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Cruises

Cruising Mediterranean on Celebrity's Solstice - Any destination can be enhanced (or marred) by the type of cruise ship that you may select as your "home" during the itinerary. When we chose the 12-Day Mediterranean cruise, much of our decision was based on ..>> READ IT!

Celebrity Millenium Golf - There is no better way to plan a golf trip to the Caribbean than on a cruise ship. You can play a round of golf whenever and wherever the ship docks, while avoiding the hassle of packing and unpacking at each destination. And once the golf day is over..>>READ IT

Grandeur of the Seas "Bug" - A good bug? Usually that is a "dead bug", but it this case, the definition means an "inspiration"... >> READ IT

Celebrity's Constellation - Caribbean Class Selecting the new Constellation for a Caribbean cruise is a "no-brainer." You are guaranteed great service, amenities and facilities on a ship that recently had yet to celebrate its first anniversary. >> READ IT!

Cruise Diary From Alaska  Is there a better way for a couple of  Floridians to experience Alaska for the first time than on a luxurious cruise ship?  We don't believe so.  The memories along the Inside ... >> READ IT!

Cape Horn, Glaciers, Trout & Penguins  Tracing the path of Magellan through hurricane (Force 12) winds on the most dangerous seas in the world around the  desolate of southern tip of South America is not easily forgotten...  >> READ IT!

Cruising French Polynesia Exotic Tahiti lies in the Society Islands about halfway between Australia and Los Angeles.  The island was the point of debarkation for our cruise on Radisson Seven Seas' Paul Gauguin. >> READ IT! 

Cruising the Mexican Riviera and Bahamas  When I get assigned to review cruises to the Mexican Riviera and the Bahamas all within the same month, I make that sacrifice and do it.  I know, it's a tough job.  But what can I do?  >> READ IT!

Caribbean

Diving Walls in Turks & Caicos - Sharks, rays and "glory" scuba days are possible in this area of the Caribbean. The Turks & Caicos Islands offer just such an experience, as...>>READ IT!

Punta Cana Offshore Action - Our group of six met our boat's mate, Emanuel on the beach...>> READ IT

Caribbean's Hottest Spot? - The "happening spot" in the Caribbean today? One of the picks has to be...>> READ IT

Dominican Republic Luxury Golf - Mention golf in the Dominican Republic and you immediately think of the long-time famous Teeth of the Dog ... >> READ IT

Bahamas Flats Marsh Bones Part I - The cloud cover hung low and dark thunderheads on the eastern horizon were ominous. It had rained... >> READ IT

Bahamas Flats Marsh Bones Part II - The shallow area that Jody fishes is comprised of a bunch of little marls or marsh spits... >> READ IT

Anguilla Photo Essay - We are often unable to showcase all the beautiful scenic photography from some of our favorite destinations. A picture is worth..>> READ IT!

Ocean Links of Royalty - The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club deserves the attention of all Caribbean visitors ...READ IT!

Provo's Paradise Perfected - For years, the Turks and Caicos Islands received attention only from fishermen, divers and beachgoers. The little known getaway destination had few other activities...>> READ IT!

Not to Miss Off Nevis - Diving Opportunities - Nevis, located in the northeastern Leeward Islands, south of St. Martin and north of Guadeloupe, is a beautiful mountainous island with rainforest and nice beaches. This area of the Caribbean...>> READ IT

Turks & Caicos Backbay Bones. A tiny country consisting of 30 small islands and practically unknown as a travel destination, lies snuggled into the southeast corner of the Bahamas.  They are practically unknown as a travel ..>>READ IT

St John Skies, Depths & Mountains Like the TV commercial, I was screaming when the parasail thrust me skyward from my comfortable position on the fantail platform at the boat's stern. And, like the commercial...  >> READ IT!

St Thomas - Still A Great Tropical Getaway  Give me a "painkiller"!  No, not something for a headache, I'm asking for the popular drink that you can find at nearly every watering hole in the U.S.V.I! And no matter  ...  >> READ IT!

St John - A Day on the Beach  Trunk Bay, rightly called one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, lay below us in a picture postcard setting. Our perch at a North Shore Road overlook above the world famous beach was just one...   >> READ IT!

St Lucia's Deep Sea Attractions   There is no prettier place in the Caribbean to fish or dive than St. Lucia. The colorful coral reefs lie all along the edge of the island and drop quickly into a thousand feet or more of bluewater...  >> READ IT!

St Lucia - Island Hiking In The Caribbean   For energetic travelers who can't sit still on the beach, St Lucia's rugged terrain and scenic trails beckon. It is perhaps the best soft adventure destination in the Caribbean. Called the Emerald Isle ... >> READ IT!

St. Maarten's Deep Sea Action  Bluewater anglers on St. Maarten are more used to catching marlin than sailfish, but once in a while surprises come along. Just a couple of years ago, for example, they experienced historic sailfish activity.  Discovering such a fishery ...   >> READ IT!

Catch the Wind, a Fish, or Aquatic View at the Bitter End   There is no prettier place in the Caribbean than the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. The tall hills break a flat horizon, and the turquoise waters are beautiful... >> READ IT! 

Anguilla's Pristine Hideaways   Throughout the warm Caribbean and Atlantic waters to the south of Florida lie some of the best island resort destinations in the world.  It's impossible to visit them all, but I am fortunate enough to get around to some of the very best sun-drenched spots.  >> READ IT!

Dominican Republic Outdoors  "He's on," shouted my fishing partner David Jones, as he hung on to a bouncing rod. Our guide shifted the outboard into neutral, as I started to reel in my bait.  The guide motioned for me to leave my trolled bait out behind the boat, which I did.  >> READ IT!

Fat Lady's Marlin   The owners, captains and anglers aboard the nine sportfishing yachts moored quietly at the small Biras Creek marina were concerned.  The following day was the first of an international billfish tournament, and they were being forced by ...  >> READ IT!

Aruba's Active Aquatic Areas  Beautiful Aruba offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of adventure, as I confirmed on a recent trip to the island that lies in the southern Caribbean just 2 1/2 hours from Miami via American Airlines ...  >> READ IT!

Central/South America & Canada

Riviera Maya's Cenotes &Tres Rios - Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula adjacent to the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, sits on a cavernous limestone shelf that has an elevation of only 150 feet above sea level...>> READ IT!.

Tulum and Coba -  The Riviera Maya region on the Yucatan coastline was an important religious and commercial center for the ancient Maya civilization from 1000 to 1550 BC. Today, this area an hour south of Cancun has 51 all-inclusive resorts... >> READ IT!

Xcaret, Xplor & Xel-Ha - From the highway, or even the parking lot, it is easy to underrate all 3 of the main "Activity-Fun" Tourist Attractions that lie just 35 miles south of Cancun in Mexico's Rivieera Maya. My perception of... >> READ IT!

Rio Secreto - Swim in an "all-underground" attraction through prehistoric flooded caverns and come face to face with beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations along the "secret" river. Structures in the cave are beautiful and ... >> READ IT!

Riviera Maya Offshore Trolling - When we cleared Captain Rick's Fishing Center marina and the Puerto Aventuras Inlet, angling friends John Roberts and Andy Beltran helped the mates set up our spread of 7 rigs off the 48-foot Viking sportfishing yach ... >> READ IT!

Laguna Boca Paila 'Permit' For Bonefish Action - I won't say it's easy to boat a half dozen bonefish, a nice permit and about 20 other fish of 5 to 7 species in Laguna Boca Paila, but it is not difficult. My recent trip to Mexico's Riviera ...>> READ IT!

Chichen Itza and Cenote Dip - There's a reason this continues to be one of the most popular ruins to be visited in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It doesn't take much imagination to visualize the size and complexity of the Mayan ...>>READ IT!

Mexico's Riviera Maya Offshore Trolling - When we cleared Captain Rick's Fishing Center marina and the Puerto Aventuras Inlet, angling friends John Roberts and ...>>READ IT!

Barcelo Maya Palace Shines in the Riviera Maya - In this economy, getting the most bang for your buck is a key ingredient in most travel choices, and ...>>READ IT!

Belize Calls of the Wild at Machaca Hill Lodge - This first class rainforest canopy lodge is the ultimate all inclusive eco-retreat lodge...>>READ IT!

Rainforest Ruins of Southern Belize - Lubaantun and Lim Ni Punit offer glimpses into the Mayans >> READ IT!

Latin American Angling Destinations - Several unique "finds" exist in Latin American areas that are not overly commercialized or promoted.  Here are three of those...>>READ IT!

Sails, Roosters and Crocodiles - The roosterfish weren't feeding well on the deep, rocky reef...>>READ IT!

Cayo Espanto - Belize's Best Kept Secret - Forget everything you believe about first class service and scrumptious food..>> READ IT!

Belize's Barrier Reef Receptions - As soon as we jumped in, it was obvious that Hol Chan was no typical snorkeling site..>>READ IT!

Jasper National Park - We wanted to do and see it all. But we only had a few days in Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies...>> READ IT!

Jasper Township - In the Middle of the Rockies - The town of Jasper, located inside Canada's Jasper National Park, grows from a population of 5,000 to over 15,000... READ IT!

Via Rail - A New Perspective on Canadian Travel - Train travel is certainly not common for most Americans. In our rush to get there, we prefer to fly whenever possible...READ IT!

High Water and Giant Peacock Bass on the Rio Negro - The water was high, but we were chunking. It was day one when we checked in at the Indian Village...>>READ IT!

Brazil's Productive, Pretty Rio Preto - My rod tip was instantaneously jerked to the water's surface before I could set the hook. I hung on as the fish blasted off toward the brush on the near point   ... READ IT!

Quebec's Beautiful Beaupre Coast - The Canadian Province of Quebec includes the cosmopolitan city of Montreal and the cradle of French civilization in North America - Quebec City...>> READ IT!

Lake Huites Mexico Rocks! - I lofted my crankbait about 30 yards ahead and made three rotations of the handle when lure bounced off the rocky bottom structure. The big largemouth slammed the...READ IT!

Scenic Chile Unfolds at Santiago - Chile lies along   the Pacific coast in the southern part of South America.  It is bordered on the east by the Andes Mountains, on the North by the Atacama Desert and ...>> READ IT!

Chile's Lakes Regions Passions and Activities - The Lakes Region of Chile is perhaps the most beautiful area in the world. The town of Puerto Montt is the access point to this wonderful countryside and Lago Llanquihue, pronounced, "Yan Kee Way"...>>READ IT!

Chile's World Class Yan Kee Way Lodge -In the middle of nowhere.  Best value for your dollar. Culturally and environmentally beautiful. Safe and easy to visit. There are many more descriptive phrases for Yan Kee Way Lodge in Southern Chile. Bottom line, you.. >> READ IT

Bass with an Attitude- Anglers Inn and Lake El Salto are a Must for Bass Fishermen and Women! Bass here have developed a real attitude, and when they're hot.. >> READ IT!

Panama Jungle Paradise - Gamboa Rainforest Resort. you think of traveling to a resort located in the middle of a national park, your preconceived notion might be of a rustic setting, limited amenities and an even more limited menu...>>READ IT

Two "Panama Wonders" Tours.  Two of the most interesting tours in Panama include the "Eighth Wonder of the World", as they call the Panama Canal, and a visit to one of the Rainforest Jungle Indian Tribes...>>READ IT

 
Jungle Golf at its Best - Panama's Summit Golf Course -  Summit Golf Course is a world class championship golf facility located just off the east bank of the Panama Canal, on Gaillard Highway, just 15 minutes from Gamboa Rainforest Resort... >> READ IT!

Goin' Soft for Unini's Peacock Bass  It had been one of those long hard fishing days, where perhaps 800 casts of the large topwater plug resulted in just two fish. Light rain off and on, higher water than prime, and a dense cloud cover ...  >> READ IT!

Jumpin' Jufari's Peacock Bass  We motored upriver about an hour from the floating barge tent camp, past numerous likely lagoons, past the Rio Preta and on up the shallow runs of the Rio Jufari. We moved through the twisting, ...   >> READ IT!

Sun-Drenched Sauipe Destined for Stardom   Brazil's new Costa do Sauipe resort area has it all: golf, beach, saunas, water sports complex, tennis, security, great resorts, restaurants, nearby activities such as jeep tours, whitewater ...  >> READ IT!

Exploring Brazil's Nhamunda River  We fought off spider webs, clinging vines, sharp broken tree limbs and a few bugs as we slowly paddled through the overgrown creek. The 20 minute expedition through the almost inaccessible creek...  >> READ IT!

Brazil's Voyager - Peacock Bass Fishing Adventures! The spot was ideal for big peacock bass. A brushy, quick-dropping right-angle point bordered it on the right. On the left about 40 feet from the point were several giant, flooded hardwood trees ...  >> READ IT!

Brazil's Unini Racing Peacock Bass   My cast was like the previous 200 -- medium distance to a spot some 20 to 30 feet off the closest sandbar bank. And like many before that morning in Lago Piraracu, I expected the big strike...   >> READ IT!

Uproar on the Unini River   I lofted my giant Amazon Ripper toward the laydown just off the near shore of the narrow lagoon. The plug was mid-way toward its landing when a big fish blew up the water's surface some 100 yards away as it chased 3/4 pound baitfish against  ...  >> READ IT!

Amazon's Isolated Xeriuini River Monsters  It was a typical explosive moment. My lobbed plug hitting the surface of the water seemed to set off the detonation. I leaned back hard on the rod as the giant peacock bass blasted off  ...   >> READ IT!

 
Excitement In The Amazon  The peacock bass by nature is aggressive and its personality is downright belligerent.  It is a fish so powerful that it can destroy tackle, straighten hooks and tear the hardware right out of hardwood and plastic baits ...   >> READ IT!

Playing with Peruvian Peacocks The water ripping down a narrow 100 yard long ditch was a  muddy turbulence falling into the upper Amazon. The drop of about eight feet created perhaps Peru's only whitewater on the plains of the massive river basin.  The tumbling water ...  >> READ IT!

New World Record "Dracula" fish   Larry Larsen has been awarded a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame all-tackle world record for payara, or the "Dracula" fish. The 31 pound, 42.5 inch long fish with two prominent canine teeth measured 25 inches in girth.  >> READ IT!

Asia & Pacific

The North Island's Grand Lake Taupo region.   Roaring down a raging river in a jet boat, fishing for shrimp.. >> READ IT!

Tantalizing Taupo Region Trout - Our 4-wheel drive vehicle bounced along the single-lane dirt road …>>READ IT!

Mount Cook on the South Island - The terrain from Christchurch southeast through the Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook is some of the prettiest, rolling countryside…>>READ IT!

Wellington Outdoors - New Zealand's capital, Wellington, and its surrounding area offer a lot to visitors …>>READ IT!

New Zealand Guide Jim Gosman - One of the most enjoyable aspects of fishing in other countries is meeting fishing guides. My guide in New Zealand…>>READ IT!

Fiji Viti Levu "Bula" Touring - There is one thing you surely realize when you arrive in Fiji and that is that the people there are friendly. Fijian hospitality starts off >> READ IT!

Fiji Tours - Fire Walking, River Safari - The dual engine jet boat heaved sideways in the sharp turn wetting the passengers  … on purpose of course>>READ IT!.

Fiji Fishing Action – Mamanuca Islands - Just west of Nadi off the main island of Viti Levu lie 14 islands or more in the Mamanuca group, and fishing off them >>READ IT!

Luxurious Adventure at Dubai's Burj Al Arab - In my travels over the years I've been met upon arrival, but I've never before arrived at a facility that had 25 butlers and ...>>READ IT

Krabi & Ko Lanta - Thailand's Hidden Paradise - The lush Krabi Province in Thailand is filled with..>>READ IT

Tropical Koh Samui – Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and part of its largest Southern Province, Suratthani. There are plenty of interesting sites in the unspoiled...>> READ IT

Hawai'is' Kona Coast for Marlin.  Stable weather, protected fishing grounds, bait -intensive Japanese currents and productive underwater ledges are a few of the reasons for Hawaii's Kona Coast reputation...>>READ IT

Catch Cape Don's Dinner Variety Let's see. What do I want for dinner tonight? Coral trout, golden snapper, barramundi, Spanish mackerel, blue salmon,  or how about tuna? How about mud crab for an appetizer?" The choices are those and more at Cape Don Lodge ...  >> READ IT!

It's the Outback, Jack!   Ever try to battle a feisty 13-pound barramundi while a 2 ,000-pound crocodile watches you from 10-feet away? There are not many places in the world where you can do that.  I was in the Northern Territory of Australia's Outback...  >> READ IT!

Bank on A Good Dive in Yap! Our group of five divers was clinging to the reef peering above the protective rocks and boulders for a glimpse of a sea creature, one whose shadow would cover us all as he swept by flapping huge wings. A strong tidal current was trying to rip us from ...  >> READ IT!

 
Palau's Bountiful Beaches, Bubbles and Bats It's called "paradise", and for outdoor lovers, Palau, a Micronesian  island nation is. Located 800 miles southwest of Guam, Palau offers white sand beaches, world-class scuba diving, and a variety ...   >> READ IT!

Europe/Africa

Fishing Function & Fun For Singles - Want to add a little more fun and adventure to your fishing? I suggest then that you mount an AquaQuad CLX and take off .. >> READ IT!
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South Africa Adventure Charge- Think the menacing-looking tigerfish with those ferocious dentures will provide the most adrenalin in a fishing expedition..>> READ IT!

Pompeii - A remarkable Roman city frozen in time - I first visited Pompeii with my parents in December 1976. We took a one-day ...>> READ IT!

Athens and Rome  - Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.  Rome conquered Greece and then adopted its architecture..>> READ IT!

Mykonos - This Greek island was one of our Mediterranean cruise stops, and while it may not be as well known as Crete or Santorini...>> READ IT!

Amalfi Coastlines are Italy Dreamlines - For outdoor loves, few destinations in the Mediterranean satisfy more than the beautiful Blue Grotto caves... READ IT!

Ephesus, Turkey - A personalized tour is worth it. We had high expectations during our recent visit to Ephesus and we were not disappointed...>> READ IT!

Barcelona-Montserrat - Two thousand years of history have resulted in Barcelona becoming a major cruise line departure port... READ IT!

Malta's Blue Grotto Blasts- For outdoor loves, few destinations in the Mediterranean satisfy more than the beautiful Blue Grotto caves... READ IT!

Santorini Perched Above it All - the Islands of Oia and Fira offer great views and strenuous exercise! It's impossible not to walk through ....READ IT

A First Class Pass to a First Class Swiss Vacation  Described as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Switzerland's per-capita annual income is around $30,000 after taxes. Its fame as a place to hide fortunes in Swiss bank accounts is ...  >> READ IT!

Lovely Lucerne and Dragon Mountain  Considered the birthplace of Swiss tourism, Lucerne is indeed a very popular destination. More than 5 million visitors spend time here each year where many natural attractions are within reach.  ...  >> READ IT!

Scaling the Matterhorn Region  In the heart of the Swiss Alps, the beautiful Matterhorn Region is a little over 90 miles long. Close to 50 mountain peaks surround the Rhone River valley, and the fertile grounds are home to Swiss wine and ...  >> READ IT! 

Exploring the Lake Geneva Region  Geneva is a very convenient gateway into Switzerland and the Alps. Zurich's bustling airport is perhaps the most known international arrival destination, but we found the Geneva airport to be much easier  ...  >> READ IT!

The Enchanting Engadin & St. Moritz They call it the "Top of the World" and while attending a major travel writer's conference in St. Moritz, we had the opportunity and interest in exploring the area and judging for ourselves why...   >> READ IT!

What's Not to Love About Lugano  A bus trip into city of Lugano from the east involves a scenic ride along Lake Lugano from the town of Porlezza and by the quaint seaside village of Gandria. The coastline with its rugged mountain cliffs, tunnels ...   >> READ IT!