Travel

As the 3rd largest national park in America, the 1.6 million square miles of the Everglades National Park is teeming with natural beauty.  Its swamplands are as familiar a sight as the alligators and airboats used to promote the area.  The ecosystem of the park is what draws many of the visitors here.  Although there’s plenty of waterways, swimming isn’t an option because of the unfriendly wildlife who live there, but canoeing is one way of enjoying the water from the relative safety of a vessel.

There are guided tours around the park by staff who will talk about the wildlife of the park, and the various sites to see within it.  These tours can be on foot, or by a regular tram, or even by boat – obviously one of the best ways to see the Everglades which are noted for their grasses which grow up through the shallow waters in much of the park.

As with most nature reserve/national parks personal safety must be your priority in the Everglades.  This isn’t a superficial theme park.  The wildlife here is real, the teeth are real, and they do bite!  If you take children, especially younger children, make sure that they are aware of the dangers and that they must listen to what people tell them.  This is even more important if you take them out on a boat tour where they must sit still and not trail their hands in the water.

The Everglades is one of the most astounding national parks in the US, one which is unrivalled as far as it’s particular brand of natural wildlife and scenery is concerned, but it’s also a place where safety is vital – so read the warnings carefully, keep to the rules of the park as told to you by the park staff, and you’ll have an unforgettable time for all the right reasons – oh and don’t forget the mosquito spray!

If you are planning to travel to the Caribbean for you next vacation, you have many islands from which to choose for you destination. On such island that makes a beautiful place for a vacation is the overseas territory of the United Kingdom known as the Cayman Islands. If you love diving, this is an especially great place to visit, since is the world’s leading underwater diving tourist destination.

The Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Caymen. These islands are located in the western portion of the Caribbean Sea. The Cayman Islands are about 150 miles from Cuba and about 480 miles from Miami, Florida. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are sometimes known as the “Sister Islands” and are about 90 miles east of Grand Cayman Island, which is about 75 square miles. The islands are made up of large coral heads and is home to a number of exotic birds, fish, and land animals, including the endangered Blue Iguana, as well as The Grand Cayman Parrot and Cayman Brac Parrot, which are found only on these islands.

Tourism accounts for most of this island’s revenue, so while you are visiting these islands, the people there will surely cater to your every needs. World famous scuba diving is found here because of the clear waters and the proximity to the Cayman Wall. You can swim beside string rays and number of other amazing sea creatures while traveling in the Cayman Islands, as well as explore shipwrecks.

Outside of the water, you can check out popular spots like the black limestone fields, hiking trails, lighthouses, and museums. Cayman Sea Salt Co is also located here, as well as a number of financial institutions. In fact, many business men travel to the Cayman islands because this location is one of the world’s leading offshore financial centers.

Before you head to the Cayman Islands, it is important to understand a bit about the islands and make sure your paperwork is in order. You’ll need a passport to fly there, and maybe a visa, depending on where you live. Camping is illegal in the islands, which many do not realize when leaving, and if you are caught camping, you will spend time in jail. It is also important to make sure that you can show a return flight ticket. Visit the Cayman Islands can be lots of fun if you’re ready!