6 Things Visitors Should Do In Ottawa

With a lively, largely bilingual population, and lots of impressive architecture, Ottawa has a vaguely European feel to it. She’s not Canada’s biggest city, but she is the capital, and therefore the site of many interesting national treasures. Here are a few cool things to do in Ottawa that some folks might miss.

1. See The Massive Spiders

Before you shudder in terror of a massive spider as big as a multi-story building, relax; it’s not real! It is a cool piece of art, though. Sculptor Louise Bourgeois created a total of six of these 30-feet-tall-spiders using high-end materials such as marble, stainless steel, and bronze. And one of them lives in Ottawa.

Bourgeois’ built ‘Maman’, the Ottawa spider, in 2000 to greet visitors of the Unilever Series event. It was so popular that it’s maintained its presence through the years and can now be found just outside the entrance of the National Gallery of Canada. The Gallery loved the piece so much that they purchased it for over $3 million, a credit to the French artists’ fame and talent.

Maman presents a unique photo opportunity for those of you who like to memorialize your trips. Arachnophobia be damned, this spider is worth seeing on your way into the National Gallery.

2. Skate Or Hike The Rideau Canal

Ottawa has earned global fame as the home of the World’s Longest Skating Rink during the winter months. The Rideau Canal stretches 202 km, so you might not be able to skate the entire thing, but you should go for a glide before enjoying some hot cocoa and the famous Canadian beavertails. It can get very cold in Ottawa, so dress warm!

If you’re planning a visit in the warmer months, the Rideau Canal is still worth visiting (and, in face, it’s basically unavoidable). Whether you take a boat cruise along the Canal and enjoy the sights while lounging, or opt for a scenic hike along the water, you’ll be greeted by some splendid views. The Canal is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most distinctive landmarks.

3. Take A Stroll On The Mer Bleue Bog Boardwalk

Canada is well-known for its vast expanses of land and abundant wildlife, and the Mer Bleue Bog is an excellent representation of both. This wetland territory is framed by a long boardwalk that allows visitors to see the captivating scenery (and the wild inhabitants) without getting muddy.

We especially recommend visiting the bog in the morning, when the evaporating blue mist that gives the area of its name is still hugging the land. (“Mer Bleu” is French for “blue sea.”)

The endangered spotted turtle is one of the bog’s residents, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for this rare creature as there aren’t too many left. The telltale sign is, of course, a spotted shell.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat on your boardwalk stroll, you’ll want to enjoy some refreshment at the following establishment…

Mer Bleu Bog Boardwalk. Wikimedia Commons

4. Drink One Of The Best Beers In Town

Dominion City Brewery has earned a stellar reputation as one of the best breweries in Canada, and their tasting room is open seven days a week. Don’t worry: there’s delicious food as well!

The brewery has 12 different taps of Dominion City beers on offer, and all of the food is locally-produced. They even have Jenga if you feel like alcohol and a teetering tower is a good combination…

If you want to tour the brewery, stop by on a Sunday at 2:00 pm and be prepared to spend $15 per person. The tours last roughly 30 minutes and come complete with, you guessed it, beer! A flight of four brews is provided while an expert brewer tells you all about them.

5. The Ottawa Farmers’ Market

What better way to get to know a city than by meeting the people who work the land? The Ottawa Farmers’ Market started in 2006 at Lansdowne Park, but they’ve expanded to four locations and over 100 vendors.

The market is full of fresh, locally-grown or farmed foodstuffs such as maple syrup, honey, heritage pork, beef, eggs, chocolate, jams, coffee, and a selection of handmade artisanal goods.

Whether you go to the Westboro, Orleans, Riverside South, or Lansdowne Park markets, you’ll be greeted by happy people who love what they do. You’ll get to experience the local culture in a special way, and you’ll leave with a full stomach!

6. Stay In A Former Prison

If you’re tired of the same-old hotels, why not stay in a former prison?

The Ottawa Jail Hostel housed prisoners up until 1972, but now, the building has been converted into comfortable, albeit unique, lodgings. You’d never know that they used to have death row inmates and even executions on-site.

If you can get past the rumors that the whole building is haunted by spirits, you might just fall in love. Even if it is haunted, you’ll leave with some interesting stories to tell your friends!

Ottawa has a rich history, and what’s more, the people are notoriously friendly, even by Canadian standards. Check out some of these fun activities, alongside the more standard options like visiting Parliament Hill, Hull, or the Canadian War Museum.

Venado: Costa Rica’s Cave Of Wonders

Carol and Mike Ivey are freelance writers and photographers with a passion for travel. Follow along as they share their travel experiences as 50-somethings that still love adventure and seeing the world at www.CuriousGypsies.com.

They are currently based out of Charleston, South Carolina where they live aboard their 53-foot Hatteras Motor Yacht, Gypsy Soul.

Discovering the unknown Venado Caverns

On a recent trip to Costa Rica we were doing some self-guided exploration near the Arenal volcano. In search of an experience that wouldn’t be your typical tourist-packed activity, I scoured local magazines hoping to find something we might have missed during our trip planning research.

I found a small advertisement in one of the local magazines about a place we had never heard of. The ad invited us to explore the fascinating and mystical underground world of the Venado Caverns in La Fortuna.

We’re not typically cave explorers or spelunkers, but since we hadn’t seen this attraction mentioned in any of the usual guidebooks, we became curious. We were nearby so we figured — why not?

Where is Venado?

The Venado Caverns are on private property located within an hour’s drive from La Fortuna in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. According to local lore, the system of 10 caverns, hidden for over 15 million years, was discovered by accident in 1945 when a farmer fell through a hole in the ground. The resulting exploration of the Venado Caves revealed an underground limestone maze of caverns carved over millennia by subterranean rivers and shifting tectonics near the Arenal Volcano.

The Arenal Volcano. Pixabay / InfiniteThought

What’s down there?

A 2700-meter cavern system filled with stalactites and stalagmites, rivers, fossils, subsurface creatures and — this was pretty unusual — an underground waterfall.

Further research told us to plan on getting wet and maybe a little dirty trekking through the river that runs through the caves. The website also said we would not be the only living things down there. They promised we would encounter four different species of bats, and various exotic creatures of darkness like eyeless fish, strange insects and massive underground spiders.

Weird, different and probably something we would not encounter again anytime soon, so off to Venado we went.

Entering the cave

These are private tours with just you and your guide. The very reasonable price of just $28 USD per person includes the entrance fee, boots, helmets, flashlights and a bilingual guide. For an additional $20 per couple, a photographer will follow you taking pictures throughout the tour and provide you with a DVD afterward. We really didn’t know what to expect or whether we would have free hands to shoot our own pictures, so we paid for the photographer and were glad we did.

Once decked out in the spelunking gear, we met our local bilingual guide, Elvis, and our photographer Carlos, and our tour got started. We hiked down past the on-site swimming pool (available for an after-hike dip), alongside a pasture with suitably bored cows and down a small hill to a narrow creek where the trees parted to reveal the opening of the cave system.

Elvis explained that we would trek through the underground trails of ancient rivers and seabeds, squeeze through tight spaces, and stand under the only underground waterfall in the country while wading through the flowing river water.

At the mouth of the cavern, Elvis began explaining the history of the caves and that we should be on the lookout for giant spiders, fish and many colonies of bats.

Going Underground Venado Cave Costa Rica — Getting ready to go underground.

Meeting the creatures of the cave

As soon as we set foot in the cave, we were greeted by a giant red tarantula spider. The furry eight legged creature was the color of rust and measured about 4 inches across. It completely ignored us, but suffice it to say, this is no place for an arachnophobe.

A few more feet inside, we came across even larger spiders — tailless whip scorpion spiders. Creepy looking but totally harmless, the mottled dark brown insects can have a leg span of up to 27 inches! Elvis dared us to carefully hold the massive, but gentle creatures and surprisingly enough we did with only a little shudder down our spines!

Around another corner, we were sloshing knee deep through flowing river water. We shone our headlamps down into the water and watched as the primitive eyeless cave fish swim past our rubber boots.

Bats!!!

We slipped through a slight opening in the rocks into a large chamber, and there, up above, are literally hundreds of bats hanging from the limestone ceilings. Our voices and headlamps woke them and they begin flying over our heads.

As we trekked deeper into the catacomb, the bats seem to be in orbit around us, probably wondering who these 2-legged underground invaders are. They never fly directly at us, just remained constantly watchful as we moved through their sunless world.

Bats Venado Cave Costa Rica — The bats of Venado Caves.

Back in time

Unlike typical cave tours, the authenticity of the Venado experience greatly surpassed more well-known and crowded caving sites. We were surprised to see no roped off areas or artificial lighting, or any indication that many had been there before us.

We were free to touch ancient marine fossils millions of years old. As we waded through the clear, chilly, rushing river water, the caverns opened up to exotic rock formations with equally interesting and descriptive names. The Birthing Canal formation — where you squeeze through to reach the next cavern, the flat-topped table-like Altar formation where fossils of smooth sand-colored Callista clam seashells overlap one another. Finally, we come to a magnificent orange rock formation in the shape of the local papaya fruit — hence the name “La Papaya”. Mother Nature at her finest.

At one point, Elvis dared us to turn off our headlamps. We flicked them off and were plunged into complete and utter darkness — pitch black. This made me realize how glad we were to have such friendly and accommodating guides in this underground maze. I am not sure it would be so easy to find our way out alone, even with our headlamps switched on.

The waterfall

After squeezing through some tight crevasses and following the winding limestone maze, we wound up standing under Costa Rica’s only known accessible underground waterfall. We stood under the cold splash as Carlos snapped several pictures and wondered where this otherworldly river originated. The locals have no idea, but it is fresh and clean and clear.

Costa Rica's Underground Waterfall Venado — The underground waterfall.

Unusual underground experience

For those travelers interested in adventure and a change from the typical touristy beach surfers and zip lining crowd, the caverns offer the perfect antidote. This one-and-a-half-hour tour can also fill in as a great rainy-day activity. There’s enough here to keep the interest of adults and kids alike. They also offer the opportunity enjoy a typical local Costa Rican Casado lunch after your tour for a modest $7USD. Venado truly offers a memorable natural exotic Costa Rican adventure.

Things to know

This is an adventurous tour, so you will get dirty and wet. Wear light, quick-drying clothes or bring a change. Bring a plastic bag to carry your wet clothes, too. And don’t forget a bathing suit and towel if you are going to swim in the pool.

This is not the tour for you if you are claustrophobic. It involves moderate climbing, some crawling and wading through flowing river water. Older travelers may not want to climb through the smaller more cramped passageways, but most of the caverns have alternative routes that offer easier access. The guides will offer you the option to choose which routes you want to take.

Cost in US Dollars

$28 per person for private guided tour and gear

$20 per couple for photographer and DVD (optional but highly recommended)

$7 per person for lunch (optional)

Contact Information:

Venado Caves website: https://www.cavernasdelvenadocr.com

Address: Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Email: cavernasdelvenado@hotmail.com

Phone: (506) 2478-8008

Cell: (506) 8653-2086

Cell: (506) 8560-5909

9 Top San Diego Tiki Bars And Speakeasies

It’s no wonder wonder that San Diego is a Mecca of Tiki style. The city’s climate makes it the perfect place to enjoy a tropical cocktail. Plus, each August, Tiki Oasis, “the largest and longest-running festival for lovers of Island Lifestyle,” takes place over several days in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley.

Less well-known is San Diego’s enduring link to prohibition culture and speakeasies.

In the 1920’s, bootleggers, Hollywood celebrities, and possibly a British aristocrat, were fond of heading south into Mexico where parties flowed with booze along the Ensenada Playa and in the clubs of Tijuana. Enterprising restauranteurs in San Diego soon opened illegal bars of their own, gambling they could turn a profit by stealing some of that clientele.

Here are the best bars in San Diego to connect with the city’s Tiki and speakeasy history. Bottoms up!

1. Speakeasy: The Charles Kenneth, Carlsbad

One enterprising Prohibition-era entrepreneur in San Diego’s North County was hotel and restaurant proprietor Eddie Kentner. He created a secret watering hole behind a chicken butcher room where, with the touch of a button, the butcher could notify the bartender to spin the shelves and clear the tables whenever the police showed up. The officers would find nothing but leaves in tins behind the bar and patrons innocuously sipping on tea.

Now, nearly 100 years later, the same speakeasy concrete bunker has been recreated by Chef Rob Ruiz, owner of the Land & Water Co. restaurant. Ruiz found the old bar in the basement of Land & Water while renovating, and has toiled long to recreate an authentic accurate gin-joint vibe, arranging the small space with low-key furniture and offering only cocktails — in keeping with the historical records.

There’s a dress code at The Charles Kenneth on the weekends too! (No ball caps, tank tops, shorts, or sandals.)

Those who long to tipple in the intimate space may gain entrance with a daily password that can be found on the website or Instagram account under, @thecaptaincharleskenneth. Lines to enter have been considerable for this 44-seat bar, but patrons dining at Land & Water get preferential treatment.

There are occasional Tiki nights — check Instagram for more.

2. Tiki: False Idol, Little Italy

The city’s largest and glitziest Tiki hang-out is set secretively in Little Italy. You’ll need a reservation to access the entrance hidden inside the restaurant, Craft and Commerce. Beyond a hidden door is a grown-up’s playground complete with a waterfall and torches. Classic tropical drinks and updates of older recipes at False Idol won’t disappoint.

3. Speakeasy: 101 Proof, Oceanside

South of Camp Pendleton and downtown Oceanside, the 101 Proof speakeasy opened in a repurposed bank building as part of Urge Gastropub. Set off historical Highway 101, you won’t find the bar easily. (But then, that’s part of the allure of a honky-tonk.)

Most enter outside from around the corner of the restaurant through a simple bank door. From inside the restaurant, the speakeasy entrance is through a bookcase. The prevailing recommendation is to eat in Urge and drink in 101 Proof. The décor is passable vintage lux with low light, a tin ceiling, padded banquets and small tables. But the bar is where the action is, and you’ll get the best attention from the staff. Who doesn’t love watching a bartender concoct an elaborate drink? The Tiki drinks are strong and spendy, classic cocktails less so. Enter on Tuesday for Tiki nights.

Downtown San Diego is peppered with cool speakeasies, but you have to know where to find them!

4. Tiki: Cat Eye Club, Downtown East Village

A smallish bar that you enter through the Blind Burro, the Cat Eye Club tries hard to live up to its Tiki hype. Focus on the drinks and the cute menu rather than the mash-up décor with Chinese lamps plus a few generic Hawaiian touches, and enjoy the live music on the weekends. There are several drink innovations like a variety of strengths when you order a Painkiller and a few party-sized bowls. Prices are more moderate than at the certifiably hipster Tiki dens in town.

5. Speakeasy: Prohibition, Gaslamp Quarter

This slim space sits behind a plain door painted with the name ‘Eddie O’Hare, Esquire’. Perhaps it’s a nod to the Al Capone lawyer from Chicago who was gunned down in his car, but no one’s saying. Prohibition is one of the few spots in downtown with jazz, and the band gets guests on their feet. The cocktail list rotates with the bartender’s whims but leans toward classics and trendy mixes. This spot isn’t as hard to find as it once was — look for the line and the bouncer.

6. Tiki: The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach

With its entrance hidden behind a Poke Bar, the Grass Skirt pays homage to the Tiki Gods throughout its golden glowing interior. The impressive patio fireplace grins, there are comfy booths, and the bar is long and plentiful. It’s rarely packed on weeknights and prices are more reasonable than at downtown bars.

7. Speakeasy: Noble Experiment, Gaslamp Quarter

Just down the street from Prohibition, Noble Experiment is another drinking den that’s not much of a secret. Reservations have become a necessity but once you’re inside, you’ll appreciate the crowd-control. This is a small bar and keeping the space comfortable gives patrons a chance to check out the interior. Look up! The portraits change!

The bar entrance is through the restaurant ‘Neighborhood,’ and if you find a line near the bathroom, you’re close. (No spoilers here!) Inside, the bartenders are attentive to your preferences, but if you want to get with the theme, order the dealer’s choice as your ‘noble experiment,’ by listing what you’re looking to imbibe. Expect a pricey tab, but the environment is perfect for an impressive date night.

8. Tiki: Miss B’s Coconut Club, Mission Beach

In the early twentieth century, developers were luring families to San Diego with elaborate tent cities. John Spreckels made movies about his vacation paradise on Coronado Island to advertise lots — and his famous Hotel del Coronado. In Mission Beach, JM Asher started a marketing campaign featuring a sexy lass on brochures about the area. Miss B., a clever metaphor for Mission Beach, was a fictitious bathing beauty used to sell lots! Today, her pinup curves decorate a mural in the tropical bar Miss B.s Coconut Club where flashy rum drinks rival her beauty. It’s a quintessential beach club too with huge slide up windows and patio seating just a block from the waves.

9. Speakeasy: Vin de Syrah, Gaslamp Quarter

While not officially a speakeasy, the designers behind Vin de Syrah disguised the entrance to the subterranean bar behind a wall of foliage. Step in and it’s like falling down Alice’s rabbit hole, with vines, chandeliers, private couches, and a style inspired by vintage Paris as much as lounges in New York’s meat-packing district. Wines are featured of course, but there’s also a unique beer list and a selection of cocktails.

Whether you want to explore San Diego’s prohibition past, its Tiki present, or some combination, these recommendations won’t lead you astray.

Ever curious and hungry for adventure, Elaine Masters is a passionate traveler and digital storyteller. As founder of Tripwellgal.com she thrives on variety, from following fishing trends to cocktail culture and uncovering unsung destinations. Elaine hunts for stories, pictures, and video across the planet from her San Diego base. A scuba diving and seafood fanatic, she agrees with Helen Keller that, “Life’s an adventure or nothing.”

How To Choose The Best Safari

If you’re planning a safari, you have to consider the types of animals you want to see, the landscapes that inspire you, who’s coming with you, and what you can afford. Here are a few recommendations to help you choose the best safari, whatever your needs may be.

1. For First-Timers: Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

First-time safari adventurers worry about many things, but catching an exotic illness is a chief concern among them. Malaria is a big issue, but travelers aren’t eager to catch any of the diseases that mosquitoes can pass on to their unwitting, unwilling victims. Because of that, you should head to South Africa for your first safari. It tends to be a bit safer than locations in East Africa, and that goes for its wildlife reserves, as well.

It may cost you up to $1,000 per night, but a stay at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is ideal. It’s a private reserve specializing in the Big Five, which means that you get to see the most sought-after animals during your first trip. (The lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.)

The reserve is quite close to the Garden Route, as well as Marakele National Park, which is nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Waterberg.

2. Family Time: Chongwe River House

Found in Zambia, the Chongwe River House is nothing less than magical. Featuring accommodations built from timbers and thatch, the reserve sits on the banks of the Chongwe River. From the River House, you get stunning views of the Zambezi National Park. The staff is there to cater to you and the little ones, and it includes a guide, both a host and a hostess, a team of housekeepers, and a chef. Due to its position on the river, you’ll have the opportunity to take a canoe on the water or go on a walking safari. Only children over 12 are allowed on the safari trips, but the staff members at the River House are happy to occupy younger children.

Chongwe River House safari — Chongwe River House. Kiwi Collection

3. Best Budget Safari: Okonjima Plains Camp

Most safaris, be they in Africa or on another continent, range between $800-$1,000 per person per night, which is pretty pricey. Do your due diligence when it comes to research, however, and you’re sure to find a deal. In fact, you can find safari opportunities for as low as $183 per night, per person, and that ain’t too shabby. All you have to do is limit your search to spots that value the dollar. In those countries, it’s easier to get more for your money, although you have to understand that you won’t get luxury accommodations.

At the Okonjima Plains Camp in Namibia, however, you’ll get something even better than luxury: relaxation. The lodge has a laid-back, low-key atmosphere and plenty of amenities that will make it feel like home. Besides, if you need a few extras, you can book one of the 10 View Rooms, which include comfy reading chairs, desks, and their own verandas. FYI, those high-luxe rooms are the ones you can snag for less than $200 a night. The opportunities to see animals are worth twice as much — the area in which it’s located, the Central Highlands, have thriving populations of cheetahs, leopards, and lions.

4. Where Nature Meets Luxury: The Highlands

The Highlands is a luxury camp located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania. You can stay in one of the eight suites made of domed canvas. For all their amenities, they lend a feeling of authenticity—you’re staying in a high-class camp, and that’s exactly how it feels. The suites boast spacious king-sized beds, where you’re sure to have the sweetest dreams with a forest noise soundtrack. A wood-burning stove will keep you cozy, while expansive windows open up floor-to-ceiling views of the landscape beyond your room. Each morning, peek out to see which animals have crept up to greet the sun and say “hello.”

You won’t have trouble spotting creatures that you’ve likely only seen on television and in nature magazines. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a haven for dozens, if not hundreds of species, including most of the big safari draws. For example, you have the chance to see black rhinos, majestic elephants, golden jackals, leopards, and lions among others. Bird watching is a popular activity, as well.

If you’re up for it, you can hike straight into the Empakaai Crater. There’s a magnificent lake there where you can often find congregations of vibrant pink flamingos. For a luxury site, prices are fairly competitive: you can snag a suite for around $431 a night per person.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area lions — Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wikimedia Commons

5. Photo Ops: The Maasai Mara National Reserve

Not quite as overcrowded as the Serengeti safaris in Tanzania, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a photographer’s dream come true. You may find yourself tripping over other shutterbugs, but it’s worth it. The first shot you snag of one of the big cats will convince you of that. You should jump at the chance to go up in a hot air balloon, which offers unparalleled panoramic views of the area.

Most safaris take place on the African continent, but the countries within are so diverse that you have a wide array of options. What kind of safari do you want to take?

Want to read more about this topic? Check out Going On Safari? Here’s What To Expect.

7 Reasons To Cruise To Bora Bora

Here’s how a cruise turns a trip to Bora Bora into the perfect vacation, even for the non-beachgoers among us.

1. It’s Romantic

Nothing makes you feel all lovey-dovey quite like a voyage at sea. Maybe it’s the salt-sea air, the stars wheeling overhead as you stand on the deck staring off into the moonlight, reflecting off the waves below. Or maybe it’s the easy access to all the alcohol you want. Whatever the cause, there’s something about a cruise that lends itself to romance. Even if you’re traveling alone, who’s to say you can’t find a new friend aboard the SS Love Connection? And there’s so much on a cruise ship for two people to do together. Dining, dancing, and lounging poolside are just a few of the things two lovebirds can do at sea. Forget the inter-island flights and taxi cabs, sea travel is the most amorous means of transportation.

2. You’re On A Floating Resort

One can’t think about Bora Bora without images of those iconic overwater bungalows springing to mind. Your cruise ship is basically a floating overwater bungalow, complete with restaurants, a gym, a spa, and much more. There’s no scouring the streets looking for an affordable meal. All that’s missing is the thatched roof and the risk of an accidental swim as you traverse the dock to your stilted bungalow after one too many Mai Tais. Of course, you can always book a night or two at an overwater bungalow just before or after your cruise, should the mood strike you.

bora bora turquoise water dock — Flickr / wasserberg

3. One Fee, No Surprises

When staying at an island resort, the costs can add up quickly and you could find yourself spending far more money than you had anticipated. When on a cruise, you already know what you’re paying. Meals, entertainment, transportation between destinations, and certain activities are already factored into the price. This means you won’t be scratching your head at the end of your vacation wondering where all your money went. A cruise can be a great way to squeeze the most enjoyment out of your vacation budget.

4. You Can Leave The Logistics To The Experts

On a cruise ship, the staff’s job is to show you a good time, and they know just how to do it. You want to have as much fun as possible with the least amount of planning possible. Leave the experts to worry about getting you from A to B while you swim in the pool or get a massage. If you want to go snorkeling, kayaking, or even go for a bike ride on an island, they provide you easy access to the gear you need to partake in the activity of your choosing. A cruise lets you spend less time planning and more time having fun!

Floating bungalows Bora Bora — Pixabay / 12019

5. There’s Something For Everyone

There are four cruise lines that specialize in journeys through French Polynesia. Aranui can provide you with an immersive cultural experience thanks to their Polynesian staff. The smaller sailing yachts of Windstar Cruises offer an intimate, more laid-back voyage. Oceania Cruises have their acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub, cuisine curated by world-renowned chef Jacques Pépin, and a country club casual atmosphere. Paul Gauguin Cruises will keep you in the lap of luxury with their own private island, a private white sand beach in Bora Bora, and even an onboard casino.

6. There Are Plenty Of Fish (And Islands) In The Sea

Bora Bora’s great, don’t get us wrong. You know what else is great? Tahiti. Moorea. And let’s not forget Huahine. There are many beautiful islands scattered about the area (more than you can hit in a cruise, even), so why would you want to limit yourself to just one? Each island has its own traits and offerings, and a cruise is the best way to maximize your exposure to all Micronesia has to offer. It’s hard to beat the view from a cruise ship as you approach yet another tropical paradise. Trust me, it never gets old. Flying from island to island costs you both time and money, but aboard a cruise ship the cost is already factored in, and your time is spent is relaxing in a manner you see fit, rather than crammed into an aircraft.

7. Don’t Worry: You’ll Get To Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a beautiful, wonderful place, so naturally, most cruise itineraries will get you there. You’ll get to see Mount Otemanu, the lagoonarium (a natural aquarium), and Bora Bora’s largest city: Vaitape. Dining out in Bora Bora can put a hurt on your wallet, but there are affordable restaurant options such as Fare Manuia, La Bounty, or any of the small and budget-friendly cafes scattered throughout the island. There’s a lot to do in Bora Bora, but snorkeling in the coral gardens is a must-do activity during your visit.

French Polynesia has a lot to offer, and a cruise ship allows you to cast a wide net to catch as many great memories as you can.

6 Destinations You May Not Have Heard Of

Props to you if you’ve heard of any of these places, but if you haven’t you’re not alone and you’ll definitely want to consider checking them out if you’re traveling abroad this year!

1. Djibouti

It’s pronounced “ji-BOOTY.”

Located in the Horn of Africa, the French and Arabic speaking Djibouti has extensive desert space, volcanos, and some of the saltiest water in the world in Lake Assal, one of the country’s biggest landmarks.

The country only became a member of the United Nations in 1970, and perhaps that partly explains why it’s known by so few people.

Interesting fact: fresh water is such a rare commodity here that some people will actually accept bottled water for payment in lieu of money.

If you’re planning a trip, you’ll likely want to stay in the capital, Djibouti City, a uniquely constructed city built on coral reefs.

Decan is a nearby wildlife reserve that gives visitors a unique opportunity to see lots of endangered species, and when you get back into town, stop at the upscale gourmet restaurant called Cafe de la Gare for some phenomenal French-themed food in an elegant setting.

Djibouti beach — Djibouti. Pixabay / MJO

2. Nauru

How well known is Nauru, an island country in Micronesia? Well, the stats show that there were only 200 tourists “in the know” enough to visit in 2011.

It’s such a shock because one simple Google search will show you hundreds of beautiful images showcasing the country and its bountiful coral reefs. Of course, that makes it an excellent destination for avid snorkelers, as there are plenty of dynamic diving spots worth checking out.

The country established its independence roughly 50 years ago, and it still has no capital city, making it the only country in the world without one.

A relatively small island, there’s only room for two hotels, so book ahead and know that you’ll have limited selection! But you also won’t have to fight the crowds.

3. Malta

Malta, an island off the coast of Sicily, has a rich history of constant conflict and warring over its ownership. It belonged to the Phoenicians, Arabs, Romans, and Napoleon at one point in time and it only earned its independence in the 1960s.

With ancient forts, churches, and communities, there’s lots of touring to be done, although the entire island can be traversed in a matter of hours. Oh, and fear not: after all that sightseeing, you can relax on one of many gorgeous beaches.

This island serves as a port-of-call on some Mediterranean cruises, but it’s so beautiful that a whole trip could be built around it.

You might not have heard of Malta, but you’re likely familiar with the Maltese dog which came from it. That means you can blame the Maltese people the next time you hear some incessant yipping from your neighbor’s little dog! (They also have a pretty famous falcon, if you recall…)

Malta harbor — Maltese harbor at sunset. Pixabay / kirkandmimi

4. Brunei

The locals are pretty friendly in Brunei, and perhaps that’s because no one pays any taxes! It only has a population of around 500,000 people, but it’s one of the richest states in the entire world. That explains why citizens also get free education, healthcare, and much of their living expenses covered.

Mostly Muslim (and strictly so, by the law) the nation has lots of interesting mosques to visit. There’s also a religious festival called Qurban every year for which the Sultan (yes, the Sultan) orders goats, cattle, and buffalo.

The Royal Regalia Museum and Gadong Night Market are two highly-reviewed spots in Brunei that you might want to explore if you’re planning a visit, and check out Pondok Sari Wangi for some delicious curried stir-fries.

Be forewarned: Brunei has become more authoritarian in recent years. It’s not the best destination for LGBT travelers, solo female travelers, or anyone who might be inclined to drink or make derogatory remarks about the Sultan.

5. Kiribati

Kiribati, a nation in the middle of the Pacific, is made up of 33 tiny islands. But put together, they’re quite significant in size, rivalling New York City. It’s difficult to see them all on one trip because some of them take six hours to fly between, so choose wisely.

Kiritimati, Tarawa, Tabuaeran, and Banaba Island are some of the top choices to visit, and you’ll find lots of activities like surfing, fishing, and sailing to engage in.

The islands are small so there’s not a wealth of touring to be done on any one island, but there are some old churches and nice white sandy beaches that can occupy you for hours on end. Coral reefs are present off most of the islands, so snorkeling is definitely recommended.

6. Kyrgyzstan

Surrounded by the glorious mountains of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect travel destination for anyone who fancies themselves a horseback riding fan. (And anyone who wants to go somewhere most people have never heard of or thought about.)

With horseback riding being so prominent, there are some fun, yet unusual festivities that center around it like the kyz kuumai where a man riding a horse tries to steal a kiss from another woman on horseback. The punishment if he loses? Oh, she just gets to beat him with a whip…

The Ala-Archa Gorge is a beautiful mountainous region worth exploring for a day, and the Altyn Arashan hot springs are the perfect place to relax. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, Kyrgyzstan is a haven of activity and has loads of great picture opportunities.

That being said: Kyrgyzstan is a former Soviet Republic, and corruption is rife. It’s not the destination for you if you’re looking for stability and luxury. It’s definitely an adventure.

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s off the beaten path, consider one of these destinations. Then, when you get home, you can teach your friends that they exist!