Planning your next holiday in Central America or the Caribbean? If your answer is YES then you might want to include Costa Rica as part of your vacations itinerary. Costa Rica offers the perfect combination between rainforest adventure and beach relaxation. It is a small and accessible country, from the capital city San Jose you can head to the closest beach and be there in only a couple of hours by car, or if you rather spend your time in the mountains, the Arenal Volcano and National Reserve is just 3 hours away.

Whatever your decision might be you won’t be disappointed… Beaches in Costa Rica are beautiful with crystal clear waters, abundant wildlife and vegetation. One of the prefer beach destinations for Costa Rica vacations is the province of Guanacaste at the North Pacific Region of the country, here you can find several astonishing beaches such as: Flamingo, Langosta, Tamarindo, Nosara and more. Puntarenas is another great destination for those looking to indulge themselves in a traditional tropical beach environment.

Is Costa Rica an expensive country for vacationers?

The answer would be NO… Local travel agencies provide low prices for Costa Rica travel deals year-round, and especially during low season (winter season) from May to November. During these months travel companies in Costa Rica try to entice tourist to visit the country by offering attractive discounts.

Is Costa Rica a safe place for travelers?

YES… Costa Rica does not have an army since 1948 when it was abolished by president Jose Figueres, in fact is the only country in Central America with this particularity. Despite being a country without a military background the Costa Rican police is highly trained and provide the tourists with all the security they need.

So what are you waiting for..? Come to Costa Rica with your family, friends or life partner and create wonderful lasting memories.

When we talk about Moscow we will see the combination between modernize and cultural city. If you don’t have any plan on your next holiday, you can try to visit Moscow for your main holiday destination. Because this is your first visit to Moscow you need to find specific information about this city including what you will do there later.

Internet can be the best device when you want to find specific information about Moscow. You can just go to BestRussianTour.Com and find out more about Moscow including Moscow weather. Talking about weather, you can visit Moscow in summer or winter because it gives you different sensation. The most popular destination when you are in Moscow is Moscow armory kremlin.

Moscow armory kremlin is so special because Guinness book of record reported as the biggest medieval fortress. If you want to know more facts about this fortress you can read all on this site and consider visiting it later. Do you know the fact about North Pole? Moreover, what continent does the north pole belong to? You will find all the answers by reading it on this site and if you want try to take the unforgettable holiday you can book your reservation on North Pole vacation.

Vacation rental companies are becoming more aware of the environmental impact that taking a vacation involves and there is a wide choice of eco friendly accommodation available. Here’s a list of the top green vacation rentals in the US:

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Reno, Nevada

Conveniently located a five-minute drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the Tuscan themed complex has 1635 guest rooms, which include 600 luxury suites, all with mountain or pool views. The furnishings are luxurious and guests enjoy the resort’s amenities, such as the spa with an indoor pool, the fitness center, a casino, and two swimming pools with poolside bars. There is a shuttle service for the airport. Peppermill has drilled a geothermal well in order to conserve energy in a project that completes in January 2010, providing water and mechanical heat from a renewable source for the resort.

Coconut Palms II Beach Resort
New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Located at what is considered to be the safest bathing beach in the world, the resort consists of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom properties with access to an outdoor pool. Some of the accommodation has a Jacuzzi. Guests can participate in golf, tennis, horseback riding, or water sports. The lighting and air conditioning systems are designed for low energy use.

The Cottages at Spring House Farm
Marion, North Carolina

Six secluded mountain log cabins with outside hot tubs and wood burning fireplaces offer a location with excellent trout fishing and hiking trails. The cabins were constructed from stone and timber from the owners’ land and reclaimed antique lumber. The lighting, heating, and cooling systems are energy efficient, as are the windows. The laundry is efficient on water and the cabins have low flow shower heads.

Alpine Chalets
Newport, Oregon

The accommodation is situated eight miles from Newport on top of a bluff with views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests have private access to a quiet beach and there are whale-watching opportunities. There are chalets, (5 – 8 people), a Studio Apartment, (up to 4 people), and a Penthouse Suite, (up to 6 people). Energy saving systems are in place, the cleaning and laundry products used are biodegradable, and the laundry is water efficient.

Westwind Cottages
Franconia, New Hampshire

The cottages are close to Echo Lake in the Franconia Notch State Park, surrounded by the White Mountains. There is a pool, a playground, and miles of hiking trails. Each cottage has a charcoal grill and picnic table in addition to a kitchen or kitchenette. Energy savings and recycling is a priority and the linen and towels are re-used whenever possible.

Bear’s Den Cottages
Hocking Hills, Ohio

200 acres of private meadows, woodlands, and hiking trails await the guests at the Cottage, which sleeps 2 guests, and the Lodge, which sleeps 4 – 10 guests. Lodge guests can book yoga or pilates classes. Most of the wood used in construction has been sourced from the local Amish community. All the toiletries, and laundry and cleaning products are biodegradable and / or recycled. Organic food, tea, and coffee are supplied.

Little St. Simons Island
Georgia

The private island is off the coast of Georgia and the all-inclusive package includes three meals a day and activities and equipment for biking, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing. There are 7 miles of beach and guests can join tours led by naturalists. The owners promote energy conservation, composting, and recycling, and locally produced food.

Montfair Resort Farm
Croznet, Virginia

Environmentally friendly cottages overlook a lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where guests can fish, hike, or go canoeing or mountain biking. The Event Lodge serves as a venue for weddings and other gatherings. Energy efficient innovations, biodegradable products, and low flow toilets give the accommodation its green credentials.

Moosehead Hills Cabins
Greenville, Maine

The lakefront log cabins afford views of the mountains, Moosehead Lake, and Loon Lake. Snowmobiling and kayaking are popular activities here and a professional massage therapist will call to get rid of those aches and pains. Each cabin has a wood-burning fireplace, a Jacuzzi, a deck with a gas grill, and full kitchen. Energy and water consumption is kept to a minimum and some of the electricity is produced on site.

Northstar
Arroyo Seco, New Mexico

The large, 4-bedroom adobe, which sleeps 8 – 12 people, has mountain views and an orchard and organic gardens, watered from an irrigation ditch. Amenities include an outdoor hot tub and sauna, an outside hammock, and a foosball table. Energy systems, biodegradable products, and locally produced organic food promote the eco friendly goal along with recycling.

With a little imagination, carbon footprints can be lessened and everyone can do their bit for the cause, whilst having a terrific vacation. Enjoying a stay at one of the top green vacation rentals is a good start.

Porec is the small municipality in the western Istrian peninsula inside the Istria Country. This small town is almost two thousand year old and it is one of the major harbor spot for the trading in the country. The climate of the Porec is cool and breezy due to the presence of sea around the town. While your stay in Istria, you can see, cave of Baredine which is the only geologic monuments of Istria, leaning tower of Pisa, Pazincica river , the vast Mediterranean Vegetation of strawberries plants, pines and Holm oaks, fjord canals and many other adventurous and excited places which you can enjoy with your family.
The transportation of the Porec is well established and the town is linked with all other areas of Istria. If you need to go out to visit other places, you can easily find transport which will take you to your desired destination at any time.
When you will come to visit Porec, you will amaze to find here various tourist spots including, parks, historic monuments representing the history of the country, museum, beaches and beautiful natural resorts. If you have been planning to stay in Porec, you can find out variety of hotels which are offering almost all types of facilities that you need for staying in the town. The hotels are very hostile and the price ranges are cheap and affordable. If you can afford then you can rent the separate Porec apartments, portions and bungalow which are designed and kept beautifully for the tourists visiting and spending the time in Porec. In tourist seasons, the Porec hotels are normally full and sometimes, they try to charge you with high prices, so it is better idea to find some separate place for yourself instead of wasting time in locating hotels. However if you book your hotels before moving to Porec, you can not only save your budget but you can save your time as well and your holidays will be perfect in Porec. Do not forget to check last minute Porec travel deals to be able to find great discounts.

Nusa Dua might as well be the Las Vegas strip of of the Bali coast. It is filled with multi-million dollar luxury hotels, shopping, and fine dining. While many of these hotels tend to cater to a more private and more expensive crowd, there are also a number of hotels in the Nusa Dua area that are very family friendly. If you are on the look out for a hotel in the Nusa Dua area that won’t give you a dirty look because you brought your two year olds with you, the hotels on this list are a good place to start.

Not only are the hotels on this list family friendly, but many of them are also much more affordable than many of the of the other hotels in the area. With the exception of one hotel on this list, all of the others are just a stones throw away from the beach. These hotels not only tend to be a little more kid friendly, but the rooms are a bit larger and thus more family friendly as well.

The Westin Resort – Nusa Dua

The Westin Resort in Nusa Dua provides an exciting stay that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. They offer an array of spa and massage treatments and exercise opportunities at the state of the art gym on site. This resort oozes luxurious style and taste from the beautiful lobby, exotic floral arrangements, soft and enchanting music, and delicious, healthy cuisine which is served at six locations. The main focal point of this resort is the Indian Ocean, but there is an assortment of other activities for guests of all ages, including land and sea adventures, golf, and tennis.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa

Located only minutes away from the Bali International Airport, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa is noted for its amazing quality services and convienience. This particular hotel and spa offers a wide variety of special packages for its guests, including honeymoon, suite, and delux spa packages. Because it is a beach front property, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa also has a relaxing and calm vibe. Aside from general hotel and spa packages, this hotel also makes a great wedding venue or meeting place for conferences.

Novotel Benoa Bali

The Novotel Benoa Bali offers a fantastic deal for the rates. Situated above the warm sands of the Tanjung Benoa beach, this hotel offers a wide variety of activities for adults and children, a full themed buffet every day at more than one location, and numerous other eating and drinking options, including three cocktail bars on site. Each of the 180 rooms have a unique coconut wood design and all have either a private patio or garden area. There are also villas available, all of which include a private swimming pool. The Novotel Benoa Bali has a number of cultural programs available for guests to have a true Indonesian experience.

Melia Benoa

The Melia Benoa Resort in Bali is an all-inclusive resort nestled quietly into the warm beaches, only a few minutes from a traditional fishing and art market and golf course. This resort is perfect for families and couples and has many great “extra” features, such as a 24-hour on-call doctor, non-smoking rooms, a shopping arcade, baby sitting services, and a hair salon. The cuisine served at the Melia Benoa is nothing short of the best, serving a variety of world cuisines at various buffets located around the grounds all day. This resort has three styles of rooms available, all at different costs.

Aston Bali Resort and Spa

This resort and spa features 168 lovely rooms, each with a private patio overlooking the beautiful beach and 700 square meter swimming pool. There are also 19 private suites available for those interested in a more private area. The Aston Bali not only offers an unforgetable stay for its guests, but also serves as a fantastic meeting place for conventions and conferences. Also, enjoy one of many lavish spa treatments that are offered at the resort’s signature spa and dine in one of many high end or casual dining facilities.

Grand Mirage Resort

The Grand Mirage Resort is a beach front resort surrounded by well-manicured and gorgeous tropical gardens which provide both an enchanting and welcoming atmosphere for its guests. As far as amenities go, the Grand Mirage Resort has it all, from swimming pools for adults and children, tennis, water sports, a full spa, coffee shop, restuarants and cocktail bars, and even 24 hour room service and babysitting services for parents that want an evening to themselves while on vacation. This resort is made up of 310 spacious rooms and also has several conference rooms for meetings and events.

Moving to Bali and renting a house is quite easy and often affordable. But, as with renting anywhere in the world, there are some things you need to know to get the most bang for your buck. Luckily, Bali offers quite a wide range of villas in an even wider range of prices. Wither you go for a huge villa right on the beach or a smaller one slightly further away, you will still be getting more for your money than you would in most places.

Advice for Renting a Villa in Bali

Here are some of the things you might want to think about if you are planning on renting a house / villa in Bali.

Price:
Everybody wants a beach-front place, or at least one with close access to the beach. You’ll pay more for this than one slightly away from the beach. You’ll find that rents are cheaper as soon as you get across a main road (eg. Jl. Seminyak) from the beach, with most of the tourist villas and hotels on the beach side. Also driving a couple of kms out of town will also being the prices down.

Finding a house:
Houses for rent come on the market at a moment’s notice. Expats and local owners will often post handwritten notes on bulletin boards in cafes and shops. These rentals can be for 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and so on. Exploring the small lanes on motorbike is the best way to find place for rent.

Pricing
Don’t be afraid to knock on your neighbor’s door and ask how much they pay for rent, it will give you an idea.

Duration
The longer you rent a place for the lower the overall price will be. Problem is how so you know you’ll still want the house after 6 months. Here in Bali many things can happen after you’ve rented a house including leaking roofs, disfunctional drainage, bad staff, etc. The way to handle this is to rent the place for a week, if you like it try it for a year. After that year you’ll know what the place is like, then you can go for a 5 year lease if that appeals.

Security
Houses in Bali are open-plan, with parts of the living area adjacent to the garden. This obviously presents security issues. It is important to get a feel of how trustworthy the gardener, pembantu are and also know that your doors have some degree of security, as many doors have flimsy locking structures.

Noise
Don’t like roosters at 4am, or party scene overflow all night long? You need to sleep in a place for a while to see how that works.

Curve-balls
Flooded driveways in the wet season, bird-sized mosquitoes, Balinese cock-fighting over your back wall, aggressive local dogs, these are all extra things you need to think about before committing long term.

Contract
Do not move into a place before it meets your standards. If the owner says you can move in and he will fix the roof, walls, pool, driveway, don’t believe it. Get a signed contract and pout it in a safe place.

Picking the Right Location for You

Finding the right location for you can make a huge difference in your trip. There have been so many times I have seen people who didn’t do enough research before renting a villa and ended up moving only days after they arrived. Do the research and make sure that the villa you want to rent is in the location you want to be in.

A good example of this would be a backpacker that’s on a super tight budget, but still likes to party every night. They find a villa for rent that is super cheap. The only problem is that it is about a 20 minute drive from town. While that might not seem far, the cost of taxi rides back and forth will add up fast. In turn, you will end up spending more money overall by living in a cheaper villa further from everything else.

Looking for a tropical get away where you can make your honeymoon dollars go far? Then Bali is the perfect place to start looking. It is here where you can enjoy pristine beaches, luxury resorts, top notch spa treatments, and luxury cuisine for a fraction of the cost of other popular honeymoon destinations. If that sounds good to you, keep reading, as we have complied a list of some of the best Bali honeymoon hotels, as well as some tips and advice getting the most bang for you buck.

More times than not, your honeymoon will be one of the few vacations where you actually indulge yourself in luxurious things like high end hotels, messages on the beach, and other luxury items. Be that as it may, it pays to do some extra research when planning your honeymoon.

One of the best ways to really make your honey budget go far is to look for special honeymoon packages. Many of the hotels and resorts will offer some sort of honeymoon special. Sometimes these deals are just overpriced nonsense like paying $200 extra for rose petals and wine. But, other times you can find package upgrades that include things like a private dinner on the beach, couples message, breakfast in bed, and other romantic activities. It is definitely worth looking into these types of packages.

Generally, the hotels will have these sorts of packages listed on the website, but if you find a hotel you like that doesn’t offer them, don’t worry. Hotels often have deals that aren’t listed on their website. So call the hotel to see if they have any honeymoon deals or packages. These types of packages are usually found in smaller resorts and bed-and-breakfast type places, as well as the larger chain resorts. The in between budget style hotels rarely have honeymoon packages.

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa - This resort is a popular choice because it offers up a luxury experience at a fraction of the price. The resort is located on a ridge in between two rivers. Combine the view with the magnificent gardens and landscaping and you have breathtaking views all around you. The staff here is top notch and willing to do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable and at home. The villas, as well as the rest of the resort are sheer luxury and make you think you should be paying more than you are for the place.

Alila Ubud – The Alila Ubud is a perfect honeymoon getaway. The resort is targeted more to couples than families. This means you don’t really have to worry about your honeymoon being ruined by vacationing families. Read the reviews of Alila Ubud and you will see that it is hard to find a bad one. The resort rests on a picture perfect hillside that will make you feel a million miles from anywhere. The rooms here blend modern elements with traditional for a look that might keep you in you room longer than ever. Should you feel like leaving your room, there are various tours that are far from the tourists crowds.

Bulgari – As soon as you walk into the Bulgari (formally The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort and Spa) you may never want to leave. In true style, everything about the resort is luxurious and over the top. The resort its self is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. While the resort is larger than many of the others listed here, the The Bulgari, Bali Resort and Spa is nice because it can accompany a variety of budgets. The resort offers rooms, villas, and suites. Huge spa, 18 hole golf course, and private beach are just a few of thine things you will find on the resort grounds.

Goodway Hotel and Resort – With the Goodway Hotel and Resort yo get surprisingly chic rooms and decor that easily competes with boutique hotels in larger cities. Unlike those expensive boutique hotels, the Goodway Hotel and Resort has prices that start at just US$75 a night. This makes the hotel an idea sport for honeymooners who are on budget, but still want a tough of luxury.

Adhi Jaya Hotel – At the Adhi Jaya Hotel you get a mice mixture of traditional Balinese style and design, but with a pleasant mixture of modern day touches and amenities. From the inside of your room to the hotels property, the area is filled with beautiful decor, lush gardens, and picture perfect pools. Every room in the hotel comes with a spectacular view as well.

Adi Dharma Hotel and Cottages – Take one look at the Adi Dharma Hotel and Cottages and you would assume that it is way out of your budget. The hotel easily looks as though it could cost several hundred dollars a night, but in fact in only costs around US$85 a night! The hotels is dripping with amazing Balinese architecture, design, and landscaping. This is a great pick!

Balisani Padma Hotel – Like many of the other hotels on this list, the Balisani Padma Hotel features a traditional Balinese style of an older Bali village. Each room at the Balisani Padma Hotel is a two story bungalow with plenty or indoor and outdoor living space. The rooms are large to say the least and feature a pleasant tropical style to them.

In the traditional sense of the word, there are not really any hostels in Bali. Instead, Bali has a huge selection of accommodations like guest houses, villas, and hotels that are so cheap there is no real demand for typical hostels. Since Kuta Beach is such a popular tourist destination, prices for everything will be a bit more expensive here. That said, there are a wealth of accommodations in the area that are pretty easy on you budget. The great thing about the more expensive rooms on this list is that they may be a bit more expensive then some, but you get a lot for your money.

Adi Dharma Hotel & Cottages

Adi Dharma Hotel & Cottages are located in the middle of bustling Legian street, yet tucked away nicely in their own picturesque landscaping gardens. Just a few step from the beach, the two distinctive buildings provide one of the best values in the reigon. Balinese architecture is prominent in all the public places and rooms. Together, the lodging boasts more than 100 rooms that are recently renovated and provide ample space with chic amentias and luxurious furnishing. All rooms have walk in balconies from where to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. There are two world class restaurants on premises which offer International and Indonesian cuisine accompanied with live music and dancing. Beautiful walkways and manicured gardens surround the exquisite pool which is frequented by singles and lively guests. The Dirga Sauca Spa & Yoga provides a tasteful blend of meditation and full body message coupled with manicure, pedicure, cream bath and various therapy essentials.

Poppies Cottages

If you ever wanted to impress someone special then Poppies Cottages is a must stay. For a nominal price, in the middle of the Kuta beach, you get your very own thatched roof luxurious cottage with a private lovely garden. Each of these masterpieces come equipped with trendy furnishings that include LCD TV, DVD, CD player and above all, a well equipped surround sound system. Stay at this paradise and you can enjoy a sunken bathtub and a shower in the hidden corner of the room. Take a sip of its world famous Pina Colada while sitting in the balcony surrounded by beautiful meandering red rock paths around the many Jasmine, hibiscus and frangipani. It is a place to indulge in one’s own fantasy world without concealing your romantic private moments. The three restaurants are scattered around the Kota Beach area within the immediate vicinity of two separate cottage enclosure. Book a seat early as these restaurants are famous among locals who want a lions’ share of the tasty Sheeskebabs, Sword Fish and the hand made chocolate dripping cakes.

Maxi Hotel

Located on the famous Legian Street, Maxi Hotel Restaurant & Spa is one of the newest and most popular hangouts. The building is located just 350 meters from the main beach and in the middle of Kuta’s famous nightlife, shopping centers and famous eateries. This new establishment offers spacious modern rooms with all the most sought after facilities including Satellite TV, air conditioning, digital safety box and in room spa and message. All rooms have modern bathrooms with bathtubs and imported toiletries. These room types include a free daily breakfast and welcome drinks on arrival. Guests will be hard pressed to beat the reasonable rates which provide instantaneous access to a feast of delicious Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisine. The Apache Reggae Bar & Disco provides ample opportunities for in house entertainment whereas multiple mini bars and juice corners provide a chance for people watching and making new friends.

Bounty Hotel

Dubbed as a place for young at heart, this hotel is definitely for enthusiastic party maniacs. Located just a few steps from Kuta beach, Bali Bounty provides more than 166 tastefully furnished rooms with in house music, private balconies and free movie offerings. The property is a hotbed of activities where guests can soak in two large swimming pools, one with a sunken poolside bar. The hotel is a part of the extended partnership which offers hotel guests special offers and privileges to 400 passenger catamaran, double Six Party club and new paddy’s pub. Free entrance to Paddy’s pub will make sure that visitors get entertainment until late in the morning and also enjoy bungee jumping right in the middle of a disco at Six Party. The in-room message offer opportunities to divulge in sinful pleasures of full body coconut oil, flower oil or a traditional message. Around the clock game room, tour desk and Internet facilities make sure that the place protrudes energy like no other place in Kuta.

Dewi Sri Hotel

The award winning Dewi Sri Hotel is made for the most discerning travelers who want a high quality accommodation without hurting their pockets. Its location is just 15 minutes walk to the beach and in the center of all the major shopping areas and night clubs. There are 101 hotel rooms which exemplify the beauty and simplicity of the unique and mysterious Balinese architecture. The guest rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities including bath tubs, showers, IDD telephone lines, 24 hour concierge and balconies which overlook the serene water palace style ambience. The swimming pool, restaurant and a bar provide ample fun for always on the move, hip crowd. Hotel guests enjoy exotic privileges such as in-house message, waterside mini sports, discounts on nearby attractions and no cover fees in two of the best nightclubs in Bali. Numerous well known restaurants are situated right across the street which sumptuously makes up for a single restaurant on the premises.

La Walon Bungalows

This is most probably the best value for your money. The newly renovated La Walon Bungalows offer a chance to stay in a refreshing environment just 300m from the bustling Kuta Beach. The hotel offers spacious and airy rooms that come fully equipped with all modern facilities and large bathrooms. The splendor of the room is only matched by the open space design which allows unprecedented sunlight. Service desk can arrange for area tours and provide useful guidance to the nearby best places to eat. There is 24 hours medical, laundry, taxi services and public transport stops just a block away from the hotel. The hotel building itself is located just steps away from the famous shopping malls and discos. Each room is actually a private Balinese style Bungalow with its own courtyard overlooking beautiful tropical gardens. There is a large swimming pool on premises which overlooks the highly engraved architecturally exquisite main building.

Sayang Maha Mertha Hotel

This is a boutique hotel that was specifically established to meet the demands of budget conscious travelers. The building is located right in the middle of famous Legion Village. All of the 60 rooms provide utmost comfort and privacy. A private balcony in every room allows guest uninterrupted views of beautiful garden setting. Living space is designed to reflect a traditional Balinese environment. Guests have wide range of room types to choose from which come equipped with air condition or a fan. Modern public facilities such as swimming pool, Internet, Message service, doctor on call, billiard room and its own parking area makes it among the top choices in Kuta Beach. The on-site Sayang restaurant is open until late night and offers sumptuous Western, Japanese, Chinese and native cuisine. There is even a separate bar and café, both of which provide an assortment of local drinks and well prepared snacks. Don’t forget to ask for reasonably priced Airport Shuttle.

Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history and is a new travel hotspot.

Hang out in Hanoi
The graceful capital of Hanoi in northern Vietnam retains the charm and ambience of the French-colonial era. Few cities stir the imagination of travellers in the way that Hanoi does. The perfect combination of colonial architecture, quiet lakes and the bustling Old Quarter create a uniquely Vietnamese experience. Take a cyclo ride through the frenetic streets for an up close and personal glimpse of locals cooking, eating and trading on the street in front of you.

Head to the hills
An overnight train journey away from Hanoi takes you to Sapa, one of Vietnam’s most fascinating French hill stations surrounded by landscapes of terraced rice paddies. The region is home to many of Vietnam’s ethnic hilltribe minority groups who retain their traditions and wear colourful dyed, woven fabrics and etched silver jewellery.

Boat on the Bay
Just a few hours drive from Hanoi lies a truly magical natural wonder – Halong Bay. Thousands of limestone mountains emerge from the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tonkin to create a mystical and beautiful backdrop for the converted Chinese junks sailing amongst the outcrops. Enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters, feast on fresh seafood from the bay and relax aboard an atmospheric boat meandering through the islands.

Culture and coast
Central Vietnam is home to historic Hue. Here, explore the Citadel, scene of the Tet Offensive during the American War and the seat of power for the Nguyen family. Separated from Hue by a stunning mountain pass is Hoi An, formerly a quiet fishing village and currently an artist’s mecca and home to some of the country’s best cuisine. It is a paradise for shoppers, diners and photographers. Set on the banks of the tranquil Thu Bon River, Hoi An retains its small-town feel, but today its narrow laneways are filled with tailor shops and artist stalls. Further south, Nha Trang is the country’s premiere beach destination. Cruise amongst the islands just off the coast and enjoy super-fresh seafood.

Don’t Miss Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the economic powerhouse of the country – the city is modern, yet travellers can still see the Vietnam of old. The country’s recent turbulent history is evident here with a visit to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the former US Embassy and the War Museum. Further south is the picture postcard Mekong Delta, an extremely fertile and friendly region with paddy fields, floating markets and bustling waterways.

I only spent one day on Gili T., then took an island hopping boat to Gili Air, a more laid back and less developed island. It’s easy to get stuck on Gili Air, which I did. This island still maintains mostly bamboo huts.

While staying on the island I did my best to minimize the resources I used and the trash I created. This meant quick showers, refilling a water bottle at local restaurants, and if I did generate any trash (paper, broken headphones, etc.) I took it with me when I left the island. I spent tranquil days reading in a hammock, tanning on the beach, and I went snorkeling for the first time in my life. I went with guide from the guest house where I was staying and we rented snorkels and fins from a local vender. Amazing. Internet access is so slow to the point of being useless (which explains the delay in posting these entries), but I did have a chance to look up some eco-snorkeling tips before my original departure. Like, many websites giving eco-advice, these tips seem obvious, but then you see the pictures of people holding up the coral they found …

There are far fewer visitors that stay on Gili Air. While Gili Trawangan has a community group called SATGAS managing the community’s and tourist’s interests, the only type of local authority on Gili Air and Meno is from the local village head who handles disputes. At this time I’m not sure if any waste management programs have been started? Most of the places are still locally owned, but two professional dive schools have opened on Gili Air, as well as a few upscale establishments. One place even tries to appeal to visitors by offering a “gym.”

On my last day on Gili Air, and the Gili islands in general, I sign up for a full day glass bottom boat tour of the three islands. I was also able to visit Gili Meno for the first time. From what I understand most visitors to Meno, especially during the offseason, are just day visitors. I went with an Italian couple, a German couple, and the Indonesian 2 men who operate the boat to various snorkeling places around the islands. Their boat, along with a few other glass bottom boats originating from the other islands, tie up to a pre-arranged anchored buoy – so everyone is snorkeling at the same spot. We end up seeing several turtles, brightly colored fishes, and at one location a large stingray quickly zooms by some meters under our feet. And, if the call to prayer seems mesmerizing to my foreign ears usually, it seems even more so when snorkeling underwater and hearing it echoing around the fishes.

It’s a Catch 22 when it comes to the fish surrounding the islands – visitors love seeing the multicolored fish, but they also love eating them. Each night the restaurants on the islands display a selection of newly caught fish available for BBQ, and served with rice and vegetables. While Gili Trawangan is trying to work with fisherman to modify their fishing methods, there is still a steady demand for fish created by tourism … and, um, I admit it’s delicious.

After several days spent on Gili Air, I finally drag myself away. Taking the slow boat away from the island, I can’t help but ponder the future of this little island. Tourism will undoubtedly increase, but I just hope the island is able to adopt some appropriate management strategies to keep the tourism industry in balance. Gili Air has such a tranquil character and rich marine environment it would be sad to see it overexploited for only short-term gain, but as the projects on Gili Trawangan demonstrate even the best intentioned sustainable development ideas can lead to problems.