Electro-rock duo Vive la Fête play a free show at La Flèche d’Or. Photo courtesy of Benoît.

1. Couscous at Le Grenier

The couscous is complimentary for drinking patrons. Enjoy it all while listening to jazz or manouche in this lovable dive bar. Its location in the lively Oberkampf neighborhood makes it a good starting point for checking out the local scene.

152 rue Oberkampf, 11e. Tel. +33 [0]1 48 05 13 52

Photo courtesy of Alessandra Kim.

2. Student concerts at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris

One of the most prestigious music conservatories in Europe, its students stage free concerts throughout the year.

209 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 19e. Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 46 47

3. Organ concert at the Saint-Eustache Church

Housing one of the largest organs in the world, Saint-Eustache is where Mozart held the funeral for his mother. Free concerts every Sunday at 5:30 pm.

2, rue du Jour, 1e.

Photo courtesy of Weingarten.

4. Musée Carnavalet

Housed in two mansions in the trendy Marais district, this gorgeous museum chronicles the history of Paris from its founding to modern day. Admission to the permanent collection is always free.

23, rue de Sévigné, 3e. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 59 58 58

5. Rock and Electro Concerts at La Flèche d’Or

This bar/restaurant/club is in an old train station with windows overlooking the defunct tracks. One of the first venues to open in the Ménilmontant neighborhood, it still may be the coolest. Free admission from 8:00pm to 2:00am.

102 bis, rue de Bagnolet, 20e. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 64 01 02

6. Place des Vosges

The oldest square in Paris, you can lounge on the grass, listen to the street musicians, browse the art galleries and even visit the home of Victor Hugo where he wrote many of his works, including Les Misérables. Admission is always free.

6, place des Vosges, 4e. Tel. +33 (0)1 42 72 10 16

Photo courtesy of Felipe Bachomo.

7. Le Showcase

A hot new nightspot with live jazz and rock is in the unexpected location under the stunning Alexandre III bridge. President Sarkozy has reportedly already had a few parties there. Admission is free before midnight.

Pont Alexandre III, Port des Champs Élysées, 82. Tel: +33 (0)1 45 61 25 43

8. Fashion shows at Galleries Lafayette

To many, Paris is synonymous with fashion and the quintessential Paris departmen store, Galleries Lafayette has a free fashion show every Friday at 3:00pm on the 7th floor.

Reservations are a must: email welcome@galerieslafayette.com or call +33 (0)1 42 82 36 40. 40, boulevard Haussmann, 9e.

Photo courtesy of Claude.

9. Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Wander around the grounds of the most famous cemetery in the world and pay your respects to Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Colette, Molière, Modigliani, Georges Seurat, Sarah Bernhardt, Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison and many, many more.

16 rue du Repos, 20e. Tel: +33 (0)1 55 25 82 10

10. Radio France Concerts

Radio France presents free classical concerts on Sunday afternoons at the Petit Palais auditorium. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes before concerts.

116 av. du Président Wilson, 16e. Tel: +33 [0]1 56 40 15 16

community connection

For more on France, including travelers, local experts, organizations and volunteer opportunities, blogs, articles, and more, check out the France Page at Matador.

Feature photo and photo above by Tony Gatti.

Standing nearly 50 feet above the ethereal, blue Caribbean with mammoth, granite boulders all around and a few snorkelers here and there, I plunge into a ring of coral below, gaining a moment of clarity only attainable by falling freely into a welcoming sea from a high precipice.

If one wanted proof of the BVI’s volcanic origins, there is no need to look further than Virgin Gorda. Here, you will find what is arguably the most famous land feature in the entire Virgin Island archipelago and a truly romantic locale: the Baths.

At the southwestern corner of the island is a seaside labyrinth of massive, granite boulders that form a series of grottoes in which to play and explore.

Some of these boulders tower 50 feet high and there are cool, shaded pools at their base that sneak out into the sea.

Constantly refreshed by the mellow tides, these pools offer the most delightful respite from the hard sun of the tropics and the linear quadrants of city blocks back home.

Once you add the tall and slinky palm trees that mingle among the rocks, it all looks rather like a tropical Bedrock.

For anyone who has been before, the National Park known as ‘the Baths’ becomes a hallowed memory as one recalls the day crawling, climbing, and duck-walking along a maze of rock, sand, and penumbra.

Photo above by Tony Gatti.

While there is a trail that runs through the boulders, it is easy to find a secretive grotto in which to frolic with your sweetheart or philosophize alone about why you didn’t bring one!

This place is a geological Barry White.

By Land or By Sea

Accessing this wonderful place can be achieved easily by land or by sea. Unless you have a boat or swim from afar, you arrive at the park by taxi or foot; it is only a mile from Spanish Town (and one of the ferry terminals). The entrance fee is $3.

From the entrance, ithe walk to the Baths is a leisurely 10 minute stroll down a dirt and stone path. On the path you will begin to see boulders piled upon each other in Flintsonian fashion. Once at the beach, you might be surprised to find some lockers and a shanty with simple fare and some of the best frozen drinks in the Virgin Islands.

At Poor Man’s Bar, you can get a refreshment and a hot dog, as well as lock up your valuables.This is where crowds tend to congregate, so do your business and get to exploring this stupendous marvel.

Up and over and through, down and under and across: this is how you will go as you navigate the boulders, pools, and ever-changing light and sound.

You will be overcome with an intense desire to have the Baths all to yourself, so you will have no choice but to poke around until you find that perfectly private spot—and then wish you could share it with everyone you love.

At the southern end of the Baths is Devil’s Beach. The 20-minute journey (if you weren’t waylaid by the igneous sirens) will bring you to a lesser visited beach with no services other than peace and beauty.

Here the boulders above extend below for an inverse view of this natural wonder accented by pulsating squid, elusive rays and schools of blue tang casually moving in a crystal-liquid atmosphere. Bring your snorkel gear.

At the end of a day here, what could be better than relaxing pool side with a cocktail of your choice as you look out over the wild scene of strewn megaton boulders that was your playground?

At the top of the Baths–back where you entered earlier and paid your entrance fee–is an ingeniously named bar and restaurant called…the Top of the Baths Restaurant. I recommend the flying fish sandwich.

*It is important to note the Baths are often overrun by cruise ship passengers and other day visitors between 10am and 3pm. Click here for a list of cruise ships visiting the area.

Photo above by Tony Gatti.

Had Enough of the Beach?

There is nothing large about the island Christopher Columbus dubbed the Fat Virgin. At eight square miles, Virgin Gorda is the third largest island in the British Virgin Islands and the second-most populous, although you would never know it.

Virgin Gorda is two trapezoidal “masses” joined by the narrowest of isthmuses. On the southwestern mass known as The Valley, you will find the Baths, Spanish Town—a sleepy village of boutique shops, bars and a mini-market– and the Coppermine National Park.

Between 1837 and 1860, over 10,000 tons of copper were extracted from a mineshaft that reached a depth of over 240 feet below sea level.

You can tour the ruins and enjoy the views of the sea from the bluff. This is a great place for a picnic. Buy your lunch items at Buck’s Market in Spanish Town.

On the northeastern mass of land is the Gorda Peak National Park. For a view of the entire island and its surroundings, why not climb to the top of Virgin Gorda Peak?

At 1,359 feet, this vista boasts an incredible panorama. Most of the altitude is covered by a car ride with only a 30-minute walk to get you to the top.

At the top, you will find a platform that raises the viewpoint to 1,370 feet. Here, you can look out upon all of Virgin Gorda. See if you can discern the reason why Columbus named the island so.

Anything Else to Do?

There are innumerable opportunities to sail, kite surf, SCUBA-dive, kayak, or fish on and around Virgin Gorda, as well as a few bicycle and moped rentals.

Numerous islets, cays and islands abound with a plethora of coral reefs, hidden beaches and protected waters in which to probe.

Photo above by Tony Gatti.

Should I Stay (Overnight) or Should I Go?

Getting to Virgin Gorda is easy from the other islands in the archipelago, particularly Tortola. In fact, one could easily make daily day-trips here to explore if the cost of lodging proves too much for your budget.

As there are no campgrounds and you would be hard-pressed to find anything under $100 a night, this might be your best option. But if your budget is a bit fatter, there is no shortage of wonderful properties.

Getting Here

While the Virgin Islands may feel like a world away, they are actually rather accessible without incurring great expense. The regional hub of St. Thomas (STT) is one of the cheapest places to fly into in all of the Caribbean.

Once on STT, you are only a ferry ride (or two) away from getting away from everything. There are two ferry terminals on STT: Charlotte Amalie (CA) is a five-minute cab ride from the airport and Red Hook (RH) is about 30-40 minutes.

Seaborne Airlines offers non-stop service between St. Thomas and Virgin Gorda via an amphibious seaplane for $100 each way. It lands at Gun Creek–on the opposite side of the island from the Baths—but only a 20-minute drive away.

The seaplane port on STT is located right next to the Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal, only five minutes from the airport. The flight is a quick and scenic at just 19 minutes long.

While direct ferries exist from STT, keep in mind that everything connects via Tortola. Pay attention to where your ferry is going from and to; some of the islands have numerous terminals (Tortola and Virgin Gorda each have three!) and going to the wrong one can mean a long (and costly!) cab ride to the part you wanted to access.

For full ferry schedules throughout the US and British Virgin Islands: www.bestofbvi.com/info/info_bviferry.htm

One More Thing

Both the US and British Virgin Islands use the US dollar as their official currency and it is important to note that while Americans don’t need passports to travel to the US Virgin Islands, they DO need one to enter the British Islands. No visa required in either case.

Please see “Jost Van Dyke: A Chill Caribbean Getaway” and “Magic Mushrooms and Dolphin Rides” on www.matadortrips.com for more information about the Virgin Islands. Also, look for the next article in the Virgin Island series, which will take us to St. John.

Feature photo by shoothead. Photo above by GeneC55.

Maine’s biggest city may not have made it onto any official “green tourism” maps just yet. But for those seeking to leave no trace, Portland has plenty to offer. From the metropolitan air of Congress Street, to the clean-cut red brick of downtown and the Old Port’s quaint cobblestone…it can all be yours, o green traveler!

Practicalities

For most, a trip to Portland translates to hours on a turnpike clogged with New Englanders headed to “Vacationland” for the weekend. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Consider the Amtrak Downeaster, connecting Boston to Portland’s Transportation Center. Hail from elsewhere? Why not put together a longer train trip? Check out this page for all the Amtrak travel tips you’ll need.

The CAT pulls into the Portland International Ferry Terminal direct from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. It has a regular summertime schedule and is a great option if you’re coming from the Maritimes.

And, of course, Portland’s tiny International Jetport is always a last resort.

Hit the Streets!

Once you’ve arrived, the immediate area of interest is compact enough that you won’t need a car for any of it. Put your legs to work and rent a bike at Cycle Mania. Although bicycle lanes are sparse, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the city’s light traffic.

Portland’s METRO bus system can also get you where you need to go. A pass good for 10 rides goes for $11. All buses are equipped with front racks that hold up to two bicycles.

But on a breezy summer’s day, nothing beats your feet for a tour of the town.

The Green (and Blue) Outdoors

As temperatures rise, Portland residents flock outdoors to burn off all the calories accumulated during hibernation. Why not join them?

In the middle of town, tall trees, grassy knolls, sports facilities, and an attractive pond comprise Deering Oaks Park, the perfect place to while away an afternoon. For more of a workout, tackle the trails in the Fore River Sanctuary to the northwest. Though surrounded by sprawl, it’s possible to get lost from the sights and sounds of the modern world here.

Photo above by brentdanley.

A comprehensive listing of Greater Portland’s parks and paths can be found at the website of Portland Trails. If the online maps are too difficult to read, it’s only $4.95 to purchase the real thing.

Of course, the city’s coastal location is the main attraction for summertime visitors, and there are many ways to enjoy the ocean. Yes, swimming is one of them, despite the fact that average water temperatures top out at 62º. Heck, people even surf!

Whether you choose to enter the water or not, sand is essential. Willard Beach in South Portland is the closest, though you’ll probably want to journey a bit farther south to Crescent Beach State Park. Conditions here are nice, but expect crowds, especially on weekends.

Another way to take to the waves is by sea kayak. Headquartered on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, the Maine Island Sea Kayak Company offers tours to destinations near and far, as well as courses from beginner to advanced. H2Outfitters and Maine Kayak run trips starting farther up the coast, so you’ll need a car to get there.

The ferries of Casco Bay Lines make Peaks Island easily accessible from the Old Port. In addition to kayaking, the island has a great perimeter bicycle route, a couple beaches, a handful of restaurants, and a laidback atmosphere.

Arts & Culture

With nearly 400 years of history behind them, Portland’s historic districts deserve a look. Guided walking tours are your perfect low-impact choice and can be arranged at the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Portland Observatory. Check here for self-guided itineraries.

For something a little more interactive, sign onto a sailing tour. With Maine Sailing Adventures, you’ll learn about local maritime history and witness the beauty of Casco Bay aboard an engineless, 19th-century windjammer replica. Lucky Catch Cruises, though not exactly green, gives you the chance to experience the life of a lobster fisherman.

But there’s more to Portland culture than the salty sea. Its aforementioned art museum is surprisingly chic for a city of its size, and admission is free on Friday evenings from 5 to 9. See the Portland Arts District webpage for a complete listing of museums and galleries. Each month during the First Friday Art Walk, downtown blossoms with exhibits to suit all tastes.

And don’t forget to partake of the obligatory Old Port shopping spree. When you tire of Maine knickknacks and bohemian curios, stop by Fiachre, a bright gardening shop on Fore Street, or Sea Bags, where recycled sails are crafted into attractive handbags. You’ll find this store/workshop on Custom House Wharf, off Commercial Street.

Eat (and Drink) Green

Portland’s surprisingly diverse population is reflected in its eateries. Vietnamese, Dominican, Polish, and Eritrean are among the more unusual offerings.

The aptly named Green Elephant serves up an array of wonderful Asian-inspired entrees, many of them vegan. Pepperclub is another good choice for diners seeking creative vegetarian fare.

Photo above by lumierefl.

If local produce turns you on, make sure to hit up a farmers’ market. There’s one on Wednesdays from 7 AM -2 PM in Monument Square, while Deering Oaks Park hosts another on Saturday mornings. Both run from May through October.

Like most New England cities, Portland has its share of hometown breweries, so drinking local isn’t a problem. A rarer find, though, is Maine Distilleries, which turns Maine potatoes into the award-winning Cold River Vodka. Seek out this non-traditional attraction 15 miles to the north on Route 1.

Stay

Your greenest accommodation option lies south of Portland proper—Cape Elizabeth’s luxurious Inn by the Sea. Maine’s first carbon-neutral resort uses biofuels to heat its buildings and solar to warm its pool.

For a better location (and a lower price tag), check out B&B-style outfits such as the West End Inn and the Wild Iris Inn; the latter appears to be planning some green initiatives.

If you stay long enough to cycle through your suitcase, take your dirties to the good folks at Washboard Eco-Laundry. This environmentally conscious laundromat features energy-efficient machines, solar-heated water, and Earth-friendly services like wet cleaning. Keep clean while you go green!

Feature photo by mikebaird. Photo above by birdfreak.com.

Some locations have just the right balance of climate, topography, and remoteness for attracting amazing avian diversity. Here are our top 10:

1. Amazon Rainforest

The scene evokes classic war imagery. A marching army pillages smaller and weaker communities, sending them fleeing as they get taken out by flying killing machines.

But this isn’t war; this is the ever-fascinating food chain and my favorite natural spectacle. Legions of army ants, one million strong, march across the rainforest floor, devouring every bug in their path. Those lucky enough to escape get swooped up by birds. The aptly-named antbirds descend upon army ant swarms, providing great close-up views for birders.

2. New Guinea

New Guinea is home to my favorite bird species, bowerbirds. Rather than sporting brilliant breeding plumages to attract females, bowerbirds construct elaborate bachelor pads decorated with color-coordinated trinkets from the forest floor.

They paint the walls with chewed berries and line the avenue with parrot feathers, shells, and flowers. With utmost precision, bowerbirds constantly rearrange the décor and strut for the female. This is way more interesting than any TV home makeover show!

3. Veracruz, Mexico

With hundreds of thousands of raptors swarming overhead, the skies of Veracruz are the site of the largest raptor migration in the world. More than 5 million raptors make up the River of Raptors each fall, including most of the world’s population of Broad-winged Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Mississippi Kites.

Models of energy efficiency, raptors often glide on thermals rather than fly and flap. The thermals funnel the concentrated “kettle” of raptors between the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and the Gulf of Mexico into Veracruz.

4. Aleutian Islands, Alaska

My only chance to see migratory ducks and pelagic birds at home is during winter when they are in their drab non-breeding plumages. But when they migrate to Alaska for the summer, they molt into spectacular breeding colors.

Summer in the Aleutian Islands is the time and place to see birds at their best and the air is filled with the haunting breeding call of the same Common Loons I saw at home in February.

5. Galapagos Islands

Having evolved without predators, the birds of the Galapagos harbor little fear of humans and allow birders to approach them. In fact, the safe environment helped cause the Galapagos Cormorant to lose the ability to fly. Walk the black and white sand beaches in search of the Blue-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, the courtship ritual of the Waved Albatross, and the world’s northernmost penguin.

Check out the infamous Galapagos finches that helped inspire Darwin’s theory of evolution.

A booby! Photo above by Max xx

6. Southern Texas

With more than 500 bird species, including species found nowhere else in the U.S., such as the Green Jay and Great Kiskadee, the lower Rio Grande Valley attracts birders from all over the world.

The World Birding Center recently opened 10,000 acres of habitat to birders. Two favorites are the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.

7. Panama

Situated within the range of both North and South American species, Panama has nearly 1,000 bird species all wrapped up in a small, easy to travel package.

Hike the cloud forests of the Chiriqui Highlands in western Panama in search of the Resplendent Quetzal.

Drive the Pipeline Road along the Panama Canal Watershed where 300 species have been spotted in one day.

Trek into the unspoiled and roadless Darien National Park in eastern Panama to spot the world’s largest population of the wild-looking Harpy Eagle.

8. Southeastern Arizona

Situated at a confluence of mountains, canyons, forests, grasslands, and desert, the Upper San Pedro River Basin is rich in avian diversity. Find the Elegant Trogon at Ramsey Canyon and if you’re lucky, the Eared Trogon.

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is home to the Gray Hawk and Green Kingfisher. Visit during the summer when monsoon rains green the desert and bring a flush of bird activity.

9. Northeastern Minnesota

Birding isn’t just for springtime. Winter brings five species of owl to northeastern Minnesota, including the elusive Snowy Owl.

Birders from around the world flocked to Sax-Zim Bog during the winter of 2004-2005 to witness a record-breaking “irruption” of thousands of Great Gray Owls, the largest North American owl, along with hundreds of Boreal and Northern Hawk Owls. Bring a heavy coat!

10. Serengeti, Africa

Meaning “endless plains” in the Masai language, the Serengeti is home to two endemic bird species, the Grey Breasted Spurfowl and the Fisher’s Lovebird.

The Ngorongoro crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 100 bird species not found in the rest of the Serengeti and holds the so-called big five game mammals—elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo—within its 2000 foot high walls. A blanket of flamingos turns the crater’s soda lakes pink.

Practical Tips

It’s easy to find birding tours of hotspots.

Hawkwatch International provides a Veracruz hawk tour in October.

Many places offer environmentally-friendly lodging that contributes to the local economy by hiring local bird guides. In Ecuador, I stayed at Tandayapa Lodge in the Andes cloud forests and Sacha Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest.

For an alternative to expensive tour guides, use the internet to find a local birder at your destination to be your birdwatching buddy. Or, take a self-guided tour using maps of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.

Feature photo by Lola Akinmade. Photo above by Lola Akinmade.

Sure, Bermuda is known worldwide for its pristine pink beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, but did you know that it’s also a spelunker’s paradise?

With a labyrinth of over 150 limestone cave systems boasting pristine azure blue pools and impressive stalactites and stalagmites, Bermuda’s unspoiled beauty may very well lie beneath the ground.

Spelunking, you say?

Spelunking, popularly known as caving, is the increasingly popular recreational sport of exploring caves. It may require you walk, climb or crawl through tight passages, zip or rappel down to different platforms, or even dive underwater.

The recent media resurgence of the Batman franchise has put the spotlight back on caving and more people are becoming recreational spelunkers.

Bermuda has one of the highest concentrations of limestone caves on earth, which have inspired many creative endeavors such as Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock” and Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”

Many of these caves extend all the way down to the sea floor even though you can walk right in. Below are just a few caves you can explore on your next trip to the Island.

Photo above by Lola Akinmade.

1. Admiral’s Cave

Located in Hamilton Parish, Admiral’s Cave is one of the largest caves on the island and was named after a British admiral around 1819. Within the cave are small lakes that are fed from the ocean through underground passageways.

The Smithsonian Museum has discovered fossils here that are a couple hundred thousand years old. Although no longer a show cave with guided tours, you can explore at your own risk with a flashlight!

2. Cathedral Cave

One of the two caves located on the properties of the Grotto Bay resort, Cathedral Cave boasts clear turquoise underground lakes which you can swim in to cool off. Explore this lit cave from viewing platforms. There’s also a launch off spot should you decide to take the plunge.

3. Church Cave

Church Cave is located deep beneath Ship’s Hill on the grounds of the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort in Hamilton Parish. It contains the largest underground lake in Bermuda with an area of 16,146 square feet and a depth of 74 feet.

Photo by gcourbis

Its sister cave, Bitumen Cave, contains the deepest underground lake on the entire island at 84 feet deep.

4. Crystal Caves

One of the most famous and visited caves in Bermuda, Crystal Caves was said to have been discovered by two 12-year old boys, Carl Gibbons and Edgar Hollins, in 1905 when they went looking for their lost cricket ball.

Laced with million year old immaculate white stalagmites and stalactites and crystal clear pools with a visible depth of 55 ft, Crystal Caves provides guided tours and wooden floating pontoon walkways for your exploration.

5. Devil’s Hole

Once a subterranean cave, its roof collapsed, turning the cave into a natural aquarium. Today, it contains sea life such as sharks, 6 foot long Moray eels, and turtles and has been opened to the public since 1843.

Photo by morgansutherland

It earned the moniker “Devil’s Hole” because when its roof collapsed and wind rushed into the cave, it produced an eerie sound that locals referred to as moans of the devil. It is located in Harrington Sound.

6. Fantasy Caves

Fantasy Caves, a sister cave to Crystal Caves, is the more spectacular of the two cave systems with impressive formations. Its walls are lined with mineral deposits that look like frozen waterfalls, and the cave is connected to and fed by the Atlantic Ocean through deep pools with underground pathways.

7. Green Bay Caves

Boasting about 2 km of underground passageways, Green Bay Caves is longest cave systems on the island. It is totally submerged with an average depth of 59 feet below sea level, so you may want to get your scuba diving gear on!

Photo by Lola Akinmade.

8. Leamington Caves

Another impressive and wildly popular limestone cave, Leamington Caves near Harrington Sound boasts crystal formations and underground pools.

9. Prospero’s Cave

The second cave located on the property of Grotto Bay Resort, this cave is chock full of stalagmites and stalactites.

Originally discovered between 1609 and 1610 by Sir George Somers, the cave is also known as Island Cave or Prospero’s Magic Cave.

Named after the famed Shakespearean character from “The Tempest,” Prospero is one of the more spectacular caves and it houses a deep, clear blue lake in addition to a bar and discotheque.

10. Wilkinson Cave

Photo by numb3r

Discovered in 2002 during a quarry blasting operation, Wilkinson Cave is the newest cave to be unearthed on the island. Like the other caves, it is filled with massive stalactites and stalagmites, crystals, an impressive sea level pool as well as underwater sub caves.

It is currently being researched by American Cave Expert and Professor of Marine Biology, Dr. Tom Iliffe, who explored the cave in depth. Wilkinson Cave is years away from becoming a major tourist attraction.

—

As with any adventure sport, exploring or diving Bermuda’s caves can be dangerous. It is always best to check with local government and tourism offices to make sure that the caves above are still open for public exploration.

Divers all dive for different reasons. Ask 20 to list their top 10 favorite dives and you’ll be sure to get 20 different lists.

In order to help you compile your own list of top destinations, here’s a rundown of well-known, unknown, unique and unexpected dive destinations around the world. These destinations were ranked based on the variety of dives available, abundance of marine life, types of diving accommodations, and overall diving experience.

1. Indonesia

With 13,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, and a top diving destinations whether you’re a world class diver or just getting your first hours of bottom time. Areas like Komodo Island National Marine Park and Raja Ampat are gaining popularity as some of the world’s best liveaboard destinations.

Sulawesi and Bali, which are already world class diving destinations, are also becoming popular locations for PADI dive instruction. With several PADI 5 Star Gold Palm facilities, you can obtain your PADI Open Water certification and move up the rankings all the way to PADI Divemaster and beyond.

Indonesia will not only give you a variety sites to choose from, but you’ll experience an abundance of marine life incomparable to anywhere else in the world. No matter where you dive in Indonesia, the reefs are stunning and provide a marine habitat for some of the world’s most unique marine species.

2. Micronesia

Micronesia is the collective name given for the 2,000 tiny tropical islands that are scattered over more than 3 million miles of the Pacific Ocean. The eight island groups that make up Micronesia are Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Marianas, Ponhpei, Yap, Truk Chuuk, the Marshalls, and Kosrae – each unique group having its own culture, language, history and attractions.

The 340 islands that make up the archipelago of Palau are the top destinations in Micronesia for divers seeking a wealth of marine life. Palau is rimmed by a barrier reef that separates shallow reef lagoons from sheer walls, hosting more than 1,400 species of fish and 350 species of coral.

If you’re looking for a history lesson during your dive, head over to Truk Chuuk, where you will find some incredible wrecks of Japanese naval vessels from WWII, which have transformed into astonishingly beautiful marine ecosystems. From shore dives, to large drop-offs and walls, liveaboards and dive resorts, the tiny islands of Micronesia are nothing short of amazing.

Photo by chikawatanabe

3. Galapagos Islands

If only Darwin knew what he was missing by not having SCUBA gear! Listed as one of the top 7 underwater wonders of the world, the Galapagos Islands remain relatively unknown among diving afficionados. It is still relatively private, pristine, and unexplored.

Unlike most popular diving destinations, reefs are not the primary attraction in these islands. Instead, areas like Darwin and Wolf Islands are home to several different species of sharks, including Hammerheads, Galapagos, and Whale sharks. Oftentimes, divers will experience schools of sharks numbering in the hundreds.

There are a variety of diving options despite the fact the islands have been flying under the radar. Recently, the Galapagos National Park enforced a liveaboard restriction for most boats in the Galapagos, currently the Aggressor Fleet: Galapagos, and SkyDancer: Galapagos are the only boats approved for liveaboard diving cruises. There are several other land-based dive companies that have been operating out of the Galapagos for over a decade, offering day-trips, 1-2 week dive trips, shore diving, and classes (Nauti Diving, Scuba Iguana).

4. Bonaire

Located in the Netherlands Antilles off the coast of Venezuela, this island is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. The waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 25 years. The island’s location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear and calm all year round, making it a favorite spot for underwater photographers and videographers.

This area is also a National Marine Park, with over 86 designated dive sites and an array of protected coral and fish species. Remember to bring an extra $25 US with you for the Bonaire Marine Park Regulations and Information(Bonaire Marine Park Rules) sessions, which are mandatory for anyone who has not dived here in the last year.

Photo by leonardlow

5. Australia

Home to the 1,200 mile long Great Barrier Reef, Australia is undoubtedly on everyone’s “Must Dive” list. There are several shallow reefs that are perfect for beginners, walls and drop-offs that are ideal for more advanced and adventurous divers, and something for everyone in between, including a numerous variety of areas for shore dives and wrecks as well.

Coral Sea, Ribbon Reefs, and Cod Hole are among the most popular sites where you’ll find everything from anemones to Great Whites. With literally hundreds of dive resorts, liveaboards, and PADI and NAUI instructional facilities, (Spirit of Freedom Liveaboard, Taka Dive, Lady Elliot Dive Resort) there is something for everyone at every level.

6. North Carolina, USA

The waters between Cape Hatteras and Cape Fear–called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”–are popular for divers interested in sight-seeing, military and maritime history, underwater photography, and technical diving. The abundant marine life and numerous shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina are perfect for divers of all levels and interests.

It is advisable, however, that you are at least advanced open water certified with some open ocean diving experience if you plan on partaking in the wreck dives. While checking out one of the 30 or so wrecks, you may run into some of the locals, including Sand Tiger and Nurse Sharks, as well as Manta and Southern Sting Rays.

There’s a good chance you may be approached by a Sand Tiger (don’t worry; although they look like something out of a horror flick, they are generally docile and curious), and this may be something a lower-level diver is not used to. The area is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, giving you ample opportunity to see tropical species that have made their way up the coast.

Photo by tiswango

7. Red Sea

Apart from Antarctica, no place on earth juxtaposes such extreme terrestrial desolation with such rich and diverse marine habitats. Situated between Africa and Asia, and stretching more than 1,000 miles from the Sinai Peninsula to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea boasts more than 1,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral and another 1,000 species of invertebrates. It’s also a popular destination for wreck diving, and some of the most intact wrecks can be found in the Gubal Straits. (Emperor Divers, Diving World, Red Sea Dive College)

Liveaboards can take you out to the Brothers Islands, which are considered to have the healthiest and most advanced reef systems in the Red Sea. Shallow reefs are accessible from shore or by dayboat, and nearshore reefs are popular throughout the region with beginner divers and snorkelers. With all of this, and the close proximity to Europe, the Red Sea is a great all around destination.

8. Belize

The only country in Central America where English is the primary language, Belize offers flexibility and variety for divers and non-divers alike. Belize has the Meso-American Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world (the Great Barrier being the largest), stretching from the top of the Yucatan Peninsula, past Belize, and down to the Bay of Honduras.

Belize offers 3 of the 4 atolls that are found in the Caribbean, including the Great Blue Hole, a popular destination for divers in the Caribbean. This site offers diving for all levels, with walls descending to 40m, overhead ledges, and stalactites. The waters of Belize are home to hundreds of coral and fish species, including Mako sharks and Caribbean Reef sharks.

Most of the 200+ cayes off the coast of Belize offer resorts with options for dive certifications, dayboats, liveaboards and snorkeling trips. Head over to the mainland to the Placencia Peninsula, where both experienced and non-experienced divers will enjoy one of the only three faro reef systems in the world.(Scuba Diving Belize)

Photo by iamagenious

9. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun south to Punta Allen. Shallow, nearshore reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum are perfect for beginners who will also enjoy snorkeling in the world-famous cenotes, freshwater springs that flow beneath the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan jungle.

For more advanced divers, the cenotes of Dos Ojos allow for incredible cavern and cave diving experiences. Diving facilities range from small shore diving operations to 5 Star Gold Palm PADI facilities and every resort and liveaboard in between.(Dos Ojos Cenotes, Tank Ha, Playa del Carmen, Dressel Divers)

10. British Columbia, Canada

Once you brave the mid-40 degree water you’ll agree that this is one of the most incredible dive destinations in the world. Dry suits are a must in order to stay in the water long enough (more than 2 minutes) to see pods of Orca whales, sea lions, and white-sided dolphins.

Here, you’ll find some of the strongest tidal currents in the world, which sweep into the straits and sounds that surround Vancouver Island. Dives begin at slack tide, featuring sheer rock walls below the surface that are packed with bizarre marine life, including nudibranchs, white ghost anemones, wolf eels and giant Pacific octopi. The water isn’t warm and the currents aren’t gentle, but the experience of diving in British Columbia is something you can’t miss. (Suncoast Diving, Dive Victoria Charters)

Additional Resources:

http://www.divetrip.com/indonesia.htm

http://www.divetheworldindonesia.com/

http://diversionoz.com/

http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/

http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/index.html

http://www.redseavdc.com/

http://www.galapaguide.com/scuba_diving.htm

http://www.galapagosislands.com/

http://www.destinationrivieramaya.com/activity/diving/diving.htm

Feature photo by PixelFixer. Photo above by pfig.

When half of London’s best attractions are free of charge, $100 is actually pretty generous, and will allow you to drop some cash on a couple of big-ticket attractions, eat a few meals out, or even sample some nightlife. If you’re willing to self-cater and cut down on the bar-hopping, you could get by on closer to $50 a day.

1. Get above ground.

London’s underground system – ‘the tube’ – is so well-known that riding it seems like an essential part of visiting the city. But it’s also one of the most expensive subways you’re likely to encounter on your travels, with the cheapest ticket, a single ride within Zone 1, clocking in at a whopping four pounds.

Constantly taking the tube also means you tend to lose track of where you are – and just how close together all the attractions you want to see are, too. London is a great city for walking (the areas along both sides of the Thames are especially nice), and nearly all the major central landmarks are easily reachable on foot.

As a rule of thumb: everything on and within the yellow Circle Line on the tube map is potentially walkable. For longer hauls, try the city’s equally famous double-decker buses, which cost half the price of the tube. The six-pound, six-ticket bus saver pack is a good deal with built-in flexibility.

Photo above by fabbio.

2. To market, to market.

London is blessed with several fantastic open-air markets, all free to wander around. Camden is the most famous, but Portobello Road is also worth visiting – it’s central, and within easy walking distance of the cluster of hostels around Bayswater.

Nearby is the fabulous Travel Bookshop – the one that Hugh Grant’s shop is based on in the movie ‘Notting Hill’ – which is cozy and friendly to browsers.

Way south – but worth the detour – is Brixton Market, Europe’s largest Caribbean market and home to the famous Electric Avenue. Borough Market is, believe it or not, still exclusively devoted to selling fresh produce and other fine foods, while Brick Lane Market is at the heart of one of London’s largest South Asian communities.

3. Museums aren’t just for rainy days.

In a particularly enlightened move a few years back, the British government abolished admission fees for all national museums and galleries in London. Add in a few charitable or privately-owned institutions that jumped on the band wagon, and almost every major cultural institution in the city is free of charge.

One of my favorites is the National Portrait Gallery. Basically a beautifully illustrated history lesson, it runs chronologically through the ‘who’s who’ of British politics, arts, science, and more over the centuries.

The National Gallery houses one of the finest collections of European artwork in the world, while the Tate Britain covers several centuries of British painting, and the Tate Modern, unsurprisingly, displays the best in 20th century art, including cutting-edge contemporary installations.

The British Museum, meanwhile, is an immense repository of artifacts from the ancient civilizations of Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and East Asia (among others), probably best known for its Greek and Egyptian collections.

Those are the big-name sites, but London has a free museum or gallery for nearly every occasion and interest. Theater buff? Try the Covent Garden branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum to learn more about the rich history of the stage in Britain.

The Museum of London traces the city’s history all the way to its Roman origins, 2000+ years ago. The London branch of the Imperial War Museum explores Britain’s role in the wars of the twentieth century and beyond. The British Library displays a copy of the Magna Carta and other historical documents. And on and on.

Photo above by srboisvert.

4. Go fly a kite.

Or have a picnic. Or just sit in the grass and people-watch. Contrary to popular belief, London is regularly blessed with at least a few warm, sunny days, and the city has plenty of fabulous parks to spend those days in.

Try posh St. James’s Park and its more laid back neighbor, Green Park, near Buckingham Palace. Nearby, the adjoining Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens mix history, boating fun, and large-scale memorials to both Prince Albert and Princess Diana.

Regent’s Park is heavier on the sports fields, with gardens and a theater space. Further north, vast Hampstead Heath is the wildest option, approximating real countryside with woodlands, swimming ponds, and a couple of historic pubs.

5. Get Stuffed.

British food has been the butt of plenty of jokes over the years - but if you skip out on London’s eating options, the joke is on you. There are plenty of delicious, affordable, evocative meals available in the city.

Top of the list for ‘classic British food’ is the pub meal. If you can find one, try the ‘Ploughman’s Lunch’ - generally a huge platter of cheeses, fresh bread, fruit, and meats, complete with the requisite Branston Pickle. Wash it down with a pint (or two) of one of England’s many fine, hand-pulled ‘real ales’.

Fish’n'chips - from a proper ‘chippy’ - is another must-eat. Best of all, in terms of value for money, is the ubiquitous British breakfast - the ‘fry-up’. Get eggs, toast, a selection of sausages and bacon, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, hash browns, and black pudding (if you dare), sometimes for just a few pounds.

The cafeteria at department store BHS is a good spot to get a cheap fry-up - there’s a location on Oxford Street, near the Tottenham Court Road tube station.

And of course, there’s a whole world of ethnic food options within London’s borders. For more ‘authentic’ Indian food, head to Brick Lane, mentioned above - but to taste curry as re-invented by the British, head to your nearest pub. ‘Chicken tikka masala’ - a dish, like butter chicken, that never truly existed in India until it came in demand from tourists - is reputedly Britain’s favourite meal.

For a cheap, basic option, head to your nearest Wetherspoon’s location - their curry is bland, budget-friendly, and beautifully British.

community connection

For more general advice on Britain, as well as blogs, travelers currently there, local experts, and volunteer opportunities, please check out our UK page at Matador. Also be sure to check out some of the other articles in the Matador Trips Cheap Europe series: How To Enjoy Paris On $100 A Day, and How To Enjoy Italy On 30 Euros Per Day.

Feature photo by jacoulter Photo by Editor B

10. Because New Orleans needs your money.

As a city whose economy has always been largely dependent upon tourism, the losses caused by Hurricane Katrina were not only of lives and physical structures, but also of the city’s economic infrastructure. One of the reasons why rebuilding progress has been so slow is due to the fact that tourism has declined sharply and this traditional source of revenue—which includes everything from hotel taxes to parking taxes—has largely dried up. New Orleans needs your tourist dollars perhaps more than anywhere else in the United States.

9. Because lodging is a deal.

Because New Orleans needs your tourist dollars, you can find some great deals, especially for lodging. Decent hotel rooms in the Warehouse/Arts District can be had for as little as $60/night. The city has several hostels for the ultra-budget conscious, and couchsurfing is popular here, too.

Photo by chuckp

8. Because this city always has a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on.

Though you’ve missed this year’s Jazz Fest, the city’s just gearing up for a batch of fun summer festivals. From the Beer Drinking Festival and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival to the Creole Tomato Festival and the Satchmo Summerfest, there’s a party for every interest.

7. Because New Orleans is a walkable city.

You can explore the best of New Orleans on foot (and it’s a flat city!) or grab a streetcar or city bus if you get tired. The city has great walking paths along the Mississippi River. Biking is also popular.

6. Because New Orleans is romantic.

Is there any other city in the country that has as many gas lamps per capita as New Orleans? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, that’s reason enough to come visit. Trust me, New Orleans is for lovers.

Photo by bobjagendorf

5. Because New Orleans is easy to get to.

Fly in to Louis Armstrong International Airport, ride in on Amtrak, or take the long haul into town via Greyhound. Don’t forget—New Orleans is a port city, so check out Anna Brones’s great article, How To Travel by Cargo Ship.

Photo by treyevan

4. Because New Orleans is a fantastic jumping off point for day trips.

It’s less than an hour to the Mississippi border and minutes to bayou and swamp country. Fun excursions less than 200 miles away include the Tabasco factory out on Avery Island.

3. Because New Orleans isn’t just about all that jazz…

The city also has an amazing arts scene. Visit galleries, check out the monthly art market (last Saturday of every month, year-round, in Palmer Park) or get creative yourself by checking out the glass blowing workshops at New Orleans ArtWorks.

Photo by babasteve

2. Because your vacation can make a difference.

If you’re interested in voluntourism or learning tours, New Orleans is the place for you. From Habitat to Humanity (which needs 500 volunteers a week) to Share Our Strength, your visit can make a difference. Stay tuned to Matador’s Volunteer blog, where we’ll soon be sharing the 6 best volunteer experiences in New Orleans.

1. Because we need to let New Orleanians know we haven’t forgotten about them.

New Orleanians would rather talk about the future than dwell on the past, but they still need to know the rest of the country and world cares about them. Your visit signals that you’re not afraid to look at devastation and that you’re visionary enough to see a hopeful future.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION!

Matador member Olivebeard knows New Orleans well and has blogged about the city. Gypsygrl is our resident New Orleans expert. A recent Pulse piece featured Julie’s four favorite businesses in New Orleans. Matador is a community of passionate travelers who want to make a positive difference in the places they travel. Check out the people of Matador and make your own profile today!

Photo by N. Chrystine Olson

It’s road trip season. The top tier of a state associated mainly with potatoes offers wilderness, culture, wildlife and some of the most laid back camping in the lower 48. There’s a reason why I call this corner of the world home. Come see for yourself.

Legend holds that surveyors were in an alcoholic stupor when they delineated northern Idaho from Montana. Old timers still complain Idaho was robbed of significant acreage, including the towns of Missoula, Kallispell and Butte. Looking at a map, it’s not hard to imagine a drunken error. Idaho has a very odd shape.

Like many western stories, the tale of compromised map makers is just that. Congress determined how the territories would split following natural contours along the Bitterroot Mountains, curving south to the Continental Divide. The Panhandle has a high strength to weight ratio as far as road trips go. What it lacks in width it makes up for in natural beauty and rich history all the way to the Canadian border.

Vandals, Indian Ponies, and a Classic Hotel Bar

Photo by N. Chrystine Olson

You know you’re in the northern tier of the Gem State when you set your watch back an hour to Pacific Time. U.S 95 is the primary highway running south to north towards Canada. Coming from the southern part of the state over the Snake River in Lewiston, head towards Moscow and the University of Idaho.

This is Vandal Country, so named due to the strong influx of Scandinavian farmers making the region home since the 1800’s.

Remember: the town’s name is pronounced Mos-co….with a long “o.” Locals will tell you there are no “cows” in Idaho, differentiating it from Russia’s largest city (despite what you may have seen on the drive in). Situated on the edge of the Palouse Prairie, Moscow is the home of Appaloosa horses, the preferred mounts of Indian warriors in most classic western films. This laid back college town doesn’t forget its connection to the land; grain elevators flank the city limits on each side.

A walking tour of the campus includes a lovely arboretum and botanical garden. Inexpensive motels lie between the university and downtown. Once situated for the evening, wander towards the historic Hotel Moscow for a drink in the Garden Lounge. This long established watering hole on Main Street is the best place to meet locals. Good Chinese food and a signature regional appetizer, pork and seeds, are available at the New Hong Kong Café.

After a good, cholesterol laden breakfast at The Breakfast Club (510 S. Main Street), move north past fields of winter wheat towards the Coeur d’ Alene Reservation. The non-native name for the Schitsu’umsh derives from the French, meaning Heart of the Awl, a nod by fur traders in the 18th century to the tribe’s expert trading skills.

If you are inclined for gambling and golfing, the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Raven Circle Golf Club is right off 95 south of Worley. If not, you can head on towards I- 90, heading east to Idaho Highway 97, the scenic way around the east side of Lake Coeur d’ Alene. Take the Wolf Creek Lodge exit towards St Maries.

About two miles in, Mineral Ridge Recreation Area offers a 3.3 mile loop trail where those traveling with a canine companion can stretch their legs and walk their dogs without a leash. The views from the top span over the lake, a gorgeous view any time of day, and spectacular at dawn or dusk.

Blue Highways, Secret Camping Sites, and Cycling Like a Kid

97 is a classic “blue highway,” bending with the lake’s shoreline. Hutton’s General Store is a great place to feast on wood fired pizza on the deck or to provision up for your trip. Camping awaits at Bell Bay, a jewel of a campground on the Idaho Panhandle Forest. Turn onto East Point Road, just past the fire station, following blacktop till it turns to gravel. This is an out of the way spot, taking you through green pastures, old weathered barns, and horses that will gladly canter to the fence line for an apple or carrot.

There are 15 campsites with views of the lake, hiking trails, and easy access to a swimming beach. The lower loop sites are prettiest. Best to come mid-week during the summer: “First come, first serve” no reservations taken. Tell John and Rosanne Lloyd, your campground hosts, Chrysser says “Hi” and that Beau and I will be by to see them soon. If there are clear skies, the lack of light pollution will make for lovely starlit nights around the campfire. Plan on spending a couple of days at least.

Photo by N. Chrystine Olson

After a nirvana camping experience, backtrack to 97 and continue south to the fun little town of Harrison. Rent recumbent bicycles at Pedal Pushers for a spin down the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This Rails to Trails stretch, once an EPA Super Fund site, was converted by the Northern Pacific Railroad and Bunker Hill Mining Company for the bicycling set.

Take a right on the path towards Chatcolet Bridge and riparian areas flush with nesting ospreys, yellow warblers, and cinnamon teals. In the early part of summer you may see baby grebes tucked on their mama’s back for a piggyback swim along the Chain Lakes. Binoculars come in handy. Riding one of these laid back cycles is the closest thing to being a ten year old riding your Schwinn Spider bike on a summer day.

Harrison is a full service community of about 500 souls. The Denise Oliver Gallery features local artists: the hand carved wooden bowls by Larry Ritter are affordable, elegant and practical, a perfect souvenir to bring back home. One Shot Charlies is a geographically desirable watering hole for a well deserved post-ride beer. For those with an icy sweet tooth, opt for an ice cream cone at the Creamery. Accommodation options include everything from a bed and breakfast or a motel, to coveted camping spots on the shore by the marina.

Coeur d’Alene, Silent Movies, and Ancient Cedars

Soaked in the small town Panhandle charm, continue moving on 97. At the junction with Route 3, loop back on the Interstate and head west to the burgeoning city of Coeur d’Alene. The town hops in the summer; the high rise construction surrounding Coeur d’Alene Resort testifies to the new found popularity CDA holds for the well-to-do. No matter; there’s plenty to do for those without deep pockets.

Motels book up early, so reservations might be a good idea. I am more than happy to put up anyone during their stay. Couch and loft available on Rathdrum Creek, a 20 minute drive from town. Save your cash for a flight around the lake, launching and landing on the water with a WWII pilot.

For the more terrestrial minded, hike up Tubb”s Hill to the left of the resort, or for the aquatically inclined, rent a sea kayak on the dock. Afterwards, munch on classic burgers at Hudson’s, a CDA institution since 1927.

Coeur D’Alene is walking and cycling friendly, and there are loads of shops, art galleries, and restaurants clustered together on Sherman Avenue. There’s also the local Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company, a block off downtown on 209 E. Lakeside Ave. Quaff, a huckleberry ale, is a wonderfully thirst quenching seasonal brew. Wednesday evenings in the summer, a good chunk of downtown gives way to the Kootenai County Farmer’s Market.

Art Walks happen the first Friday of every month, a relaxing way to enjoy some of the excellent wines produced in eastern Washington and hob knob with the painters and sculptors whose work is on display.

With your “city fix” satisfied for a day or three, work your way from I-90 to State Highway 41 on into northern Idaho’s forests and more freshwater lakes. Don’t forget an out-of state fishing license, available at most local stores in Priest River. Highway 57 directs you to Priest and Upper Priest Lakes.

Several state run camping grounds along the west side are available, all taking reservations online. These are prime locales for camping, fishing, canoeing, and if your timing is right, huckleberries. If you motor along the east side of the lake, don’t miss Lion’s Head, where silent film star and pioneer movie producer Nell Shipman created wildlife themed movies in the 1920’s. This is also the heart of grizzly country, so take proper precautions if leaving food behind in camp for any day trips. You can be ticketed by an State of Idaho park ranger if you don’t.

Finally, you can’t leave the Panhandle without exploring the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars. Some of the trees are over 3000 years old. Oh, the stories those weathered branches could tell– and probably do– when the wind is just right.

In a few short miles outside the cedar grove, Washington State awaits, as does Route 1, heading into Canada.

There is so much to see in northern Idaho. We had record breaking snowfall this winter, so rivers are running strong and the rapids wild and western. For more Idaho trip planning resources, visit www.visitidaho.org.

Feature photo by almac. Photo above by Frederick Roeber

Cage Dive in South Africa

Submerse yourself underwater and see what it feels like to watch a Great White Shark look right back at you. The world’s largest predatory fish, Great Whites attack their prey once and then let it bleed to death.

But their “Jaws” reputation is not deserved as they typically only attack humans if they mistake one for a seal.

Peak diving season is April through December at Shark Alley near Gansbaai. By the way—the latest trend is to cage dive with Nile Crocodiles, offered only at the Cango Ranch in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.

Camping Safari in Kenya

Photo by James

Walk among Africa’s deadly “Big 5”—elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Camp at the Selenkay and Kigio Conservation Areas instead of the major national parks because these particular conservation areas support the local Masai community.

Take 4WD vehicles to the famous Amboseli and Nakuru National Parks and the Mara Reserve. Thousands of wildebeest migrate across the savannas from June through September.

Tundra Buggy in Canada

Get within inches of polar bears on frozen tundra aboard the Tundra Buggy . Bears congregate along the Hudson Bay during October and November to hunt for their favorite food, the ringed seal.

Photo by earthnative

Cape Churchill is not accessible by road so you will fly in from Winnipeg and stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge. You can feel good that the company supported a study to evaluate and help mitigate tourism’s impact upon the bears.

River Cruise in Australia

On a cruise along the Mary River in northern Australia last June, we rode up to dozens of sunbathing saltwater crocodiles. The largest existing reptiles, “salties” are one of the deadliest animals to humans, with several reported fatalities per year.

These crocs are known to eat humans and typically drown prey or clamp down with one ton of pressure per square inch.

Dive the Australian Coast

For the intrepid adventurer who doesn’t need a cage, deadly creatures abound at the Great Barrier Reef . Swim within inches of the venomous stonefish and blue-ringed octopus.

The sting of the box jellyfish kills more humans in Australia than snakes, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. Stinger season is November through February. Don’t worry if you aren’t a certified diver— introductory dives are available. For visually-challenged folks, prescription goggles are available to accommodate even the worst astigmatism.

Seaplane Safari in Alaska

Photo by carlchapman

Get within 100 feet of a grizzly bear on a seaplane safari around the glaciers and volcanoes of Alaska. In July, the seaplane takes you to Brooks River Falls in Katmai National Park to watch grizzlies go fishing at the world’s largest salmon run. Grizzly bears are not named for their aggressive nature but for the grizzled appearance of their white-tipped fur.

Paddle in South America

Photo by gerej

On an evening paddle across Pilchicocha’s Lake in the Amazon Rainforest in August, our guide threw his hand into the water with such speed that it made everyone gasp. He had reached for an anaconda swimming in our path!

It was, of course, a juvenile anaconda. An adult anaconda strangles its prey with its more than 30-foot-long and 200-pound body.

Trek in Australia

Get up close to the Guinness Book of Records’ most dangerous bird—the cassowary—on the Wet Tropics Great Walk in Queensland. WWII soldiers fell victim to the dagger-like claws of the six-foot-tall bird.

Watch for the coastal taipan, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, whose penchant for rats brings it into proximity of humans. Visit April to October during the tropical dry season.

Community Connection

Choose your tour wisely. Some companies tranquilize or feed wildlife to guarantee a close encounter while others degrade the habitat. Airboats torpedo through sensitive wetlands and boat propellers can injure animals.

Consider seeing wildlife and traveling through a volunteer program at a wildlife conservancy.

Finally, keep in mind that many animals such as the cassowary and polar bear are endangered or threatened, and that despite their ferocious reputations, they only attack out of self defense. In general, habituating animals to humans through close encounters is often the cause of fatal attacks.

And sadly, as in the case of the Grizzly Man, Timothy Treadwell, the habituated animal is usually destroyed.