REPOST: (Best in travel) Top 10 countries to visit this year

This Lonely Planet article reveals the top ten countries to visit this 2013.

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1. Sri Lanka

Battered tragically by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and wracked by civil war from 1983 to 2009, many areas of the country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. Now the bitter conflict is over, investment is fuelling the tourism industry, and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable, and with low-cost flights from the convenient travel hub of Bangkok, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet’s best-value destinations.

2. Montenegro

Nature has been prolific and creative in Montenegro, producing such iconic draws as the bewitching Bay of Kotor and the buzzy beaches along its Riviera. But be sure to pack a pair of hiking boots along with your swimsuit, for Montenegro’s beauty is no less intense in the wild and rugged interior. A new – and steadily growing – network of hiking and biking trails and improved infrastructure is making this glorious quilt of nature ever more accessible, while creating new employment for locals.

3. South Korea

Without fanfare, South Korea has quietly developed into an outdoor recreation destination with untapped potential in golfing, hiking and fishing. Though not quite undiscovered, few people outside the country know about it. That anonymity will likely fade away in 2013 as it bursts onto the world stage hosting a series of major sporting events.

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4. Ecuador

Ecuador's railway network is scheduled to radically revamp in 2013 with new lines linking increasingly cosmopolitan Quito and the coastal port of Guayaquil. Tracks will also connect Ecuador’s famed 5900m-high volcano Cotopaxi and the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), claiming the steepest (and most hair-raising) stretch of railway in the western world. Developers believe the gamble will pay off and pull in unprecedented tourist numbers.

5. Slovakia

Two decades on from the Velvet Revolution, Slovakia has galvanised to form one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, joined the EU and ranks right up there in Google searches for bargain ski packages and stag weekends. Now the tourism industry is keen to distance the nation from being all cheap pistes and piss-ups. The image overhaul has been overdue but it’s here, and in time for the inevitable party in 2013.

6. Solomon Islands

Forget what travelling the Pacific used to be like – around the Solomon Islands it’s still that way. Forget mass-market or luxury retreats; think engaging eco-resorts, village homestays and some of the best scuba diving anywhere. In the past limited flights, difficult internal transport, a lack of infrastructure, a civil war and some particularly exotic strains of malaria all put travellers off. Today travel is much easier, the civil strife is off the radar and lately even the mosquitoes aren’t so threatening.

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7. Iceland

Best for: Activities, off the beaten track, value for money Ask any tourist during your trip to Iceland and you’ll quickly see that everyone develops an unconditional love for the little island nation, whether it’s for the mind-bending scenery, the platefuls of delicious lamb and fish dishes, or the sincere local hospitality. The currency crash – which effectively devalued the króna by 75% – also helped make a trip much more favourable to the wallet. As the global economy starts to heal, prices are climbing once more. The spoils of Iceland are no longer a secret, but they’re still yours for the taking – and in 2013 you’ll still be well ahead of the curve.

8. Turkey

New low-cost airlines are opening up the southeast of Turkey, and excellent bus services make getting around easy. Explore the historic old towns of Mardin and Midyat, feast on fantastic food in Gaziantep and see the recently uncovered ruins of Göbekli Tepe near Sanliurfa. Experience the Turkish section of the recently inaugurated Abraham’s Path walking trail, where accommodation is in simple Kurdish homestays, a long way from the tourist buzz of the coast or Istanbul’s Old Town.

 9. Dominican Republic

In the first quarter of 2012 the Dominican Republic saw an 8.4% increase in tourism. With more airlines offering stops to the country’s eight international airports, as well as cruise ships adding the DR as a major port of call, more people are escaping to the land of sun, sand, and surf comparable to anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Image Source: NationalGeographic.com

 
10. Madagascar

After years of political instability and uncertainty, which has hampered tourism development, Madagascar might finally be the verge of recovery. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2013, which could herald a move towards greater democracy (although they have been repeatedly postponed). For visitors, the time to go is now, before the country reappears in travel agents’ windows. Be prepared to be overwhelmed: in both fauna and landscapes, the world’s fourth-biggest island is otherworldly. To those seeking a place out of the ordinary, Madagascar cannot fail to delight.


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REPOST: Top 10 Caribbean Resorts

This article from Travel Channel shares other must-visit resorts in the Caribbean.

Image Source: CruiseBite.com

Welcome to paradise. We're counting down Caribbean resorts with crystal-clear waters, powder-soft sands, sumptuous settings and world-class accommodations. These aren't your average cookie-cutter beachfront hotels either. These Caribbean hot spots rank among the most luxurious and lavish in the world.

Hyatt Regency, Aruba Resort & Casino Aruba, Netherland Antilles

Set just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is the westernmost island of the Netherland Antilles. Here Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean culture blend as comfortably as your beachside cocktail. The Hyatt Regency Aruba is one of the region's premier resorts, because it has a lot of casual elegance and the staff combine that attribute with an incredible array of really fun activities.

Caneel Bay St. John, US Virgin Islands

The island of St. John is a treasure trove of tropical jungle and enticing enclaves. It was once the playpen of gazillionaire Lawrence Rockefeller, who fell in love with this lush land in the 1920s. Facilities here include 166 elegantly understated rooms, 3 restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a state-of-the-art tennis facility.

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Parrot Cay Resort & Spa Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Located 575 miles southeast of Miami, the 8 major islands and more than 40 keys of Turks & Caicos cover only a combined 196 square miles of sun-drenched shoreline. Stars like Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and David Copperfield have all said ahoy to this place. And unlike super-accessible mega-resorts, the exclusive 5-star Parrot Cay Resort and Spa can be reached only by small boat.

Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Set 90 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda is 8 1/2 square miles of lush greenery and stunning crescent bays; it truly is a tropical wilderness. The huge sprawling property includes an amazing number of hiking trails and amazing snorkeling.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

A visit to these beautiful islands will often cost you a pretty penny, but not if you stay at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort.

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, just east of Puerto Rico. Blessed with breathtaking views, it's no wonder this island attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Combining Old World Colonial charm with a tropical setting, the 152-room Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas sits on 15 acres of impeccably manicured grounds and its stately elegance attracts guests from all around the world.

Image Source: HolidayPlaces.co.uk

 
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies

The tropical island of Nevis sits a balmy 19 degrees north of the equator. While it's only separated from other islands in the West Indies by 2 miles of warm water, go there and you'll feel a world apart. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Four Seasons, Nevis, is that it has attained a 5-diamond rating. Getting a five-diamond rating from AAA is hard enough in the United States, but to get this rating on a relatively remote Caribbean island is a testament to the resort's commitment to service.

Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas

Rising up majestically from the Caribbean is Atlantis, a resort based on the mythical city that sank without a trace 11,000 years ago. Along the 3 miles Cabbage Beach's sugary sand, guests can snorkel, parasail, jet-ski or just lounge to their hearts' desire. Then there is the Leap of Faith: a 60-foot drop down a Mayan temple water slide that takes you to 1 of the resort's spectacular family attractions -- the aquarium.

Sandy Lane St. James, Barbados

Fresh off a $200-million renovation, the stunning Sandy Lane is just what any Caribbean connoisseur is looking for. This 800-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, a 7,000-square-foot pool, state-of-the-art tennis facilities and museum-quality art. In fact, Sandy Lane has become not only the premier luxury resort in Barbados, but also 1 of the premier resorts in the world.

Image Source: TripAdvisor.com

Hotel Maroma Maroma, Mexico

Thirty miles south of the crowded Mexican resort of Cancun, in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, you'll find the pristine, quiet area of Maroma. The Hotel Maroma has a mere 36 suites decked in handmade mahogany and bamboo furniture. A stay here is worth every penny.

Want to find out the best travel destinations for the summer? Visit this John Jefferis Facebook page to get the latest travel news.

Escaping winter with Caribbean getaways

Why are the few months after the holidays a great time to hit the high seas? Some reasons may surprise many, but they make a lot of sense.

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Tom Parsons of Dallas News says that from the months of January to February leisure travel drops and during this slowdown, cruise and travel companies offer low rates. “Holiday, spring break, and summer cruises can cost you three times more than cruising during the slow season,” Parsons explains.

“January and February are good months to cruise, but so are September, October, and early November. After early March, rates soar for spring break; summer prices can be just as high,” he adds.

Samantha Bomkamp of the Huffington Post says that for airlines to fill empty seats, they have to run on discounted fare offers. However, travelers should know that tempting sale offers may still be expensive compared to other airlines. So travelers still need to search for the best possible offer there is. Bomkamp further notes that the slow season advantage doesn’t just end with cheap airfare; it’s also true with hotel rooms, car rentals, and tour packages. Add to those the benefit of fewer travelers, which means less crowded planes and booking time.

Caribbean’s tourist destinations

• Gordon Campbell Gray’s Carlisle Bay in Antigua

Image credit: littleluxuryislands.co.uk

• John Jefferis’s Coco Reef Resort in Bermuda

Image credit: cocoreefbermuda.com

• David Copperfield’s Musha Cay in the Bahamas

Of course, the pleasure of having any of these vacation spots to themselves is the climax of the slow season advantage to the chance-takers.

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Forbes: Can eco-tourism help underdeveloped countries?

How can eco-tourism help underdeveloped countries? Read this article written by Josh Lew: 


Tourism might not be the ultimate answer to poverty and economic woes, but it is a major boon for places around the world that suffer from a lack of natural resources or industry. For instance, tourism is a hugely important industry in the Caribbean. Without flocks of resort-goers, nations in this part of the world would have to rely more heavily on agriculture, leaving their economies at the mercy of the fluctuating prices of commodities like coffee, sugar and bananas.

There are plenty of valid concerns about the environmental impact of hotel construction, excessive tourist traffic and cruise ships, but it isn’t fair to leave the positive economic impact out of the mass-tourism discussion. Large resorts employ hundreds of local people, and local entrepreneurs, from taxi drivers to guides to souvenir shop owners, benefit from the tourism trade.

What about eco-tourism? Is low-impact, nature-oriented travel as viable a moneymaking option as standard resort tourism?

The eco-tourism industry’s growth depends on practicality as much as it does on the will to conserve the environment. Ultimately, success will not only be measured by the acres of forest saved, but also by the amount of money earned and the number of jobs created. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) recognizes the human element in eco-tourism. It defines the oft-catch-phrased term “eco-tourism” as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

Many places that are considered eco-tourism destinations have experienced varying levels of success. Here are three destinations in various parts of the world that are in different stages of development, but are seeking to answer the same question: Can we make eco-tourism into one of the most important industries in our country?

Dominica 

This island nation has turned to eco-tourism because it lacks the geography that makes other Caribbean destinations so popular among tourists seeking a warm-weather vacation. The postcard-like beach scenes of Jamaica and the Bahamas are absent from Dominica. The island has a rocky coast and, though its waters are clear and ideal for diving, it has never developed a mainstream resort industry. Proclaiming itself the Nature Island, Dominica has instead advertised its natural, undeveloped beauty. Hot springs and waterfalls, dense jungles and rugged coastline draw more adventurous travelers and nature lovers rather than the suntan-and-piña-colada crowd.

However, the number of visitors to Dominica is not substantial enough to make nature tourism the backbone of the nation’s economy. The capital city of Roseau has benefited from a recently built cruise ship terminal. However, Dominica remains one of the least visited nations in the eastern Caribbean. Banana cultivation is still a major source of income for many islanders. This industry can be harmed by weather (Hurricane Dean hit the island in 2007) and frequent price fluctuations on the international commodities market.

Brand-name resorts are difficult to find on Dominica. Most of the accommodations are small-scale, locally owned venues. Some are full-fledged eco-resorts built in natural settings and offer a full menu of nature-themed activities. So, despite the overall lack of tourism infrastructure, the tourists who do come to Dominica are seeing more of their dollars go to locals rather than to multinational resort chains.

A culture of conservation has been developed in Dominica. Local guides are involved in protecting one of the more popular tourist draws: nesting sea turtles. The giant amphibians lay their eggs on the seashore, with some choosing to use the sands of the beaches of the capital city. Specially trained local guides lead limited tours to the nesting areas so as not interfere with the nesting process. This type of grassroots effort is an example of the ability to balance a successful tourism attraction with a conservation effort. This culture of conservation is one of the reasons that Dominica remains such a promising eco-tourism destination.

The next steps will be important for Dominica in terms of maintaining this balance between development and conservation. An expanded airport and a cruise ship pier were necessary infrastructure upgrades. It remains to be seen if further infrastructure projects change the current relationship that Dominica has with its environment.

Botswana 

This nation in southern Africa does not have to rely as heavily on tourism as Dominica and its Caribbean cousins. A relatively wealthy nation with one of the highest per capita GDP in Africa, tourism is one of the main economic alternatives to the industry that has made Botswana wealthy, diamond mining. As a landlocked country without many urban areas, nature-themed tourism is the main part of the industry by default. The backbone of this would-be tourism boom is nature-viewing safaris to places like Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and the vast Kalahari Desert. These uninhabited, wildlife-filled lands are considered to be among the last few untouched and truly natural places on the continent.

Botswana’s government, one of the most transparent in Africa, has adopted a string of policies over the past two decades that focus both on tourism growth and on environmental protection. These policies call for the land to be used as a resource for tourism. However, they also say that the industry must be developed in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

To limit the number of tourists while still enjoying healthy profits, Botswana has focused on developing high-end safari tourism. Tourists pay a high premium for an all-inclusive safari that offers both comfort and easy access to the wilderness. The government can control the industry and keep out mass-market safari companies because it has strict licensing guidelines for travel companies. Would-be companies are required to complete an environmental impact report as part of their application process. There is also a national eco-tourism certification program that further encourages tourism businesses to be more eco-friendly.

These policies means that fewer people are trampling through the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, but money is still coming in to supplement the country’s overall GDP. This high-cost/low-volume approach might not sit well with nature enthusiasts who want to visit the pristine wilds of Botswana on a budget, but the approach has kept tourist numbers down while keeping profits at an acceptable level. Perhaps the low-volume, high-cost strategy wouldn’t work in every case, but it is an option for countries that want to develop their eco-tourism industry while not harming the environment.

Suriname 

This small, unique South American nation has an ethnically diverse population and sits on the northeastern part of the continent. Most of the people here live along the Caribbean coastline. The country’s undeveloped interior is ripe for logging, but the Surinamese government, along with international conservation organizations, has decided to protect a large part of the interior from exploitation. The giant Central Suriname Nature Reserve is made up of primary forest. With the help of Conservation International, the government is trying to develop this area for tourism. Lack of infrastructure has hindered development and made it expensive to visit this area, but the reserve remains protected from logging and the government seems intent on continuing to place its bets on eco-tourism. Already operational nature preserves are found along the coastline.

A majority of the visitors to Suriname come from the Netherlands. Cultural ties from the colonial era and the fact that Dutch is still widely spoken in Suriname make this a popular alternative to the Netherlands Antilles for Dutch-speaking snowbirds. Tourism numbers are not growing quickly, and lack of infrastructure remains a major hurdle for the government’s eco-tourism plans. Still, sustainable income via eco-tourism has, for the time being, trumped immediate income from the selling of logging rights. Perhaps the example of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve could help persuade other countries with natural areas to follow a similar strategy.

Eco-tourism development is a complex issue that goes well beyond catchphrases and well-meaning attempts at conservation. Without a solid, universal model for creating a balance between a successful eco-tourism industry and a successful conservation movement, countries are left to find a system that works best for themselves. The ideal results of these efforts would be a balanced industry that brings profits to the local economy while strengthening conservation efforts that will keep the natural attractions intact.

Source: Forbes.com

John Jefferis: A hotelier's philanthropy

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Behind a corporate façade driven by a hectic work schedule and frenzied entrepreneurial pursuits, John Jefferis is naturally altruistic, never failing to set aside a part of his time and resources to help out the less fortunate. Unknown to many, the highly esteemed hotelier is actually an active philanthropist.

All the way through his work life, Mr. Jefferis has been passionately supporting several charities in the territories wherein he operates. Back in 1983, he obtained sponsorship for the Bermuda Marathon Derby, successfully raising nearly $50,000 to cover for the expenses for the emergent brain surgery of a 10-year old Bermudan boy.

Image credit: bermudabiographies.bm

He has also contributed for causes that greatly benefit the elderly. In 1998, he was able to raise over $30,000 for the Packwood Home, a skilled nursing home that provides long-term care for seniors who are chronically ill, have functional disability, and have limited potential. John Jefferis was able to accomplish this by arranging a sponsored cruise featuring Miss World contestants.

More recently, Mr. Jefferis has focused his philanthropy on cultural, livelihood, and educational endeavors. He has sponsored opera performances in Bermuda, bringing in several star singers from the United States. He has been an active backer of “Tourism Helps Everyone,” a registered charity. He has also supported a number of charitable causes with divergent thrusts, some of which include police youth clubs, education projects, and help for disadvantaged individuals.

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Gadling: Top 5 things to do in Bermuda

Bermuda is a paradise where tourists can have a good time away from the hustle and bustle of urban living.  With various attractions, both natural and man-made all throughout the island, visitors are sure to find myriads of ways to have fun.  In this article from Gadling.com, Melanie Nayer lists five things tourists must do upon their visit to Bermunda.


Few people think to travel to Bermuda but those who do find a charm unknown on many more popular islands. While Bermuda is technically a British overseas territory, the residents of Bermuda consider themselves very much an independent nation. Bermudians are known for their practicality, integrity and simple luxuries - they are fiercely proud of their heritage and it shows in all aspects of their island.

It's hard to find an unattractive place in Bermuda. Thanks to the turquoise waters and multi-million dollar homes, Bermuda is utterly elegant. But like most anywhere, there's a hidden side to Bermuda that will take a tourist past the pink sands and inside the history that makes Bermuda such a great destination spot.

1. Dark and Stormy's
   There's no drink a Bermudian loves more than a good Dark and Stormy, which is why it's known as the national drink of the island. The Dark and Stormy gained popularity in the sailing community along the east coast, thanks to black rum brought home by various sailors who frequented Bermuda. Made with Gosling's® Black Seal rum and ginger beer, the drink is poured over ice and garnished with a lime. Some variations of the dark and stormy include adding gingerale, muddling the lime and decorating the rim of the glass with sugar but in Bermuda, simple is best and the old standby is the best: Pour the rum, add the ginger beer, and enjoy!
   
2. Golf at Tucker's Point
   The Tucker's Point golf course is one of the most talked about courses among golf's elite. In its 2005 World's Best Golf Resorts issue, Travel + Leisure Golf's readers placed the club in the top three in categories of Best Golf Resort and Best Restaurants in the Caribbean, but there's a special place on this course for beginners, too. Grab a lesson with one of the golf pros and tee off amid some of the most breathtaking views of the island, thanks to Tucker Point's perfect position along Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound. I took a turn on the links and while I'm not ready for any upcoming PGA tour, I enjoyed the exercise and scenery from my few hours on the course. The undulations and landscape make this course worth a visit for any traveler. After 18-holes (or nine, or just a few driving rounds), head into the Golf Clubhouse for food and drink in the private club, decorated with an authentic Bermuda in mind. Don't worry if you forget anything, the Golf Pro Shop has everything you could want from golf shorts and shirts to hats and shoes.
   
3. Boat ride to the stars
   The beauty of Bermuda lies in its intimacy, which is why many celebrities look for a home on the island. Hope a boat ride to the outskirts of the island and take a glimpse of the famous homes of the stars including Ross Perot, David Bowie and his wife Iman, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones. While you're out and about, tuck into a few of the hidden coves and awe at the homes and boats of Bermuda's wealthiest residents. Why? Because you can.
4. St. George's town
   St George's was Bermuda's original settlement and one-time capital located at the east end of the country. It's a great way to kill a few hours and spot some historic architecture. A walking tour is a good way to explore the museums and shops and if you're lucky, you'll run into the Town Crier along the way, who will reenact some of Bermuda's famous moments in history. The hub of town life is King's Square where you'll find Town Hall and the State House, dating back to the early 1600s. Nearby are art galleries and museums, but the best part of the area are the narrow sidewalks and hidden streets that frame the picturesque homes.
5. Bermuda glassblowing
   While you're here, don't miss a visit to the Bermuda Glassblowing Studio. Watch the artists in action and marvel at how color and shapes are made with hot glass. Bring your wallet because it's likely you'll want to walk out with a treasure from this idyllic island.

John Jefferis and the three birds

Good food, John Jefferis believes, is part of the Coco Reef Resorts experience. Alfresco dining, even more so. So much so that Jefferis himself took responsibility for the design and selection of every interior detail of the hotel, including the dining area. Guests loved the alfresco breakfast setting, but with it also came small birds that would, along with the guests, partake of the seemingly inviting, sumptuous feast.

John Jefferis. Image Credit: Bookingadvisor.com

But Jefferis, ever the innovator, had an idea. Those who know him know that innovation is in his blood. For decades, he has been at the forefront of innovation in every area of hospitality management, and he also had a penchant for marketing. Thus, John Jefferis knew that marketing and innovating worked best hand-in-hand. So, instead of hiring pest exterminators employing nets to catch the errant birds or moving the dining area inside, he hired three birds instead: Coco, Lakshmi, and Starling.

John Jefferis. Image Credit: Panoramio.com

Coco, a five-year-old Harris hawk from England; Lakshmi, a 10-year-old owl from India; and Starling, a nine-year-old black hawk from Tobago were set to work. These three birds, under the watchful eye of Kelton Thomas, who is a noted ornithologist and a professional falconer, kept all the other birds at bay. They were allowed to pose for photographs as well. The guests loved them.

John Jefferis. Image Credit: Luxury-escapes.com

John Jefferis is the highly lauded owner of Coco Reef Resorts in Tobago and Bermuda, both of which have won awards over the years. Jefferis himself was awarded “Premier Hotelier of the Caribbean” in 2006.

John Jefferis. Image Credit: Islandbrides.com

For more information on Jeff Jefferis and Coco Reef Resorts, visit the Coco Reef official homepage.