for the Formula One Grand Prix some time, but failing the long awaited lottery win that would be needed to do that, I will settle for a lap in a hired sports car followed by a night of modest gambling at the world famous casino.

The number 8 position is taken by the only North American entry - New York City. There’s just something about New York that calls my name, what that is…I guess I’ll find out when I get there.

In at number 7 is Rio de Janiero for Carnival. As if the Christ Redeemer statue and Copacabana Beach are not a big enough inticement, but add in the colorful annual carnival and you are looking at a whole lot of fun.

At number 6 is Asia’s entry on my list - China. Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall of China and without a doubt my main reason for wanting to travel to China, the Giant Pandas.

Halfway there with Lapland at number 5. I can’t believe I have not been there yet, reindeers, huskies, Santa Claus, snowmobiles, the eerie midnight sun … what more can you ask for in a winter wonderland holiday?

Occupying the number 4 position is my representative from Australia. All the way over in Western Australia is a beautiful place called Ningaloo Reef - or the “other Great Barrier Reef” as it is commonly known. The coral is pristine, the marine life abundant and the crowds non existent. However, come April/May through to July the waters become a little bit more crowded as the giant Whale Sharks arrive for their annual visit.

A messy entry at number 3 is the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain. The world’s largest Tomato fight occurs every August in this small Spanish village and involves thousands of people throwing tomatoes at each other - this should be on every travelers list!

The runner up at number 2 will be crossed off my list when I travel to Egypt in September to see the Great Pyramids and Sphinz of Giza. They are the only one of the original “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” still standing and must surely be one of the greatest sights to be seen in this world.

And drum roll please for my undisputed number 1 …

Southern and Eastern Africa

Yes I realise this is a large “destination” but if I split it into the individual countries and cities, we will be here all day! A bit of wine tasting and shark viewing in Cape Town, a dash of adventure in Victoria Falls, wildlife spotting on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, some seriously huge sand dunes in Namibia, and of course, my ultimate, ultimate of all things to do in Africa - Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Now the challenge really begins - crossing them off my things to do list, and adding them to my things I’ve done list…

-Kerrie O’Mahony

A former ski chalet in the Swiss Alps?

Maybe you’ve been reading Viator’s Earth Day page, or our new Go Carbon Neutral page. Maybe you’re feeling inspired to make a difference, to minimize your impact and offset your carbon footprint wherever and however you can.

That’s great and all, but maybe we also hear you asking… “that’s all very worthy, Viator. But what’s in it FOR ME?”

Fair enough. We know it’s hard to be worthy all the time. So we’ve created an extra incentive to whet your earth-loving appetite. We call it a contest. You may win things. And everybody goes home happy, including Planet Earth.

Here’s how it works: You simply write a reply of 50 words or less to the question below. Use our “comments” feature to submit your reply. The deadline is April 30, 2007. We’ll pick 3 winners and post the best replies here on the Viator Blog.

The prizes: There’s some cool stuff, including 100,000 miles worth of carbon credits to help you offset the impact of your travels in 2007. We’re also offering gift certificates on Viator.com, which you can use to book an eco tour or a hike or a bike ride or public transit pass, you get the idea. For complete details see below.

The question: Read the question below. Think about it. Then write no more than 50 words that make us laugh, make us cry, make us understand why Global Warming is, or isn’t, an imminent disaster. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2007. The Viator Team will pick 3 entries that makes us laugh and/or cry about the issue of global warming. That’s it. So start writing!

Global Warming:

Imminent disaster or “my mountainside property will soon be ocean front… sweet!”?

Tell us what you think about that question and you could win the grand prize: a US$200 Viator gift certificate plus an offset from Viator for 100,000 air miles worth of carbon emissions with CarbonFund.org (just so you won’t feel guilty about your trip). First runner up will receive a US$100 Viator gift certificate. The second runner up gets a US$50 Viator gift certificate.

To submit your entry, leave a reply below to this blog post. The deadline is April 30, 2007. Good luck!

–The Viator Travel Team

The Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

It’s Better in Belize. You Better Belize It. It’s Unbelizeable.

If I had a nickel for each time I saw a Belize-inspired T-shirt, I’d have at least 60 cents by now. Maybe a buck.

The problem is not a lack of T-shirts. Trust me, there are heaps on sale in Belize. The problem is that Belize is one of those places that refuses to become mainstream. Every few years something thrusts Belize into the global spotlight. In 2001 it was Hurricane Iris that garnered headlines. In 2000 it was the reality television show Temptation Island (filmed on Ambergris Caye) that caused a brief surge of interest.

Yet beyond the occasional news item, most travelers know little if anything about Belize. Don’t belize me? OK smarty pants, let’s test your knowledge with my patented Belize Pop Quiz.

• True or false, there is a Guinness brewery in Belize.
• True or false, there are British army troops stationed in Belize.
• True or false, filmmaker George Lucas has a posh jungle lodge in Belize.
• True or false, the following countries all border Belize: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras.
• True or false, the most popular radio station in Belize is called Love FM.

OK, let’s see how you scored. The answer to question #1 is true. Belize has its very own Guinness brewery, under license from the mothership back at St James’s Gate, Dublin. This is also where Belize’s homegrown beer, Belikin, is bottled.

Question 2? True. The British Army maintains troops in Belize, a remnant of the days when Belize was a UK possession known as “British Honduras” (Belize gained full independence in 1981).

Question 3? You can be forgiven for missing this, it was a trick question. The answer is false because it’s not George Lucas but Francis Ford Coppola who stumbled across a dilapidated jungle retreat in 1981 and, 12 years later, opened the utterly lovely Blancaneaux resort (more on that below).

Question 4? False. Only Mexico and Guatemala share a border with Belize, not Honduras.

And question 5? True. ‘Thank you for choosing love’ is the unofficial motto of Love FM. My favorite DJ used to sign off with “…here are super-fantastic kisses to you and you and you” (it sounds best in a Belizean accent).

If you scored 5/5 on the quiz, give yourself a gold star and go read a different blog post because there’s little I can teach you about Belize. If you scored 2 or more out of 5 then keep on reading, you may need a Belize refresher course. If you scored less than that, ohhhhh how I envy you. It means you don’t know much about Belize. More to the point, it means you can have the distinct pleasure of discovering Belize for the first time. Whenever I meet somebody who has not heard of Belize I feel like giving them an award: first place in the ‘about to have the experience of a lifetime’ category.

Without further ado, my suggested itineraries for making the most of your time in Belize.

Belize: Before You Go

Lighthouse Lager, Belize’s ‘other’ beer

The first decision you need to make is this: ocean first, ruins and mountains second; or ruins and mountains first, ocean second. I typically opt for the latter course. I like to have my adventures up front, then relax and unwind after. While you can’t make a bad choice, you do need to make a choice because it will define the shape of your entire trip. I’m going to assume you prefer adventure up front, as well, and offer my suggestions accordingly.

The second decision you need to make is this: to Belize City or not to Belize City? I will not lie to you. Belize City is not the most beautiful city in Central America (though if you’re coming from Tegucigalpa, well, it feels like paradise here). Belize City is a fine transport hub. It even has a few decent restaurants. But if you’re short on time it is OK to skip Belize City. The reality is, you’ll pass through here at least twice on your way to/from the reef and the airport.

The last decision you need to make is this: to drive or not to drive? Belize is a small easy-to-navigate country. There are only 4 main roads and buses are decent (I didn’t say comfortable, I merely said decent). So there is no reason that you must have a 4×4. That said, Belize is a very easy place to drive (on the right, despite the British influences). It’s also REALLY REALLY FUN to take a 4×4 into the jungle. I can’t imagine visiting Belize without having a 4×4 (and yes, you do need a 4×4) at my beck and call. I usually rent through a company called Crystal Auto because they have an office at the airport and in Belize City, and will shuttle you for free between the two locations. All you need is a driver’s license from your home country plus the basic insurance that comes with the vehicle.

Belize Itineraries: Jungles, Mountains, Maya Ruins

Assuming you take my advice and start with mountains and jungles and decide to rent a 4×4, here’s what you do. Fly into Belize City, grab your bags, walk across the parking lot to the car-rental offices, get your 4×4, and head out on the Western Highway to San Ignacio.

Hands down, the best inland base for travelers is the town of San Ignacio. There’s something incredibly charming about the place; it feels like a mix between a forgotten colonial outpost and a modern backpacker’s paradise. There is a good range of hotels, lodges and restaurants here. And San Ignacio is an excellent hub for day trips.

Cave Tubing in Belize

Things to Do: Even if you’re not staying at Blancaneaux (see below), make the journey up into the Mountain Pine Ridge to the Rio Frio Cave. This is a stunningly massive cave with a river running through it. I don’t know if it’s “safe” to swim here, but I have done it many times, always with bats dive-bombing my head. I also think the Rio On pools, just past Blancaneaux, are worth a swim (despite the leech-like animals that stuck to my skin). And it goes without saying, it’s worth the $10 for a drink and snack at the bar at Blancaneaux, since you’re in the neighborhood.

Another popular thing to do is cave tubing. It’s a blast, I highly recommend it. Also on my “recommended” list are the ruins at Xuanantunich, which is a smallish but beautiful temple complex overlooking the Mopan River; and the ruins at Cahal Pech plus the nearby Panti Medicinal Trails.

On the way to or from Belize City, the Belize Zoo is worth a visit. I don’t remember which animal it was (the tapir, maybe), but when you see a sign that says ‘warning, this animal may pee on you’, they are not kidding, trust me on this.

Places to Stay: I’ll just get it out of the way, since it’s obvious how much I really enjoy staying at Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux lodge. It is simply stunning. Be sure to ask for one of the three-walled bungalows facing the river. The fourth wall is actually just a screen, which lets in the melodious gurgle of the nearby river and a cool breeze. Heaven.

I can also recommend a few of the more traditional lodges in Belize. Most of these are fairly expensive, but the service, location and overall experience are wonderful. Try the Chaa Creek Lodge, duPlooy’s Jungle Lodge, or the Windy Hill Resort. Less expensive (but good all the same) is the Parrot Nest Lodge.

Day Trip to Guatemala: Before you head back to Belize City for a week on the reef, consider taking a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala. Tikal is one of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Central America. I’ve done this trip a few times, by bus, by 4×4 and by plane. If you’re short on time, the plane is a great option.

Belize Itineraries: The Reef

Sunset on Caye Caulker

If you’re following my trip plan, head back to Belize City and drop off your 4×4 at the rental office. Politely ask for a lift to the Belize City ferry port and catch the first ferry out of town. Your destination? The reef.

Belize’s reef is one of the finest in Central America, despite recent hurricane damage. Unless you’re planning a live-aboard diving trip, you’ll probably end up in one of two places: Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye (caye is pronounced like ‘key’). Choosing between them is easy. If you prefer a backpacker vibe and a mellow pace, Caye Caulker is for you. If you want more restaurant, hotel, shopping and nightlife options, Ambergris Caye (and its main town of San Pedro) is for you.

The main thing to do on either island is relax. Beach, beer, swimming, napping, the island life is blissful in Belize. After a few days you may be itching for an adventure. In which case there’s snorkeling, world-class diving, sailing, fishing and (if you’re on one of those mega-fancy resorts) golfing.

Belize: The other bits

The mainland town of Placencia in southern Belize is a coastal gem, with easy access to southern diving sites and plenty of things to do in the surrounding jungle. If you look at a map you’ll wonder what else is near Placencia, and if it’s worth the trek in its own right. That’s a tough call, since Placencia is so pleasant. I guess if push comes to shove, skip it if you only have a week or two in Belize, and save it for the next visit. If you do make it to Placencia, check out Coppola’s Turtle Cove Inn.

Another part of Belize that falls into this category is Orange Walk, way up in the north, and the nearby ruins of Lamanai, one of the finest in all Belize. This is a real trek from Belize City, and you’ll need to dedicate a few days (at least) if you’re heading out this way. If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

–Scott McNeely

Planning a trip to Belize? Check out all of Viator’s tours and things to do in Belize or browse more of Scott’s photos of Belize.

According to a study commissioned by the Travel Industry Association, Gourmet magazine and the International Culinary Tourism Association, some 17% of American leisure travelers seek culinary and wine-related activities. During the past three years, that percentage accounted for some 27 million travelers. The top five destinations for food-related travel in the USA, according to the study, are California, Florida, New York, Texas and North Carolina.

Being an avid foodie and wine lover, every chance I get I want to explore the gastronomical delights in the places I travel. Food and wine provides sensory insight into a culture. Whether it is regional, country or continent based the senses of taste and smell tantalize and can definitely surprise even the most adventurous palate. In some cases I have found a new favorite food or wine varietal, in other cases my taste buds have frowned on my eagerness to experiment.

Food and Wine in Australia’s Hunter Valley

This Hunter Valley food and wine tour was hands-down one of the best food and wine tasting adventures I have had. The Hunter Valley was beautiful with its rolling hills and open space… a nice day trip outside of Sydney. A quick stop in Wollombi village introduced me to Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice. A sweet-tasting brew that was bottled up a bit like medicine. From there the adventure took us to three very different wineries that allowed for a range of experience…a large family-owned, a corporate-owned and a small boutique winery. I bought wine all around and had smiles throughout the private tastings at each place. The tastings included Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Dessert Wines to name a few.

The lunch was a class act with small plates of meat including kangaroo and emu, cheese and vegetables and yes, more wine (obvvviousslllyyy). We also had a delicious cheese tasting at Cooper, a boutique winery, paired perfectly with their wines. In fact I have served the Cooper gold dessert wine and pinot noir to guests at dinner parties since my trip and they are still talking about it. At the end of the ten hour day my belly was pleasantly full with the tastes of the day.

A “Restaurant” on Caye Caulker, Belize

A few years ago I had the opportunity to tour around Central America. A pal and I spent much of our time exploring the country of Belize. We went from the inland areas of the Mayan Empire out to the white sand and clear water of the Cayes. Caye Caulker is the island where we spend many days soaking in the sun, exploring the marine life and meeting new friends. On this island the signs say slow down and cars are not allowed. The inhabitants are an eclectic mix of mestizo, creole and garifuna cultures so you can image the food emphasized is seafood with sprinklings of latin and creole influences. To stay cool each day we indulged in sampling the two beers of the country Lighthouse Lager and Belikin Beer. There are about 25 restaurants on the island. The fare ranges from Italian, to Caribbean, to seafood, to your standard burger and fries.

Being the adventurous eater I wanted us to try a place I heard about called Wish Willy’s. The owner, Willy, is known for his tasty drinks, spicy sauces and fresh seafood dishes. His place is off an alley and the sign is worn and faded. Wish Willy’s was essentially a few wooden tables in Willy’s front yard. We felt as if we were at a friend’s barbecue. He only had rum with tropical juices available to drink and his pal had to run down to the market to buy beer for all the guests.

The menu was verbally provided by Willy and included lobster and snapper. Once we all ordered he left us for a bit and headed down to the dock to pick up the seafood. Upon his return more drinks were served and candles brought out after sundown. Willy headed to the kitchen to cook up our dinners but talking to us from inside the house the entire time. Our orders were served with a delicious spicy sauce, rice and vegetables. The seafood was simply amazing and our plates were completely cleared. Wish Willy’s had everything a unique ambience, good libations and amazing, fresh, home cooked food. If you ever get the chance to travel to Belize go to Caye Caulker and check out Wish Willy’s.

Happy Eating and Drinking!

–Liz Pagano

The ruins of Petra, Jordan

Editor’s Note: On July 7 the winners of the new 7 Wonders of the World competition were announced. You can read more about it here.

It’s not long now until the New 7 Wonders of the World are announced, after 18 months of global public voting. The initiative was launched in 2000 and has been narrowed down to 21 finalists — and there is still time to cast your vote!

What is the point of the exercise, you may ask? With only one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, it’s time to identify those man-made structures we wish to save from a similar fate. Funds raised during the campaign will be partly channeled into the restoration and preservation of the seven winning locations, however the campaign as a whole is giving fantastic exposure to all those nominated.

Here’s a quick run down of the list of finalists. You may struggle to choose only seven that you think are worthy of the title:

1. Acropolis, Athens - the symbol of Athens is a worthy Greek replacement of the Statue of Zeus from the original list. (Browse tours to the Acropolis)

2. Alhambra, Spain - the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain. (Check out tours of the Alhambra)

3. Angkor, Cambodia - a mystical place finally opened up to the world with the demise of the Khmer Rouge and end of civil war in Cambodia. (Read Viator’s picks for tours to Angkor Wat.)

4. Chichen Itza, Mexico - temple city built by the Mayans, central Americas equivalent of the Incas. (Visit Chichen Itza from Cancun or the Rivieria Maya)

Machu Picchu, Peru

5. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil - you know, the gigantic statue of Jesus Christ perched above Rio de Janiero on Corcovado Mountain. (Check out different ways to view the statue and Corcovado).

6. Colosseum, Rome - anyone who has been there knows exactly why this is on the list, it’s amazing. (Find tours of the Colosseum)

7. Easter Island Statues, Chile - 25 meter high stone statues on an isolated island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - hey, why not?!

8. Eiffel Tower, Paris - unless you have spent your life living under a rock, this one is pretty self explanatory! (Read what Viator’s customers have said about tours to the Eiffel Tower.)

9. Great Wall, China - the largest man-made monument in the world, possibly visible from space depending who you talk to (I haven’t been so I don’t really know).

10. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - with its massive dome this mosque is the model many others around the world aim to replicate. (Find tours of Hagia Sophia)

11. Kyomizu Temple, Japan - a symbol of clarity and serenity, two things the world needs right now (check out all of Viator’s ideas for tours in Japan)

12. Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow - the heart of Moscow and residence to prominent Russians from Tsar Mikhail Romanov to Lenin and Stalin. (Check out all of Viator’s tours in Russia.)

13. Machu Picchu, Peru - the isolated lost city of the Incas found high up in the Andes.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany - King Ludwig II’s “Disney Castle” in the German countryside.

15. Petra, Jordan - cast your mind back to the ending of the film Indiana Jones at the Temple of Doom. (Find tours of Petra)

Giza Pyramids, Egypt

16. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt - the only remaining member from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World list. Few would argue against continuing its inclusions in the new list.

17. Statue of Liberty, New York - North America’s only entry and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.

18. Stonehenge, England - the mystery of the stones draws thousands of visitors every year. (Read Viator’s picks for tours to Stonehenge).

19. Sydney Opera House, Australia - probably nominated for its fantastic location as much as its unique and striking design (which means you should consider a Sydney Harbour Cruise for the ultimate perspective).

20. Taj Mahal,