Antigua, Guatemala recognized as the top tourism city in 2009

The British magazine Wanderlust designated Antigua, Guatemala as ”the best city for 2009” in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2009; announcing the awards at the end of the Destinations Travel Show, in London.

The colonial city took first place over cities such as Kyoto, Japan; Boston, MA; and 600 other worldwide destinations.

The travel event was held in London from 5th through the 8th of February, and Wanderlust took advantage of the venue to announce the winners its travel awards.

This specialized tourism publication also announced travel awards for the best country, travel agency, travel guidebook and airline; as determined by readership selection, in which they express their satisfaction with a specific destination.

For more info go to www.visitguatemala.com.

2009 San Pedro Lobster Festival

Come joinin celebrating the second annual San Pedro Lobster Festival. Named by Fodor’s as one of the 100 “must attend” events around the world, The San Pedro Lobster Festival will be held during the week of June 20, 2009 in San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye.

Enjoy 8 days of festivities and all delicious fresh lobster you can eat. From June 14th to June 21st, 2008 enjoy fun in the sun, sand under your toes, a Belikin beer in hand and a variety of mouth-watering lobster dishes in your belly… What could be better?

Well, how about a Town Block Party featuring live musical performances, fresh peel n’ eat shrimp, the crowning of the Lobsterfest King and Queen, dancing and much much more? How about a variety of events and activities celebrating the start of Lobster season in Belize. You can enjoy all of this, and much much more… Stroll down front street to the delightful shops around Central Park, enjoy the friendly Belizean Culture and dance the night away to the sounds of a Reggae, Calypso or good old Rock and Roll Band like The Fat Cats… Life doesn’t get much sweeter than this. Get more information about this event at http://www.sanpedrolobsterfest.com/

Volunteer Vacations to Guatemala

Airline employees are know for their dedication to worthy causes. Just look at Airline Ambassadors for proof. If you are looking for a rewarding vacation then look at a volunteer vacation. This is not a case of all work, no play. In fact you might be surprised when you come home how much fun you had and how tired you are, yet tired in a good way. Guatemala is a country that has embraced volunteer vacations and has become a place where more and more people go to experience this special kind of a vacation.

After decades of civil war, the now stable democracy of Guatemala offers a multi-layered, mix-and-match vacation experience with more than a dozen ecosystems to explore in a country the size of Virginia. In mere hours, you can venture from steamy coastal wetlands to chilly cloud forests, or trek to an indigenous Mayan village and be back in town for late-night salsa dancing. The best part? You can do it all while pitching in to improve the country and the lives of its people.

Guatemala is host to hundreds of environmentally and socially conscious projects in need of volunteers, each offering a unique way to experience this culturally and ecologically rich land. So whether you want to spend a day or two saving turtles or weeks building houses, there are voluntourism treks for you. Here are some of the country? best.

Help a Fair Trade Farm
Comunidad Nueva Alianzais a fair trade organic coffee and macadamia nut plantation with an inspiring history. In the late ?0s, the owner failed to pay the 40 families working here, leaving them without enough money even ?o buy a ball of soap,?as one resident tells it. So the families organized, booted the boss, and were awarded collective ownership of the land by the government. The environmentally conscious farm is now nearly self-sustaining with biodiesel, hydropower, and bio-gas from pig and cow waste, but the workers are still paying off the mortgage. Help out by dropping in for a visit or staying on as a farm volunteer. The former owner? home has been converted to a rustic eco lodge that serves tasty vegetarian meals, and a two-day eco tour ($33) includes a guided hike through the rainforest to learn about medicinal plants, along with visits to scenic waterfalls. Tours leave Xela every Saturday morning from Parque Central. Reservations are made at Caf?onciencia in the picturesque city of Quetzaltenango.

Clear the Air
In many rural village homes, women spend hours indoors cooking over an open fire for their families. That means they?e breathing in black smoke every day, and their children live dangerously close to open flames. One simple solution is to build an enclosed plancha stove with a chimney to carry the smoke up and out. These stoves also help curb deforestation because they heat more efficiently. Materials cost about $125, though, which is a prohibitive amount for a village family. Enter the Pacaxjoj Community Stove Project, one of several in Guatemala to provide families with cement or adobe planchas built using volunteer help. Pitch in and be a brick-layer for a day and you?l get a taste of rural village life. Plan to stay in nearby Quetzaltenango, which also makes a great base for gorgeous volcano hikes with Quetzaltrekkers, a guide team that donates all its profits to a school for local homeless children. The best days for stove building are Thursday and Saturday. Trips to the village leave from Quetzaltenango (e-mail: estufasmejoradas@gmail.com).

Green the Highlands
Tierra Verde means ?reen land,?and that? the goal of this new reforestation project in the Guatemalan Highlands. When Hurricane Stan hit in 2005, the devastating mudslides were caused not so much by rain and wind as by the dearth of trees?heir roots would have helped keep soil in place on steep inclines. Now, this group of eco-minded expats and locals is rebuilding the villages as well as the forests. They?e currently tending more than 10,000 pine, white Cyprus, and eucalyptus seedlings that you can help plant from June to September, all while enjoying the region? breathtaking views and misty mountain air (e-mail:tierrav@gmail.com). After a hard day? work, treat yourself to a hot soak at Las Fuentes Georginas, where natural thermal pools nestled in verdant cloud forests.

Protect Endangered Turtles
Some experts predict that the leatherback?he largest known turtle?ill go extinct within 30 years. You can help the conservation group Arcasreverse this trend for both leatherbacks and the similarly threatened Olive Ridley sea turtles. While staying near the beach town of Hawaii, you?l assist with nightly beach patrols, search out nesting turtles, and collect their eggs for safekeeping in the hatchery. More intrepid volunteers can also help breed crocodiles and iguanas. Turtle season is June to January.

Bring in a Healthy Harvest
You won? want to miss the jungles and ruins of El Peten, in the north, where you?l be in close proximity to endangered jaguars, tapirs, Morelet? crocodiles, and scarlet macaws. But you can also get a different perspective on the region by visiting the Equilibrium Fund, an organization that trains rural women to organically farm the nutritious Maya nut. The species once grew in abundance throughout Central America but is now threatened with extinction due to deforestation. Since 2001 the group has planted more than 400,000 trees. You can help them plant June through September.

Build a Home
A stint with Habitat for Humanity is more expensive than most volunteer trips in Guatemala ($1,200 to $1,700), but this reputable nonprofit takes the guesswork out of planning. You get: door-to-door service from the airport to everywhere you go; meals and hotels arranged; and an English-speaking local to guide your group and customize extracurriculars. But get ready to work. Half of all the Habitat homes in Latin America are built in Guatemala: 3,000 went up in 2006 alone.

For information on hundreds of other projects, check out the database from EntreMundos. The group keeps tabs on volunteer opportunities across Guatemala, and unlike other voluntourist agencies, will help you find a perfect fit for practically nothing (suggested donation $5).

Common Misconceptions About Travel to Panama

Panama is in Central America. Outside of the Panama Canal most people know little about this amazing country. As a result a lot of people don’t understand what this country has to offer and what they are missing.

Common Misconceptions About Panama Travel:

1. It? Far – most folks are shocked to know just how close Panama is to the U.S. and Canada. Panama is just a 3 hour flight from Miami, 4 from Atlanta and Houston. Not only is it a quick flight, but a surprising number of airlines offer direct service, including: Newark, D.C., LAX, Houston, Amsterdam and Madrid.
2. The City Is Not Worth Seeing – Quite the opposite. Panama City is a cultural hub, the only place in Panama with plenty of hotel options (although frequently sold out), is nearby a handful of great national parks, native indians, and is far more modernized and sophisticated than 99% of visitors expect. Two nights inPanamaCityare a must.
3. There? a Beach Resort Area - Nope. Panama? large-scale development basically stops at The Canal. Once you head over The Bridge of the Americas into what is known as ?he interior? there isn? a whole lot going on. That is a big part of the reason why you need to see it, but beach tourism and resort development is just not a big part of Panama? agenda. There are only 2 major resorts (Decameron and Playa Blanca) and a few more on the way.
4. Panama is Dangerous – Negative. Panama is far safer than many other competing destinations and generally speaking, a darn safe place to visit and live. While many still hold onto the image of Panama as a dangerous, swampy, 3rd world republic with a pineapple faced dictator?his is far from the Panama of 2008.
5. It? Easy To Travel Around – Not so much. Travel times are long, the domestic airlines offer few routes and sub-standard service and private transport is expensive and hard to find. The highway system is excellent, but the road signs are NOT. We’re not trying to discourage you from visiting?ut you need to be careful in creating an itinerary that? realistic given your time constraints. The few semi-developed destinationsPanama does have (Bocas, Boquete, San Blas, Pearl Islands, Pedasi) are a challenge to connect together on one trip?hile of course being sure to factor in ?cts of god?such as aircraft repairs, late arriving drivers, canceled bus services and the like. However, unless you are expecting Disneyland, the challenges are worth the rewards?.g. wide open spaces, pristine beaches, lonely trails, personal service, unspoiled locals.
6. That It? Cheap – It is, and it isn?. Panama is in a weird stage of development where there aren? yet a lot of hotels and there aren? many tourists. Thus, what few hotels there are, especially in the booming city, are PACKED. This has driven up prices a bit. Not to worry though, once you get outside the City and head to places like Pedasi, Bocas and the lesser visited side of Boquete (Volcan) you can actually ?ive like a local?and enjoy such delights at $.50 cent beers and $4 lunches.

While Panama struggles to make it? mark on the tourism radar, plenty of misconceptions about travel here remain. Panama is still 5 years and a dozen quality hotels away from being a bona fide tourism destination. But that is in large part what attracts intrepid travelers who seek the road less traveled. Until then, Panama tourism remains a mystery to most of the world, the early birds will be happy to enjoy the Panama they knew before the throngs arrived. Will you be one of the lucky ones?

White Water Adventures in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known to airline employees for it”’’s great beaches. Many interliners over look the interior of the country which offers great adventures. From zip lines to spas, horse back riding, treks thru the jungle and white water rafting. There is even a butterfly farm and turtle farm for the little ones. Interliners in search of adventure should consider Costa Rica on their next vacation.

Among all of the adventures you can experience, if you only have time for one, then go on a white water adventure. Staying in the capital of San Jose these are day trips from your hotel. Here are the two you should consider:

Pacuare White Water Rafting

This river has been officially declared a Wild and Scenic River, and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding deep inside of one of Costa Rica”’’s most impressive primordial rainforests. You will traverse 18 miles of remote and scenic waters that course through a wilderness of dense vegetation covering the sides of steep gorges that rise above the riverbanks. The thick undergrowth provides shelter for jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of animals and birds. It is 18 miles in length and is rated a Type 3 to Type 4 river trip, which makes it moderate to difficult.Rafters should be physically fit and at least 12 years old, but no previous white-water experience is necessary for this trip. This trip as a day trip will run you just under $120pp.

For those wanting something a little less of an adventure then consider:

Sarapiqu?hite Water Rafting

Winding through the region of the “Eternal Spring,” this river offers some of Costa Rica”’’s most lush and vibrant scenery. Free-flowing, it has its origins in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rainforest, finally joining together in the crystal waters of the beautiful Sarapiqu?Verdant forest reaches right up to the river”’’s sun-basked banks. If Matisse had come to Costa Rica, this is what he would have painted! This trip is about 9 miles long and is rated as Class III, easy-moderate. Minimum age on this trip is 8 years old. The cost should be just under $100pp.

Balsa River Trip

Experience the excitement and adrenalin of white water rafting on this half day adventure on the Balsa San Carlos River with rapids graded 2/3. After meeting with your river guide at your hotel we will drive 30 minutes to the river where the fun begins! You guides explain the safety procedures and safety equipment before embarking down the river. Enjoy up to 2 exhilarating hours of white water action on this beautiful tropical river. Once at the San Carlos Bridge we end our journey, enjoying a swim, some fresh tropical fruits and a cold Costa Rican style ?ichelada?This River is a great option for families and beginners. We recommend the Balsa River for those who are between the ages 7 and 60.

Note: Adventure sports require that you are in good physical condition to participate.

These trips can be done as one day excursions from San Jose. However if you want there are 2 and 3 day trips for the Pacuare trip where you stay at the Pacuare Lodge, a unique jungle oasis nestled in a most remarkable setting.. Modern wooden bungalows with thatched palm roofs are spaced out beneath the trees, providing both privacy and serenity.

Either way, taking one of these wonderful white water adventures in Costa Rica will send you home with stories that will make your fellow interliners envious.

For more information and resort reservations in Costa Rica contact InterlineTravel.com. You can reach them at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at metro 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com.

Top Dive Spots in Belize

Belize is known by airline employees who dive as a diver’s paradise. The cayes (pronounced keys), the offshore atolls, and the barrier reef are the main attractions in Belize. The barrier reef, which is 185 miles long, is the longest in the Western Hemisphere. The cayes are coral sand and/or mangroves islands, that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the reef perimeters of the offshore atolls.

The diving in Belize is breath taking with numerous and varied dive sites to explore. Even though Belize is ranked as one of the top three dive destinations in the Caribbean it has been slower to deveope giving you the luxury of diving uncrowded sites. The majority of dive sites need to be accessed by boat with a few exceptions if you are staying on one of the outer atolls, Tobacco Caye or Southwater Caye. As a diver in Belize you will encounter marine life in all sizes and shapes including 70 types of hard corals and nearly 500 species of fish.

Here are a few tips for planning your dive trip to Belize:

Pack conservatively. Many small aircraft have weight limits.

Pack a carry-on. Include a swimsuit, one change of clothes, basic toiletries and essential dive gear such as your mask, computer and regulator. This way, if your luggage does get lost, you””re still ready to dive.

Carry all your important documentation and valuables in your carry-on luggage or on your person.

Carry a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses.

This is a no-brainer – DO NOT MESS with any drugs.

Make as comprehensive a check list as possible ahead of time, then consult it during the week before leaving on your trip (see below).

Be sure you have all your dive gear and that it is in good condition.

Diving is a strenuous sport. Be sure you are in good cardiovascular condition. Start conditioning months before your trip, not days.

Here is an overview of what we consider to be the top dive spots in Belize….

1) Ambergris Caye – Along the entire length of Ambergris Caye the reef is comprised of spectacular three dimensional coral formations which include canyons, grottoes and tunnels. Curiously, the more common reef fishes do not appear here in great numbers compared to elsewhere. However, there are a greater number of pelagic fish such as sharks and rays. There are also a considerable number of porpoise and turtle to be seen.

2) Lighthouse Reef – Of the three atoll reefs off the coast of Belize, Lighthouse Reef is the farthest offshore. It is far from neglected, however, since dive boats from San Pedro visit the atoll regularly and the larger live-aboard vessels are always found in the vicinity. Within the confines of the reef, the depth is generally about 9 feet (2.7 m) with sufficient room between the numerous patch reefs to maneuver any craft with shallow enough draft. The seabed is sandy and this, at least, allows the skipper to see the darker-colored patches of coral. As long as the sun is over the shoulder, the patch reefs are clearly seen. However, as soon as you turn and face the sun, the glare from the surface obscures the coral and extreme caution is advised.

3) Glover’s Reef – If you are serious about scuba diving, you must dive Glover’s Reef. There are 56 linear miles of wall diving at this remote atoll. The wall drops from 35 feet to 3000 feet in less than a mile, and visibility is regularly 100 feet or more. Long Caye Dive Center offers a variety of Belize dive packages. Many divers, who dive world-wide, have commented that this is some of the best diving they have experienced.

4) Long Caye Wall – This dive was rated by Skin Diver magazine as one of the top ten dive sites in the world! Mooring on a buoy,you descend to a pristine white sand floor. This isthe orientation dive for all divers, including first-timers. Passing over colonies of garden eels,you leave the white sands behind to hover over towering coral formations along the edge of the 2600 vertical wall. Schools of brilliantly colored fish drift amongst the coral formations;you willoften see batfish and giant lobster on this dive.

5) Bev’s Garden – This site features Lettuce Leaf and Staghorn corals as far as the eye can see. Asyou descend past the top of the wall at thirty-five feet,you drift over numerous canyons of coral, which provides hideouts for schoolmaster snappers and hawksbill turtles. It is common to see graceful spotted eagle rays soaring along the gentle currents.

6) The Crack – One ofthe more advanced dives, this vertical cave is entered at forty-five feet and exited between seventy and ninety feet. Sea life abounds in this dark crevice. Frequent sightings have been made of loggerhead turtles, bull sharks, and some of the largest Nassau groupers in the atoll. This is the perfect site for underwater photographers.

7) Middle Caye Wall – A ten-minute boat ride takesyou to the shadow of neighboring Middle Caye.You descend to the top of the wall, drifting through schools of bluehead wrasse and horse-eyed jacks. Before ascending, a visit with Mordecai, a five-foot long green moray eel who shares his home with nurse sharks and loggerhead turtles.