Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos or just Cabo as it is known by starry-eyed vacationers, is a popular tourist destination among the wealthy who can afford the increasingly high-end resorts and timeshare clubs. Whether one comes to visit The Corridor, complete with parties and golf courses, or the laidback colonial style of neighboring San Jose, there is much to do in the area.

The first humans came to the southern tip of the peninsula around 14,000 years ago, but the first documented experiences in the area by the Europeans included observations of the native peoples living a subsistence lifestyle. These peoples did not use metals and they gathered roots, fruits, seeds, and shellfish to survive. Many American authors have claimed that the city was founded by Thomas Ritchie who was said to have been in the area from 1828 to 1874, when he supposedly passed away. By the turn of the 20th century, a fishing village had developed, and 1917 marked the arrival of an American country that built a floating tuna platform. Their efforts marked the beginning of development in the city.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the sights as well as the high-end resorts, timeshares, and social scenes. As far as the sights go, many tourists visit Lands End, a stunning rock formation located off the coast of Cabo, which many have argued looks like a Triceratops drinking water from the ocean. The waters off of Cabo are also home to whales in the wintertime, where mothers bear their calves in the warmer water.

Cabo San Lucas is also notorious for its nightlife and vibrant party scene. Places like Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina remain popular spots for the bustling nightlife that often features out-of-control celebrations and revelry. The Corridor is the most popular of these types of tourist destinations, a twenty mile strip resorts, clubs, and residences of Hollywood’s most famous stars. Because of all the wealth in the area, tourist destinations are aimed toward those who have plenty of money to spend.

A small island nation, Singapore is well-known for its status as the only remaining city-state in the entire world. As a primarily English-speaking country, Singapore is a popular tourist destination among Americans and others alike, who visit the country for various reasons.

After juggling back and forth between several different countries as a colony, Singapore finally gained independence in 1963, and ongoing efforts since then have raised the standard of living, curbed unemployment, developed the economic infrastructure, and reduced racial tension. Today, Singapore focuses on building up the economy; for example, the current prime minister decided to open casinos that would attract tourists to the country.

Singapore is composed of 63 islands covering a comparatively small area, but ongoing land reclamation processes promise to increase land area as well as to fuse together separate islands to create larger, more functional areas. A tropical rainforest climate classification means that Singapore has no distinct seasons, a uniform temperature usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and high humidity. June and July are the hottest months, while November and December make up the rainy monsoon season.

With an economy focused heavily on trade, business, and tourism, Singapore is a financially successful country with a good standard of living. The majority religion is Buddhism, with a strong Christian, Islamic, and Taoist minority. While the national language of Singapore is Malay, it is mostly for historical reasons, and the most frequently used language is English. As far as dialects are concerned, Singaporean English mixes local language influences and English to produce a distinct variety of the language.

Singaporeans are active sportsmen and sportswomen, participating in a variety of physical activities, ranging from football to cricket. Golf continues to gain popularity in Singapore as well.

The most populous city in Australia, Sydney is an important cultural, economic, and historical hub for the country. As an entertainment center and a popular tourist destination, Sydney sees frequent visitors, Australian and foreign, who come to enjoy the world-class atmosphere that Sydney provides.

As far as Western colonization goes, Sydney was originally a convict colony for British criminals. The immigrants from Great Britain brought diseases that decimated the native populations, while initiatives were set in place to Christianize the rest. By 1842, Sydney was declared the first city in Australia, after undergoing a period of urban development. Economically, the city fared well until the Great Depression, which hit Sydney hard. After it, though, Sydney continued to expand, becoming one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

To the east of Sydney is the Pacific Ocean, and to the west the Hawkesbury River. The topography of the area upon which Sydney stands makes for several submerged valleys, one of which is the famous Sydney Harbor. Spread over the Cumberland Plain and the North Shore, Sydney only came together as a major metropolis after the completion of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate that features warm summers and mild winters. There is a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, divided pretty evenly throughout the year. El Niño plays a significant role in shaping Sydney’s weather, allowing oscillations back and forth between drought and flooding.

The city is home to some of Australia’s largest cultural and social events. Musical festivals and parades are a few of the many events held in the city, while fixtures like the Sydney Opera House and Luna Park provide year-round entertainment. Sydney also has a very active nightlife, including such popular hotspots as Kings Cross and Oxford Street.

Travel scams can occur at any time during a trip. Some even occur before any bags have been packed, when travelers are booking their trip. Others fall victim to cons when they are on the road.

There are plenty of scams out there aimed at travelers who are looking to avoid the high price of modern vacations. Here are a few scams that have to do with booking your vacation:

1. Discount travel “clubs” promise you great deals on travel provided you pay a membership fee. These fees can be quite steep and the discounts are usually on mediocre cruises and resorts that otherwise would not have any customers. The quality of these experiences is almost always sub-par and not worth the overall price of membership and the cost of the trip.

Can you avoid this type of scam? Don’t join any travel clubs that are not well known or recommended by someone you trust. Many travel clubs that provide social events for their clients are quite legit (Club Med, for example). At the very least, research the company and make sure the fees are reasonable before you sign up for anything.

2. While it might be called a sales technique, rather than a scam, many companies draw customers by putting important details in fine print. Even major airlines do this. They lure people to their website or call center by advertising unbelievable prices. However, the fine print states that the fare quoted in the ad is for a one-way trip, but in order to get the discount, you must book a round trip. That effectively doubles the price. Other prices will be quoted as part a package, and purchasing the whole package (air, hotel, car rental) is required to take advantage of the airfare. The overall result: these fares are not much cheaper than normal fares, and often quite a bit more expensive.

If something seems to fall in the category of “too good to be true,” it probably is. Though it is possible to come across great deals on the internet or in a newspaper’s travel section, most ticket prices are similar, no matter where you look. There is no other way to avoid this kind of scam than to break out the magnifying glass and go over the fine print.

3. Some companies try to slip the fine print past travelers by saying things like “this offer expires in two hours.” In the rush to book, people will miss the extra fees or not realize that the price that they were quoted was not the actual, overall prices.

Don’t rush it. And always deal with reputable companies. This does not mean that the company has to be gigantic, although larger travel agents and booking sites have customer service reps that can sort out most problems. Small travel agents are fine, as long as they have been researched or recommended by a trusted friend. The bottom line: don’t use a company or service you are unfamiliar with. Do the research first, even if it means that the “deal of the century” will expire before you get to it.

Scams that take place while you are on your vacation are a different sort of beast. Even street savvy travelers can fall victim to cons aimed a tourists because they are unfamiliar and unexpected. Here are a few tricky ones:

1. Pick pocketing occurs everywhere. Tourists are easy targets, especially in crowded areas because they are in unfamiliar territory, and therefore distracted by their surroundings. Luckily, pick pocketing is easy to defend against. Keep your cash in your front pocket, not the back one, and any other valuables in a money belt or in a hotel safe. Stay extra alert in large crowds. It might not hurt to keep your hand in the pocket that contains your money so that no one can grab it when you are not looking.

2. Some thieves are more aggressive and will actually slash the strap on a bag and grab it. If possible, put your bag in front of you, carry valuables in your pocket or money belt, and always be aware of your surroundings.

3. Travelers are often at the mercy of taxi drivers. In an unfamiliar place, they can easily fall victim to one of the most common cons experienced by travelers. Some taxi drivers will take a circuitous route from point A to point B, causing the meter to run higher. Passengers, seeing the city for the first time, may remain blissfully unaware that this is taking place. Other drivers change their meters so that they up-tick faster than normal. Some simply turn off the meter and then quote an outrageous price once you reach your destination. Always make sure to use a reputable taxi company (find recommendations in a guidebook) and always make sure the driver turns the meter on after you have entered the car. This does not often occur in the US, but is quite common in developing countries.

4. Sometimes, a restaurant, bar, or shop owner will try a con that involves getting you to purchase something you didn’t intend to. Sometimes, a waiter might charge drinks to your bill that you apparently bought for other people in the bar. Of course you didn’t, but the manager will insist that you did and will tell security not to let you leave until you have paid in full. Though many people feel that being too vocal about their concerns makes them an “ugly tourist,” there is no substitute for prevention in this case. If something seems suspicious (i.e. the pretty girl who you bought a drink for is now joined by several friends hoisting identical drinks and smiling at you, chances are, you are paying for all of these beverages. Another one to watch out for: cheap imitations of top shelf drinks. You’ll still pay top shelf prices, but if you can’t tell the difference between a real 12-year-old scotch and an imitation, don’t order it.

5. There are a couple of things to be aware of when you rent a car. First of all, if you already have auto insurance, your rental car is probably covered under that insurance. Check with your agent just to make sure. If that is actually the case, you do not need the optional insurance that the rental agent tries to sell you. Also, be sure to look over your car carefully before you drive it off the lot. Point out any damage on the car to the agent. Even if you didn’t make the damage, you might be blamed if it is discovered after you return the car. Some unscrupulous agents might even cause the damage themselves and then collect the insurance check.

Though vacations are supposed to be a time to have fun, bad things can happen. Luckily, most problems can be avoided with a bit of caution and a healthy dose of common sense. Depending on where you are, either the local police or your country’s embassy can help with any problems you might encounter.

Situated on the coast of Southern California, San Diego enjoys an ideal climate, its location right on the beach, an advanced economy, and rich multiculturalism. With an economy that is dependant on a vast variety of many different sectors, San Diego is a burgeoning metropolis and a popular tourist destination.

As with many cities throughout the country, San Diego began as a European claim staked because of an advantageous natural location—in this case, it was the defensible natural harbor. It later was the sight of a Christian mission, evolving into a city in the 1850s after the Mexican-American war and the gold rush of 1848. Today, San Diego is in touch with its historical roots and actively maintains many of the buildings that the city was composed of many years ago.

Several deep canyons created a low-density, segmented area that necessitates the use of cars. Downtown San Diego sits on the bay and Balboa Park on a mesa to the northeast, surrounded by dense urban communities. The Point Loma and Coronado Peninsulas separate San Diego from the ocean. To the east of the city are mountains, and beyond the mountains, desert areas. The Mediterranean climate is mild and dry throughout the year. Rainfall is rare, mostly concentrated on the cooler part of the year.

San Diego is about half white, with large minority groups, such as Hispanics and African Americans. The largest age group is those from 25 to 44 years old, composing 34% of San Diego’s population.

Defense, manufacturing, and tourism are the largest components of San Diego’s economy. Tourism is especially popular because of the many historical sites, national parks, museums, world-class dining spots, resorts, and beaches. The climate has much to do with this, allowing people to escape from their undesirable climates.

Spread out over an archipelago consisting of 322 islands and 522 islets, Fiji is regardless a rather small country with a population of almost one million people. Highly dependent on tourism, Fiji offers beautiful islands scenery and rich culture.

Out of all the islands that Fiji contains, only 106 are inhabited, and 87% of the population is contained the two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Leva. The two main islands are mountainous, with peaks rising to almost 4,500 feet. These peaks protect the tropical forests and create a dry season on the lowlands, allowing sugarcane to grow more favorably.

A tropical climate creates a warm climate all year round, allowing for consistent growing season and crops that favor that type of weather. There is only a slight seasonal variation in temperature, but nothing drastic enough to separate the times of the year into different categories.

The economy takes advantage of high mineral, fish, and forest resources in order to create a more developed system, but there is still subsistence living. Growing steadily and cautiously, the economy today is dependant on the sugar crop and tourism. Fiji exports sugar and the number of yearly tourists continues to grow, which are two ways that the nation interacts with foreign countries.

Most of the population of Fiji is native to the islands. Native Fijians are overwhelmingly Christian, while Indo-Fijians are Hindu and Muslim. Fiji’s culture is made up of rich indigenous traditions that influence daily life for the majority of the residents. Indian, Chinese, and European traditions also influence Fiji, creating a mosaic of the different cultures. The official language is English, but plenty of other dialects and languages exist.

Rugby is the national sport of Fiji, with a rugby union and a rugby league. Given the size of the country, the rugby team is actually very successful. The European influence also brings minor attention to other sports.

Famous for its all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base, Riviera Maya is a popular tourism district for those who wish to experience the beauty that Mexico has to offer. Bordering the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Riviera Maya has long been a dream vacation destination.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the terrain is flat and rocky with low tropical jungles. Under the surface of the earth, some of the largest underwater cave systems in the world exist, and they are the only places to acquire potable water in the region. Crescent shaped beaches composed of white sand dot the coastline, broken up by rocky inlets. This is where groundwater lets out into the ocean.

The temperature hovers around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. With a rainy season from May to November and a dry season that is especially dry in January and February, the time of year drastically affects the amount of tourism and the activities that are popular during that time. There are many tropical storm systems and hurricanes in the area, but they generally break before hitting Riviera Maya.

All-inclusive resorts attract many tourists, who come to enjoy the full-range of experiences, from luxurious accommodations to outdoors excursions and more. Water sports are especially popular, with snorkeling, jet skiing, and scuba diving some of the more popular activities. Horseback riding and jungle tours are also popular at the most-visited areas.

Smaller boutique hotels allow for exploration of the unique cultural area that Riviera Maya encloses, while higher-range luxury accommodations like charter yachts and villa rentals are becoming more and more popular among those who can afford it. The barrier reef, the second longest in the world, attracts plenty of people who want to see the exotic species of water creatures that inhabit the area.

It used to be that everyone wanted and welcomed the American dollar, but our U.S. economy has taken a turn for the worse in recent years.  Now, if you want to go on vacation to another country it can be a financial drain on your pocket.  The trick in planning a vacation is finding a place where the American dollar is still strong.

You’ll find a lot of articles on this topic, suggesting different countries that you can still go to where the American dollar has worth, but many of the articles you’ll find mention the same locations.  I’ve done some research to find 5 countries that most people wouldn’t think about for vacation, but are great if you’re looking for something new, different, and low on cost.

New Zealand – This is a beautiful country off the North East side of Australia, with rolling green hills and beautiful beaches.  This is a great place to go for a romantic getaway or as a family trip.  Many of you already have a taste for what New Zealand looks like if you’ve watched Lord of the Rings or Narnia since that’s where they did their filming. 

There are so many things to do if you visit New Zealand.  On land, you can go hiking or climbing in the mountains, there are even some great skiing places; and on water, there’s plenty of rafting, whale watching, and deep sea fishing to go around.

If you decide you want to go, you’ll fly into Auckland International Airport (AKL).  During the peak season of our summer months I found airline tickets as high as $11,000, but if you go during the school year, you can find cheap airline tickets for under $2,500.  The price is about the same no matter what side of the U.S. you’re flying from.

The New Zealand dollar is only 76 cents in American money; and cheap hotel price can be found at under $70.  If you’re ever in the area, you should check out Cape Palliser where you can find a beach full of Seals.  Aside from the seals there are only 4,000,000 people in New Zealand, so you don’t have to worry about it being too crowded.

Hungary – Hungary is a beautiful country that is rich with history.  They have great food and great wine.  You’ll find all the luxuries of western Europe at a fraction of the cost.  I had to double check when I found the equivalency of the Hungarian Forint to the American dollar; it’s less than half a cent.

The old architecture, the many cultural traditions, and the food are all parts that make Hungary a great place to go and see some unique sites and build special memories.  You’d start seeing this beautiful country after flying into the Budapest Airport (BUD) which would cost you around $1,500 from Los Angelos and $1,200 from New York.

Make sure to visit Statue Park where you’ll find a bizarre array of different statues that were erected during the communist era.  If you love architecture, you need to visit Matthias Church.  This building has been around for 700 years! 

Try to visit Hungary in the summer because any other time of the month you’ll find that many of the attractions are shut down.  Plus, it gets rather cold any time outside of summer.  If you do decide to go during a colder season, make sure to get a good hotel like the Balatonfured Resort.

Guatemala – This country is relatively closer, and borders the southern part of Mexico.  Guatemala is a very mountainous region.  So, if you enjoy hiking or backpacking, you’re sure to find many opportunities on this trip.  This is the Mayan center of South America, and many ruins are sure to be found everywhere you go.

So, if you’re looking for something amazing to see, make sure to visit a Mayan ruin like the Las Capuchinas and be prepared to be awed at the extraordinary magnitude of some of these structures and the thoughtful intellect that went into them.  You can see some of the many volcanoes.  These volcanoes are some of the highest and most active.

Flying to the Guatemala Airport (GUA) is just under $500 from New York and from Los Angeles you’re looking at just a little over $600.  Those are actually pretty cheap airfares considering you pay more than that sometimes to fly domestically.  You might want to try visiting in the Fall, though, when it’s a little cooler. 

Everything about Guatemala is still very traditional.  You can still find many villages that wear their native garments, and the people are still very diverse with 23 languages that are still spoken.  If you’re looking for some authentic culture, then look into going to Chichicastenango.  One of the biggest markets where people come from all over to trade and have been doing so for centuries.  Be mindful of their culture as these people are suspicious of foreigners.

Greece – Now we take a look at a country in the Mediterranean.  Greece has a rugged beauty to it.  A country filled with ancient structures stemmed from the Roman and Hellenists. The American dollar is only half a cent in Greece, and communication among the 10,000,000 occupants is no problem because most Greeks speak English.

If you want to bring back a cool travel story to your envious friends, then you need to go visit Delphi.  There you’ll find the belly button of the cosmos – or so the ancients used to believe.  Make sure to visit the many famous sites such as: Acropolis, Olympia, Mount Olympus, and if you’re Catholic, you’ll want to check out Patmos which is considered an official pilgrimage among many Catholics.

Any two months on either side of July and August are ideal times to visit.  You beat the heat and the crowds.  You’ll most likely fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), and you’re looking to pay around $1,200-1,400 depending on what time you fly, and there is about a $2,000 increase if you’re flying from the West coast.

A great place to find Los Angeles Wedding Planning Services

You can find cheap hotel prices in Athens for under $40/night at places like Aristotle’s Hotel.  Greece has its traditional food, obviously, but they have become a very modern country.  So, finding “normal” food that you’re used to won’t be a problem. 

Guam – If you want an exotic island in the Pacific other than Hawaii, then you might want to check out Guam.  This island is a US territory, so you don’t need a passport and they use the American dollar.  It’s also home to a large naval base which makes the island a cosmopolitan area.  It’s just as beautiful as Hawaii, but there aren’t as many tourists; and the grand total of locals is 170,000 people. 

Guam has some beautiful coral reefs that you can explore by snorkeling or diving.  One of the most popular recreational areas on the island is Ipao Beach Park which has all the facilities you and your family need for a great day at the beach.  We’re talking about picnic tables, showers, a playground, stretched beach chairs, and more.

To get to Guam, you’re most likely going to make a connection in either Japan or the Phillipines, and from there you’ll take an international airline to Antonio B Won Pat International Guam Airport (GUM).  The only domestic airline that flies out there is North West Airlines.  If you go in the summer, you can expect to pay $1,500 from the West and $2,000 from the East; and if you go during the school year, the price drops about $500.

When you arrive, you will have no problem making friends with the locals.  They are very kind and laid back.  Their food has a very oriental flare to it, and one of their favorite simple dishes is sticky rice with spam.  If you’re wondering what to pack, plan on leaving your jacket behind because it’s warm weather all year round, but if you’re planning on going in the fall you might want a rain jacket for their rainy season.

I hope this helps you in the planning of your next vacation.  Be sure to check out sites like lowfares.com for discounts and great prices on cheap hotels and cheap airline tickets. Whether you’re going with your spouse, your family, or just some friends, it’s all about saving money nowadays; but who says you can’t save money and not lose quality. Happy travels!

As one of the largest cities in the Dominican Republic, Santiago is very important to the country. It also has plenty of things to keep a tourist occupied, and should be your destination should you choose to visit beautiful Hispaniola.

Although it is officially called “Santiago de los Caballeros”, the native Dominicans just refer to it as “Santiago”. It was founded in 1495 with the first wave of Spanish settlement in the New World. Originally located elsewhere, the settlement was moved to its current location in 1506.

Located on hilly terrain, the city enjoys a tropical climate, with cool winters and warm summers with rarely any extreme temperature situations. The country does suffer from hurricanes from time to time, though, because of the location, and Santiago is vulnerable to this.

As a rapidly growing city, the economy of Santiago is important to the country as a whole. It is quickly becoming the major service provider for the rest of the Dominican Republic. Although there have been many major power outages slowing the city’s development, it keeps moving forward as time goes by.

In the present time, massive scale hotels and infrastructural systems are being put in place, like new roads and new rail lines. This make tourism in Santiago much easier, as getting around is becoming less of a hassle and the quality of lodging is increasing.

As far as things to do in Santiago, the nightlife and fine dining industries are booming because of increased tourism in the recent years. There are also plenty of museums detailing important parts of Dominican history and culture. Sports like baseball are very popular in Santiago, as in the rest of the country, and other outdoor sports are also pursued.

To learn more about traveling to Santiago, Domincan Republic, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com.

Santa Fe is located in scenic northern New Mexico, a state known for its rich Native American culture, love of the outdoors, and beautiful environment, all of which Santa Fe has in spades.

New Mexico is part of the country’s culturally-rich Southwest region, and Santa Fe epitomizes this richness. With authentic adobe buildings comprising much of the city’s architecture and an increased amount of attention given to visitors from other parts of the world, Santa Fe is a premium tourist destination as well as an artistic and cultural capital of the region.

Santa Fe is the highest state capital in the United States in terms of altitude. The weather is generally cool in the winters and warm in the summer, only reaching extreme temperature levels rarely.

Historic downtown Santa Fe attracts much tourism because of the history, art, and culture that is displayed regularly by many events downtown. The Plaza, adjacent to the Palace of the Governors, is especially popular during the summer months because the fair weather allows a comfortable environment to browse the many shops, art galleries, and museums.

Outdoor sports are popular for visitors for this area and include skiing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and other popular outdoor activities. Santa Fe has many sports outfitters that can tell you a great location for your excursion.

Multiculturalism is a very important part of Santa Fe, as it has become a common ground for whites, Latin Americans, and Native Americans. Much of the art reflects this multiculturalism and it is an important part of the city’s heritage.

When visiting Santa Fe, you have your choice of luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels or quaint bed and breakfast inns. From golf to skiing, from museums to spas, you will find it all in amazing Santa Fe, New Mexico.