Local Travel Tip

The fifth great place to travel during the recession is South Korea, who have had a 30% drop in value of their currency. Economic difficulties are a common place occurrence. They do not let financial difficulties get in the way of providing a fantastic vacation location.

Known as the Land of Morning Calm, Korea is a land of unique culture and colorful tradition. The area around Seoul features mountains, the Korean specialty of spicy food and tours of gorgeous royal palaces.

The most popular mountain for a beautiful hike is Bugaksan. There are many trails that thread their way through a lush green forest and 15th century gates. At the top, Bugaksan provides a fantastic view of the city and surrounding area.

One of the most famous royal palaces is known as Gyeongbok Palace and is decorated with intricate red and green designs. This palace was built in the late 1300s and has faced a lot of destruction and construction. This is a great location to learn about the Korean culture and traditions.

Then visit a beautiful village made of traditional wood homes called hanok. This village is very decorative and features dark tiled roofing. The village hosts a variety of peaceful cafes, gardens, and art.

When I think of Alaska, I usually picture snow, ice, and cold terrain. This picture is not usually connected with the picture of an ideal vacation. However, there are so many activities that you can do in the outdoors of Alaska.

1.  River rafting: Adventure seekers come from all over the world to experience the thrill of Alaska’s rivers. 
2. Glacier viewing: While it is cold and icy, Alaska’s glaciers hold a beauty all their own.
3. Dog-Sled Rides: Find connection with the story of Balto and have fun while riding around Alaska’s wild terrain on a dog-sled!
4. Cruising: The Inside Passage is one of the most famous cruises in Alaska, although there are many others to select from as well. They all give a fantastic view of Alaska’s beautiful wilderness.
5. Gold Panning: Gold Panning is offered through tours of Alaska or you can do it on your own.
6. Hiking: Of course there are many beautiful, green trails in Alaska. The variety of the trials provides a perfect match for the hiker, whether you want the triumph of a strenuous climb or the relaxation through the enjoyment of nature.
7. Aurora Borealis: One of nature’s most spectacular light’s shows. The beauty of the sky lends the viewers a sense of awe and appreciation.

One of the most beautiful places in the world that I have seen is on the Argentina/Brazil borders in South America. The Iguazu Falls are a stunning collection of 270 brilliant waterfalls encompassed by the green foliage of the surrounding forests. The walkways allow a person to be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls.

In the legend of how the waterfalls came to be there was a beautiful young woman named Naipi. There was a god had planned to marry Naipi because of her beauty until she ran off with her mortal love Taroba. The lovers fled down the river in a canoe. The god was angry and created the waterfalls so that they would be stuck in an eternal fall and misery. Some believe that Naipi became a rock next to the waterfall and Taroba became a palm tree, where he was able to always see Naipi but never touch her. Others believe that the lovers simply perished. The roar of the falls expresses the pain of the rejected god.

Another legend says that a snake named Boi lived in the river. To appease the snake, the people would sacrifice a woman to it every year. Once, a man decided to kidnap the woman that was to be sacrificed. In his anger, the snake split the river, separating the man and the woman.

When planning your trip to Italy, places such as Rome, Florence, and Pompeii instantly come to your mind. But whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the small island of Capri–possibly the most gorgeous place on Earth.

Unlike other parts of Italy, Capri has somehow managed to keep the slow, relaxed pace of living. Anyone who visits the island will instantly feel relaxed  as they are bathed in the warm, perfumed air.

Three places you DON’T want to miss when visiting Capri:

The Grotta Azzurra

An incredible natural wonder, this cave emits a bright, blue light. This breathtaking sight is something that cannot be matched and you’ll never forget. The cave can only be entered at certain times of the year when the water level is low, so plan your trip in advance to go during optimal seasons.

Anacapri

The city of Anacapri rests at the top of a mountain. A chairlift ride is offered to take you from the main city to the top of the mountain, where the view of the island is absolutely stunning. While in Anacapri, take the time to wander the streets and enjoy the atmosphere; inhabited by mostly locals, Anacapri will give you a more genuine experience then other tourist spots on the island.

Faraglioni Rocks

Despite erosion and winds, these famous rocks have somehow managed to survive, and have even been given names. Left to right, we have Stella, Faragilione di Mezzo, and Faraglione di Fuori. The third, Faraglione di Fuori is the only known habitat for a famous species of blue tinted lizard. Take a boat ride around the Island, and make sure you go near the base of these rocks to  experience how tall they really are.