Archive for the ‘North America’ Category

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Oranjestad

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Oranjestad is Aruba’s capital city. Locally, however, it is only referred to as “Playa” in the Papiamento language. Unlike other cities that have to undergo transformations before becoming the capital, Oranjestad was the capital from the very moment it was established in 1796. The name comes from King Willem van Oranje-Nassau. After all, Aruba is part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. Oranjestad has a population of 35 thousand people according to the latest measurement.

The city of Oranjestad is found in the Caribbean island of Aruba. However, it is also part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. So when you are in the city, you will be surprised by the tropical setting being venues to Dutch architecture. The European influences are less blatant compared to other Dutch territories, however. However, the tropical beaches are enough to make you very interested. If you are visiting Oranjestad or any other part of Aruba, you do have to be prepared financially – touring the island can be quite expensive. It is all worth it though because Oranjestad is a beauty and its people are warm and friendly.

You can fly to Aruba, stopping on Reina Beatrix International Airport, which is 1.55 miles from the center of Oranjestad. When in Oranjestad, you can get around by taxi, bus, tram, or by hired car or motorcycle. If you are not planning to go around much, sticking to the city center, you may be better off walking or going for public transport such as a taxi or a bus. However, if you want to reach more destinations within the city and the whole island, you may have to rent a car. Tropical in climate, Oranjestad benefits from the cool trade winds; the average temperature is at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Usually, Aruba’s visitors are required to present a passport valid for at least three months. If you are from the United States, however, presenting a birth certificate and identification card may be enough. However, you should also accompany the documents with either a naturalization or alien registration certificate if you are not originally from the United States. You are also required to present your return ticket.

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Tasiilaq

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Tasiilaq, also known as Ammassalikk is situated on the east coast of Greenland and south of the Arctic Circle. The village is located in a fjord which is used to protect citizens from open sea, it also has a harbor surrounded by high mountains. As of latest measurement the village Tasiilaq has a population of only 2500 people.

When traveling to Tasiilaq you need to understand it’s an actual village, there’s not many social supplies or any nightlife activity. Within the village you will find a hotel, restaurant, hospital, helicopter station, post office and bookshop. Most of the locals are fisherman and hunters, only a fraction works regular jobs in the bigger cities. Tasiilaq was founded by Danish explorers back in 1894 when it was named Ammassalik meaning “the village with lots of ammassats” as in small fish, it’s official name Tasiilaq means “the one that looks like a lake”. The municipality name hasn’t been changed and is still called Ammassalip Kummunia.

The easiest way to travel to Tasiilaq is to fly from Keflavík International Airport (Reykjavik) in Iceland. There’s several airlines that fly directly to Kulusuk Airport nearby Tasiilaq, from there you can take an helicopter or choose to continue by boat. Most hotels and campgrounds offer a pickup service if you have booked in advance. The village is small to be explored on foot, how ever a fit body is required due to the many hills going up and down along with the road. To explore nearby villages and settlement such as Kummiut, Sermimiligaq and Isortoq you will need to book a boat or helicopter.

The best sightseeing on Tasiilaq is the one you create yourself. Simply hike around the island with your cam ready! There’s also several tours being offered such as iceberg watching or the nearby abandoned village of Ikkatteq. Helicopter tours are also popular for visiting nearby glaciers. The travel destination Tasiilaq should only attract those who are into hiking, kayaking, alpine climbing and nature at it’s finest.

To travel to Tasiilaq or any other destination in Greenland, tourists will have to follow the entry requirements of Denmark. Basically, this means that US citizens traveling to Nuuk do not have to have a visa if they only plan on staying for up to three months. Only a passport is necessary.

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David

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

David is the capital city of the Chiriqui province in the country of Panama. It’s a relatively affluent city with basic living requirements such as concrete houses, energy and clean water. The Pain-American Highway a popular route to David. As of latest measurement the city of David has a population of 140 thousand people.

David is also Panama’s second largest city, yet only recently the city has become popular travel destination among backpackers and other travelers. With as main reasons it’s easy access point from Paso Canoas, Costa Rica or Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica as well it’s low prices for accommodation and daily needs. Because of its popularity increase, Panama’s beauty and value has gained international attention as well an new development of tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants. Several new “backpackers resorts” has been opened such as Purple House Int’l Backpacker Hostel or the Bambu Hostel which even has a pool.

David city is where you won’t find tens of “must see hot-spots” regardless there’s plenty to do. Gambling is allowed by law so there’s several casino’s to be found. Of which the most popular ones are Royal Casino and Fiesta Casino. Other nightlife activities include clubs and bars which are open till late, there’s a small cover fee of $3 us and drinks Carta Vieja Rum (Panama’s Rum) go for $20 us a bottle. Other activities include trips to the beach, snorkeling, scuba or shopping areas, a lunch or dinner ordering local cuisine meals.

United States visitors need to purchase a tourist card upon arrival to Panama. The validity of the card can be extended up to 90 days, depending on the decision of the embassy or immigration officials.

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Ponce

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

The city of Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico just outside the San Juan metropolitan area. Ponce hosts the governmental seat as well various Government of Puerto Rico just like the Judiciary. It’s also the regional center for Commonwealth and federal government agencies. As of latest measurement the city Ponce has a population of 200 thousand people.

The city of Ponce is according to travelers as well locals the best place to experience an true old colonial town of Puerto Rico. Here you will rich Puerto Rican culture and unique architecture among a charming laid back ambiance which is complete opposite of the buzzing city and nightlife of it’s capital San Juan. Travelers should be aware of the fact, even being the island’s 2nd largest city there’s no steady nightlife and simply one downtown city square. Ponce’s main income in the last century came from the sugar growing industry creating great wealth which they invested accordingly in construction, today’s history and culture make Ponce the cultural center of the south with as nickname “Pearl of the south”.

Of course that’s not the only reason why tourists visit Ponce, it also houses several impressive sightseeing’s such as museums, classy opera houses and cathedrals of which most of them are situated around the main square Plaza las Delicias including; Parque de Bombas, Casa Alcaldía (City Hall), Catedral de la Guadalupe, La Guancha Paseo Tablado, Castillo Serralles, Casa de la Masacre de Ponce, The Museum of Puerto Rican Music and the Ponce Museum of Art.

Because Puerto Rico is a United States territory, you follow US rules when visiting. If arriving straight from the United States, Americans do not need a passport or a visa to enter Puerto Rico. Only a valid ID card is needed.

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San Fernando

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

The City of San Fernando is the largest city in Trinidad and Tobago, directly followed by Port of Spain and the second largest municipality after Chaguanas. It’s situated in the south west of the island. The city is surrounded in the north by the Guaracara River, the south by the Oropouche River, the east by the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, and the west by the Gulf of Paria. Locally, the Trinidadians refer to San Fernando as Sando. As of latest measurement San Fernando has a population of 75 thousand people.

San Fernando is built on the San Fernaando Hill and can be easily reached from domestic destinations such as Port of Spain, Chaguanas and other cities North and Central via the S.S Erin Road and Southern Main Road. Once in the city there’s bus connections available, as well minivans (Maxi Taxi) and car rentals. San Fernando is a city of medium size, local sightseeing’s can be easily explored.

San Fernando sightseeing include the San-Ferando Hill and San Fernando Mission, though experiencing the city itself can be considered sightseeing as it offers many shopping areas such as High Street, it’s main shopping street, as well Gulf City Shopping Complex, the largest mall in the Southland area which is covered by a suburban Gulf View. Nightlife and restaurants can be found in the city center, a few good ones include Soong’s Great Wall Restaurant, Jenny’s Wok and the Golden Dragon. All of the restaurants serve local and international cuisine. After a meal, dance the night away in popular clubs such as Sting and The Edge, unless of course, you prefer cozier night spots and smaller crowds proceed to Horace’s, Richie’s, Tree House, TGIF or Uncle Sam’s.

If you are from the United States, you do not need a visa to stay in Trinidad and Tobago for a maximum of three months. You do need your return ticket and valid passport to gain entry. You will need other permits, such as student permits or working permits, if you are not visiting as a tourist.

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Winnipeg

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, a province in Canada. It’s situated in south central Canada at the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies and the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, also known as The Forks, as well near the longitudinal center of North America. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 750 thousand people.

Travelers to the city of Winnipeg are ensured to experience a unique mixture of culture, art and history as well it’s lively reputation. Taking a stroll through downtown and city center area’s allows you to enjoy it’s museums, shopping malls, restaurants and spacious parks. The city has tourists from all over the world, it’s an popular destination due to festivals and events being hold.

Winnipeg is a large, spread out city, which means it can take a while to get around. As well that Winnipeg in general not a walking-centric city. It’s best to travel around by rental car or taxi’s, the public transportation system is very advanced for travelers on a budget. Winnipeg’s main arteries all contain boulevards which extremely wide by world standards, with Main Street has ten lanes where it meets Portage Avenue downtown. When in city, there’s several sightseeing’s worth visiting including; Statue Look, The Forks, The Royal Canadian Mint, The Exchange District National Historic Site, The Aboriginal Centre, Manitoba Legislative Building and St. Boniface.

US citizens traveling to Winnipeg, Canada are required to have a US passport, but visas are not needed. There has been some confusion with regards to entry requirements to Canada, so before leaving, it is important to get up-to-date information on the exact requirements needed to travel to Winnipeg, Canada.

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Montreal

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Montreal or Montréal in French originally known as “Ville Marie” City of Mary, is the largest city in the province Quebec, and the largest city in Canada. Montreal’s name comes from Mont Royal, the triple peaked hill located in the center of the city. As of latest measurement the city of Montreal has 3.6 million residents, ranking it the 6th largest city across Canada and the United States.

The city of Montreal is modern and of high technology with a rich culture and history, as well it’s reputation of being one of the liveliest cities in North America. The city has a great mix of cultures from all over the world, it’s internationally renowned, and many tourists worldwide come to visit the city, no matter which season. It’s high number of events, festivals and sightseeing’s is what draws interests. Year round there are music, humor, sports and other international scaled events being hold in the city.

Once you’re in Montreal there’s many sightseeing’s and activities that can’t be missed, and best of all there’s something for everyone. It’s numerous museums, churches, historic sites, science centers, spacious parks and modern shopping malls with extra facilities like cinema’s and game arcades. Some of the more unique sightseeing’s include the Casino de Montréal, Olympic Stadium, Le Plateau or simply walking around Downtown Montreal viewing the skyscrapers.

US citizens traveling to Montreal, Canada are required to have a US passport, but visas are not needed. There has been some confusion with regards to entry requirements to Canada, so before leaving, it is important to get up-to-date information on the exact requirements needed to travel to Montreal, Canada.

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Flatts Village

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Flatts Village is a small settlement in the country of Bermuda, situated on the southern bank of Flatt’s Inlet in the Hamilton Parish. It’s located exactly between the two incorporated municipalities Hamilton and Saint George. It is one of the earliest settled areas in Bermuda. As of latest measurement the village of Flatts has a population of several thousand people.

Today’s peaceful Flatts Village is still as charming as was in its early days. Now, as then, travelers are being welcomed by a cluster of pastel-painted cottages, well maintained yards and palm trees, yet nowadays travelers can also enjoy true world class sightseeing and natural wonders. Flatts Village, halfway from Hamilton and Saint George’s overlooks the unique inland sea of Harrington Sound, which has caves and marine life with at least 100 varieties of sponges. The village has incarnated itself for centuries as a thriving port, a haven for sailors and enjoyment for fishermen.

Several modern sightseeing’s include the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. Which are home to more than 200 species of fish. It’s the leading center of marine research, and perfectly situated in Flatts Village. Besides the fact Flatts Village is a good stop by for sailors, it’s also a good environment for family and romantic holidays. It’s locals are friendly, as well the shops and restaurants on walking distance from most accommodations. As well the fact that Flatts Village offers you a opportunity for an reality look into the lifestyle of the Bermudian culture.

American travelers to Flatts Village and Bermuda need a passport that is valid for al least six months. A visa may not be necessary, but you do need an onward or return ticket.

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Saint George

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Saint George, formally known as Town of St. George, and often confused with it’s parish and island name St. George is the second town and former capital of Bermuda. Saint George is described as the oldest, continually inhabited English settlement in the new world, founded in 1612 and served as capital of Bermuda until eclipsed by Hamilton in 1815. As of latest measurement the city of Saint George has a population of 2 thousand people.

St George’s was Bermuda’s original and first settlement, it’s situated in the east of the country. St George is a popular travel destination in Bermuda, providing pleasant and relaxing sightseeing’s for travelers. There’s daily tours around the Parish of Saint George, as well a walking tour which goes by museums and local shops. Lunch and dinner are taking place in charming restaurants where local and international cuisine are being served.

The center of St. George is located at King’s Square featuring whipping devices to punish criminals and the Town Hall, which located right behind one of Bermuda’s oldest buildings, the State House, dated from 1619. In the area of King’s Square there’s a lot of art galleries and several museums. St. George has a good size to explore the city by foot, it has many beautiful narrow streets to wonder around in. There’s many well maintained gardens which are colored by paw-paw and banana trees. There’s horse drawn buggy rides used as transportation to sightseeing locations such as St. David Island, Fort St. Catherine and Clearwater Beach.

American travelers to Saint George and Bermuda need a passport that is valid for al least six months. A visa may not be necessary, but you do need an onward or return ticket.

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Mayaguana

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Mayaguana is the least developed and most isolated island, and district of the Bahamas. It’s located in the east of the Bahamas island group and has been uninhabited until 1812 when people began to migrate from the nearby Turks Islands. As of latest measurement it’s home to approximately 300 people. Mayaguana has never seen major growth.

The island and city are considered a halfway point between South Florida and Puerto Rico, it’s about 450 miles off Palm Beach, Florida. It’s also a popular stopover for yachts on their way to the Caribbean. Even though Mayaguana is small, it’s still a important island, which is the Bahamian way of saying it’s an ideal getaway for travelers that adore and seek footprint-free beaches, sport fishing and reef diving. The main form of transportation to Mayaguana is the mailboat, which transports mail, and from time to time a small group of adventurous travelers. You can also rent a private boat to take you to the island.

The largest settlement in Mayaguana is Abraham’s Bay on the south coast, other settlements include neighboring towns like Betsy Bay and Pirate’s Well in the northwest. The uninhabited areas of the north shore; Upper Point, Northeast Point, and Southeast Point are not accessible by road. The average tourist comes to Mayaguana for relaxation, there’s no big city, city life or any other potential stress factors that affect your day. The beach is white and foot print free, you can walk far down the water without it being deep, therefore fishing is a popular sport locally.

The best time to visit Mayaguana is from May to September, when the summer is in full swing. US tourists do not need a visa to travel to Mayaguana. All that is needed is a valid passport, return tickets, and proof of sufficient funds for the entire trip.

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