Why You Should Visit Spain and Portugal

With sparkling beaches, dramatic landscapes, friendly people and history dating back 20,000 years, Spain and Portugal create a very rich experience for your vacation. They also offer great value with accommodation, meals and wine amongst the most reasonable in Europe. Read on for a selection of experiences not to be missed in the countries of Iberia.


Fabulous Beaches

• Sun and sand attract visitors to the coasts of Spain and Portugal for fly and flop vacations. You'll find great value at hotels and resorts and some wonderful local cuisine to enjoy. There's also lots of cultural and historical interest for exploring on more active days.
• Whether you want a long stretch of sand or an intimate cove beach, you can find it here. Excellent beaches are found along Portugal's Algarve coast and the Mediterranean beaches of Spain's Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Costa Brava.

Golf

• This is golfing heaven! The combination of a sunny climate, blue skies and outstanding facilities combine to make Spain and Portugal an ideal golf destination for your winter vacation. You'll find high class golf courses designed by well known architects, many with exceptional seaside locations. Check out the Costa Azul near Lisbon, the sunny Algarve region of Portugal and the Costa del Sol in Spain for the best greens.

Food & Wine

• There's much to enjoy in Iberia when it comes to food and wine. Food is Mediterranean style with wide use of olive oil and fresh ingredients. A variety of delicious dishes catch visitors attention, like Pescaito (small fried fish), the traditional rice and seafood Paella, Andalucian gazpacho and in Portugal, roast suckling pig, stuffed squid Lisbon-style and cod casserole.
• There are more than a dozen wine regions to discover! The variety of vintages includes sparkling Cava wines near Barcelona, Jerez Sherry in southern Spain and, of course, Port wine in the Portugal's Douro region.


Best reasons to visit

• Value - The cost of living between Spain and Portugal is still considered one of the best buys for North Americans with prices on average about 10 to 15% less. This is very much visible in the cost of accommodation from Deluxe to Tourist, especially in the small towns.
• People - The Portuguese people are seen by many visitors as the most friendly and welcoming in Europe.
• Geography - Portugal features enchanting and contrasting landscapes within a short distance. You can easily travel from the mountains, to the beaches, cities and flat lands in a couple of hours, making Portugal an ideal place for a unique and memorable vacation.

Discover South America

From the breathtaking views of Rio to the unique nature of the Galapagos Islands the many contrasting elements of South America create a memorable and exhilarating vacation experience. See modern cities and ancient ruins; the majestic Andes and the plains of the Pampas; Amazon rainforests and Patagonia's ice fields; all a part of South America's amazing diversity.


So many unique places are found in South America, no wonder it's a favourite with all types of travellers. Here you'll find some of the most intriguing and amazing sights in the world. From Caracas to Cape Horn, imagine being at these remarkable places:

Angel Falls, in Canaima National Park, Venezuela - The world's tallest uninterrupted water fall at 979m (3,230 ft), the view from the air is unforgettable.

Cartagena, Colombia - The colonial walled city and fortress are a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth wandering for the history and striking architecture.

The Amazon River - The longest river and largest river basin in the world, the Amazon runs 6,400 km (4,000 miles) through seven countries; Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil. With a diverse eco system and many unique species, it is a major destination for adventure and eco-travellers.

Ecuador & the Galapagos Archipelago - The smallest country in the Andes has much to offer visitors. The colonial centre of Quito, Pacific beaches, volcanoes both active and extinct, white water rafting, mountain cabins and Amazonia jungle lodges. The Galapagos Archipelago with its unique habitat and marine reserve is a province of Ecuador situated 970 km (600 miles) west of the mainland.


Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Peru - This area is the centre of Incan civilization where ruins are still being discovered and visitors marvel at stories of ancient life. Machu Picchu, the ruined city high in the mountains is nothing short of breathtaking and the most visited site in Peru. Museums in Cusco and Lima bring Incan history, art and culture to life. Active travellers will want to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a four-day hike ranked one of the best in the world.

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia - At 3,812m (12,500 ft) in the Andes, this is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. The vistas of coastline and mountains are beautiful and there are some unusual islands to explore- like the Uros floating reed islands, some of which welcome visitors.

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina - This expansive and remote region of ice fields, fjords, glaciers and mountains contains such romantic places as the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Torres del Paines National Park. Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia; the world's southernmost city. Visit Magellanic Penguin colonies and enjoy the rugged outdoors in one of the most beautiful areas on the continent.

Buenos Aires, Argentina - The favourite city of many world travellers is known for its magnificent architecture (including the home of the President, the famous Pink Palace), wide avenues, street side cafes, manicured parks and colourful barrios or neighbourhoods. Seeing Tango dancers perform spontaneously in the street at historic La Boca gets you in the mood of this exciting city.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil - Spanning the border of Argentina and Brazil is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and the top attraction in South America. Walkways allow for good viewing of the 275 falls which stretch along a 2.7 km (1.67-mile) stretch of the Iguazu River. Entry is through the Visitors Centre where you buy tickets to the Iguazu Falls National Park. Tour on your own or hire a bilingual guide. Nearly 2 million people visit the falls each year.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - With magnificent beaches and mountains right in town, this is one of the world's most spectacular cities. Enjoy the long, sandy- and legendary- Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon beaches while the famous statue of Christ watches over you from atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a cog railway ride to the top to see this amazing statue and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Rio's annual Carnival is the most lavish in the world and the most colourful time to visit.

Spotlight on the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon National Park isn't a city, it's definitely worth a spotlight. It's one of those places that Wendy, owner of Lloyds Travel, visited lately that she says is a must do before you die. However, before you start packing your suitcase, if you want to stay in the park (worth every penny!) you need to book well in advance. Staying on one of the lodges or cabins around the rim is the best experience the canyon could offer. To really see the way the skies light changes colour is only a possibility if you're going to be there all day and night! Staying in the park itself is affordable too, with the higher end places falling in about $200 a night, versus the small cabins close to $90 a night. Wendy assures you it's worth it to stay in the park!


The idea of the lodges and cabins are to retain the natural setting of the park while allowing visitors a personal experience with the Grand Canyon and the surrounding nature at the same time. The lodges are not at all glamorous but very distinctive - and not to mention well priced! So what is it about the Grand Canyon that makes it a "do before you die" or a bucket list entry? Wendy said the experience was phenomenal and she's extremely glad she had the opportunity to experience it. Here's what makes the Grand Canyon special...

Nearly five million people see the 1 mile deep (1.6 km) Grand Canyon each year. Most of them see it from their car at overlooks along the South Rim (this includes Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest, and Desert View). The South Rim is the most accessible part of the park and is open all year. Other people access the canyon from the North Rim, but it's far less accessible and closes during the winter months.


Something special about staying in the park is having more time to access the Inner Canyon. The Inner Canyon includes everything below the rim and is seen mainly by hikers, mule riders, or river runners. There are many opportunities here for more adventurous travelers who want to backpack, ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through the Canyon on the Colorado River (which can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks. There are no one-day river trips through Grand Canyon).

Wendy said there were tons of hiking trails, great view points and phenomenal lighting effects. If you want to visit the park, call Wendy today at 1.800.800.7252 and book your trip now! Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Leave your experience below!

Spotlight On: the Caribbean

Did you know one of the worst volcanic eruptions in history took place on Martinique? Or that Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is the oldest permanent European city in the Western Hemisphere?

For those who want more than a beach vacation, there’s plenty to pique your interest and satisfy your curiosity in the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Many resorts offer tours to interesting places so why not take some time to learn about your destination from local guides? You can also venture around on your own whether you are in town for a day off a ship or staying on a longer vacation.

Here’s a summary of some of the most interesting places to visit.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
~ Oldest city in the Americas (1498) - Visit the colonial sector of the city and you’ll be amazed at the cobblestone streets and well preserved buildings from yesteryear. The first cathedral, fortress, hospital, monastery, university, palace and street in the Americas are found here.

Cuba offers many unique experiences
~From the Tropicana Nightclub to the sites of Old Havana (1519), Cuba is rich in intriguing and historical places. Attend Spanish classes, watch the experts roll cigars or take up Cuban music and dance. Cuba is also a leading bird watching centre, a good reason to take a guided hike.

Forts, homes and plantations
~ Restored plantation homes on Jamaica, Barbados and St. Croix are over 200 years old. Guided tours provide a glimpse into life on a sugar plantation.
~ El Morro (1539) in Old San Juan is Puerto Rico's best known fortress and one of the best preserved in the Caribbean. It was declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations in 1983.
~ Old San Juan (1519) is home to many other historic sites including Spanish cellist Pablo Casal’s home, now a museum.
~ La Vigía was the residence of American writer, Ernest Hemingway for more than 20 years. It is situated in the town San Francisco de Paula, outside Havana, Cuba.

Museums
~ The Volcanological Museum on Martinique explains the history and geology behind the eruption of Mt. Pelé which destroyed the town of Saint-Pierre in 1902, one of the worst volcanic eruptions in history.
~ The Dockyard Museum on Antigua is a naval history museum which tells the story of famous English Harbour, first used as hurricane shelter in 1671.
~ The Sugar Museum in Barbados explains the history of sugar cultivation and production, so vital to the island’s economy.
~ The Virgin Islands Museum houses period furnishings, artworks and exhibits. Situated in historic Fort Christian (1672) on St. Thomas.

Architecture
~ Dominica, Grenada and St. Lucia for fine examples of Creole Architecture
~ Old San Juan, Santo Domingo and Havana for colonial Spanish
~ Willemstad, Curacao for authentic Caribbean Dutch
~ Barbados for Jacobean and Georgian buildings built with coral and ships ballast.

Aquariums and marine parks
~ Interact with sea life at these world class venues:
~ Stingray City and Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, Grand Cayman
~ Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas.
~ Seaquarium, Curacao
~ Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Distillery & Factory Tours
~ Cigar companies in Cuba including Partagas, makers of the premium brands Churchill and Lusitanias.
~ Rum factory tours are available on many islands with the Bacardi Rum factory in San Juan the largest producer in the world.
~ Curacao liqueur at Chobolobo in Willemstad, Curacao.
~ Working coffee plantations in Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains also open their doors to visitors.

Cruising Mexico

Culturally rich Mexico offers you a variety of exhilarating experiences in three cruising regions: the Mayan Riviera, Mexican (Pacific) Riviera and Sea of Cortez. Whether your vacation is for fiesta, siesta, adventure or exploration, you’ll find what you’re looking for on a cruise to this charming country.

Mexico's Cruising Regions

The Mexican Riviera

The Pacific coast of Mexico, known as the Mexican Riviera, stretches from the port of Ensenada near the California border to Huatulco, south of Acapulco. This was the destination of the popular television series “The Love Boat” which introduced millions to cruising in the 1970's.

Ports of Call

Cabo San Lucas – at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, this once sleepy fishing village has developed into a leading resort, complete with super yachts and homes of the rich and famous. Los Arcos is a unique rock formation where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Golf with sea views and participate in water sports and deep sea fishing and horseback riding.

Puerto Vallarta – the popular resort spot originally made famous in the 1960's when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton purchased a home there while filming “Night of the Iguana”. Leading spot for deep sea fishing, water sports and whale watching.

Mazatlan - sail into this important port city past Creston's peak, with the world's second tallest light house (only the Rock of Gibraltar is taller). Be sure to visit the historic old town.

Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo - Ixtapa is just 5 minutes drive from the fishing village of Zihuatanejo. The beaches of Troncones and wildlife preserve at Barra de Potosi are highlights.

Manzanillo – the setting for the movie “10” with Bo Derek, it is the gateway for the tiered pyramids of La Campana, dating from the first century.

Acapulco – the original Mexican resort city, Acapulco has a beautiful, semi-circular harbour. See the cliff divers perform at La Quebrada, the top attraction.

Huatulco – recently developed specifically as a tourist resort, this scenic town is a port of call on some Panama Canal itineraries.

The Sea of Cortez

Situated between Baja and mainland Mexico, the tranquil Sea of Cortez has long been a favourite of small ship eco-adventure cruising. Now some of the big ships call in the area, notably Holland America Line on 10-day sailings from San Diego that combine the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez. Highlights are the wealth of sea lions, dolphins, whales and birds, scenic cruising of the Sierra de la Giganta and the Copper Canyon.

Ports of Call

Loreto – Home to The Mission Nuestro Senora de Loreto Concha, the first Spanish mission in the Californias (1697). Coming ashore at the peaceful marina the setting is reminiscent of Cabo San Lucas 20 years ago. Enjoy exploring this quiet and fascinating town.

Topolobampo – beautiful seaport, gateway to the Copper Canyon, four times larger than the Grand Canyon and almost 300 feet deeper.

La Paz ( port of Pichilinque ) – Capital of the Baja California Sur, this city has an impressive waterfront walkway, protected beaches, an historic mission (1720) and an excellent museum.

The Yucatan Peninsula & Mayan Riviera

Bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, the southern coast is known as the Mayan Riviera. Cruise ports serve as spring boards for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins and experiencing the many eco and water sport opportunities.

Ports of Call

Cozumel – Mexico's busiest cruise port is famous as a diving and snorkelling island, thanks to its remarkable coral reefs – the Great Mayan Reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. The town of San Miguel has grown as a shopping centre for cruise passengers while the island's centre is mostly natural, home to the Chankanaab National Park and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. There are lots of good spots to swim, horseback ride or relax with a drink by the sea on the circle island drive.

Calica – this is not a destination in itself but a drop off point for those wanting to explore the region.

Progreso - on the peninsula's northwest coast, close to the city of Merida and the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, X'cambo and Dzibilchltun.


Mexico is a year-round destination but you'll have the best selection of ships and itineraries between October and May. Interested in a Mexico cruise? Meet our Cruise Specialist Deborah.

Whale Watching with Orca Spirit Adventures

If you're staying in the Victoria area, whale-watching is an absolute must! One of the best places to go for Victoria BC whale watching is Orca Spirit Adventures. Situated in Victoria’s world-famous inner harbour, Orca Spirit’s three-hour long tours take passengers into the thrilling waters of the Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits– the best location in the world for witnessing whales and marine life in their natural habitats.

Through the months of April to October, Victoria whale watching passengers have the chance to view the area’s resident pods, called J, K and L. There are over 100 orcas in these pods, which gives passengers a 95% chance of seeing an orca. They may see others types of whales also, such as Gray, Minke and Humpback. Other than whales, it is not unusual to also spot Elephant and Harbour seals, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Dall Porpoises and Harbour Porpoises.

There are a wide selection of vessels to choose from at Orca Spirit. If you want a wet and thrilling Victoria BC whale watching tour, choose a Zodiac, which holds 12 passengers. The Zodiacs boast an exciting and safe ride and have full washrooms on board as well as comfortable padded seating. Orca Spirit’s fleet includes larger vessels as well, with luxurious interiors, 360 degree rooftop decks and surround systems for listening to the whales. The largest boats offer a full bar service and are available not only for whale watching tours, but also for weddings and parties.

Orca Spirit recognizes the importance of safe and sustainable Victoria whale watching practices, so they follow the strict guidelines set out by the Pacific Whale Watch Association. In areas of unknown or suspected marine activity, boat operators drive with caution and continuously look for marine mammal activity. They always approach whales from the side and never get too close–100 metres max. If they happen upon a whale by accident, operators immediately cut their engines and wait for the whale to pass. Guides also monitor the output produced by their depth sounders, sonar and exhaust systems.

Tips for Trekking Abroad

Planning on going trekking or hiking abroad anytime soon? Here are some things you should consider before going on a trek. If you have your own trekking tips, feel free to share them in the comments.

1. Health: It is essential that you are in good health before taking any trip - especially trekking trips. If you decide to embark on a trek you should be at a high fitness level. Depending on where you are traveling to, you may need to have vaccinations for malaria, cholera, tetanus, typhoid or hepatitis. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, you should always carry your medication with you while trekking.

2. Dehydration: It is common for trekkers to get dehydrated. Make sure you take an adequate amount of water with you each day so that you have enough fluid to rehydrate. Depending on where you travel to, you may need to bring iodine tablets in order to dilute the water so it is safe to drink. Make sure you research the destination and bring an adequate supply of iodine tablets with you.

3. Footwear: Trekking is not a simple stroll through the park; you will be hiking through rough and sometimes wet and slippery terrain. For this reason it is important to bring a good pair of shoes or hiking boots. A poor choice in footwear can leave you with seriously sore and even injured feet. Make sure that the shoes are comfortable, with good arch support and have good grip on the soles.

Also, don’t forget to wear stockings or thick socks while you are trekking. Synthetic blended socks are great, as they are specially designed to prevent blisters.

4. Carbs: It is important to carry a good balance of food. That being said, you should always have a mix of solid proteins and carbohydrates in your food supply when you trek. This will supply you with the energy you need to get you through the hike.

5. Always bring a first aid kit with you.