Trip Features:

Trip Features:

Guided by highly experienced and qualified professionals with the help of the best supporting staff available in Pakistan, having undergone on the job training over many seasons with us. They are highly experienced at catering to the needs of our members, and do a tremendous amount to contribute to the overall success and satisfaction of our groups

Build your exact dream trip--Itinerary can be customized. Leaves any day you desire--Lengthen or shorten trip, according to your desire.

4 to 5 star accommodations and services--Designed for higher end budgets (hotels can be changed for lower budgets)

Lowest Price guaranteed and the best value for money--Save 40-50 % vs. comparable guided tours of this same quality



DAY 01:   ARRIVAL ISLAMABAD        

Arrival Islamabad today. A member of the Vertical Explorers staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Today either you can relax or you can enjoy an exploratory walk in the old part of Rawalpindi; wander past the vegetable and spice markets, beautifully carved old houses and trucks, cows pestering the vegetable vendors, catch traditional craftsmen at work in silver and gold bazaars .You will then continue on the main street linking the Twin cities - Murree Road - before arriving at the gleaming new capital, Islamabad. You pass shining new buildings and thousands of park areas - a full 50 percent of the 350 square mile site is set aside for parks. You will then stop at the Shakar Parian to catch a bird's eye view of Islamabad. Our next stop will be Shah Faisal Mosque which is the landmark of Islamabad.

Meals provided: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Pearl Continental Hotel, Sunrise Hotel, Civic Hotel, Regency Hotel

DAY 02:   SKARDU OR CHILAS

We rise early to be at the airport in time for our flight to Skardu. If the weather is good, we'll be treated to one of the finest views available in the world of aviation, as we thread our way up the largest congregation of mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalaya and Indus River gorges, third longest in Asia  and one of the deepest in the world. To our east is K2 (2nd highest in the world and Nanga Parbat (killer mountain) and countless peaks and glaciers. It is sometime possible to catch a glimpse of K2 in the distant before our dramatic landing at Skardu. On arrival we are met by our local staff with jeeps and make the short transfer to the hotel. SKARDU is the administrative capital of Baltistan and gateway to the high peaks of Northern Pakistan. We have some time to explore the town and enjoy the hustle and bustle in peak season of tourists here. Sightseeing in Skardu and surrounding areas during the day. For those seeking a good overview of Skardu, or a place from which to photograph the sunset, Kharfocho Fort is an ideal spot.If the flight is unable to operate because of bad weather, we will resort to travel by road on Karakoram Highway (KKH) to Chilas. The drive is compensated by the beautiful scenery along the Karakoram highway and Indus gorges. The journey on the Karakoram Highway is most exciting and thrilling. It is a monument to the engineering feast and one of the most spectacular roads and the world’s highest metalled border crossing. It connects Pakistan and China stretching over a distance of 1300km between Islamabad and Kashgar, winding through three mountain ranges and following the ancient Silk route along the Indus Valley to the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass. We pass through the historical town of Taxila, beautiful hill station of Abbottabad, quake affected lush green towns of Mansehra, Shinkiari and finally meet the great Indus on Thakot Bridge. From there onward the road snails along the bank of the Indus with contrasting landscape after every two kilometers. We pass through Besham, Dassu, Komila and Shatial to arrive at Chilas with many rocks carving and inscriptions along the way left by Chinese pilgrims and ancient travelers of 5th century A.D. CHILAS was on the ancient caravan trail over the Babusar Pass into India. The drive through the Indus Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off! The view after crossing the Rai kot Bridge of Nanga Parbat is without any parallel. Standing at around 1,000 m. you see a mountain which rises to above 8,000 m! This is the largest land escarpment in the world. This is also where the three greatest mountain ranges meet; Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakoram.

Flight: 45 Minutes Drive: 10-12 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chilas In Hotel/ Mashabrum Hotel, Karakoram Hotel

DAY 03:   SKARDU / CHILAS ?SKARDU

This day may be needed to complete the KKH road journey from Chilas to Skardu.

Drive: 10-12 hrs.

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Masha Brum Hotel, Explorers Inn

DAY 04:    SKARDU  - SHIGAR CHOUTRON

Today after breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Shigar vally, which lies at the trail heads of world five top walks. After a small break at Gulab pur  we explore through several small villages to Choutron (hot spring).



Distance: 120 Km Drive: 06-07 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guest House, Home Stay

DAY 05:  CHOUTRON ?FREE DAY
Today is a free day to bath in hot spring and explore the local culture. Hiking or rock climbing in the surroundings is optional.

Drive:
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rest House

DAY 06:     CHOUTRON -- SHIGAR
Drive to Shigar , enroute visit Hashopi Farm.This area is full of apricots, apples, grapes,pears, mulberry, cherries and peaches. It is well known for its sixty four varieties of apricots in the world. Visit Shigar Fort, Khanqah Moalla, Amborik mosque, Kaniskar and Sharba, summer pasture of Shigar and an amazing place having spectacular views of Shigar valley.

Distance:80 Km Drive: 03-04 hrs.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rest House, Home stay

DAY 07   SHIGAR  - SKARDU -EXCURSION
Today morning we will drive back to Skardu. Excursion includes tranquil lakes of Kachura, Foq zhou, Upper Kachura.and  Kharfochou fort, Budha rock are the archeological sites to visit.

Distance:80 Km Drive: 03-04 hrs.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Explorers Inn, Baltistan Continental

DAY 08:    SKARDU - GILGIT
Today early morning departure for Gilgit, drive through Indus Gorge. Enroute short breaks at Taloo and Stak streams.

Drive: 06-07 hrs.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jamal Hotel, Park Hotel, Serena Hotel

DAY 09   GILGIT ?PASSU
Leave for Passu Hunza, driving along the Hunza river on the Karakoram Highway which links China with Pakistan. The valleys of Hunza and Nagar are some of the most beautiful valleys in the northern parts of Pakistan. The people of this area are known for their legendary good health, longevity and hospitality. Rakaposhi accessible only by 4 to 5 hrs. Walk from the road, dominates the whole valley. This area is full of apricots, apples, grapes and peaches. After 4 hours drive through this beautiful valley, we will reach Gulmit Village, a lovely remote village of Hunza, overnight at Gulmit

Drive: 05-06 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast,
Accommodation: Passu Inn, Marcopolo

DAY 10: PASSU - KHUNJERAB PASS - KARIMABAD
Today’s drive will take us to Khunjerab Pass, situated at a height of 4,733 is fascinating landscape. You will enjoy a short trip up to Khunjerab Pass on Karakoram Highway; it gives some of spectacular sceneries for photographers. Enroute visit Borit lake, Husaini bridge, Passu Glcaier and Gulkin glacier.
Drive: 04-05 hrs
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hunza View Hotel, Darbar Hotel

DAY 11:   KARIMABAD - DUIKAR
Today we will visit Baltit and altit fort and then have short trek along the water channel, which is a source of watering to fields as well as household use. This trek gives marvelous views of Diran Peak and Golden peak and Rakaposhi just making them in front of you.
Today evening our next destination is a heavenly place, Duiker! Nestles at the top of Central Hunza, Duiker is a beautiful place with marvelous views of Hunza and Nagar Valleys. And the sun set and sunrise are the views one can remember forever.

Walk: 05-10 hrs

Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation:Hunza View Hotel, Eagle Nest Hotel, Hunza Darbar Hotel

DAY 12:   HUNZA  ?NALTAR - GILGIT
Day trip to Naltar, 3 hours drive, a lush green valley surrounded by Hindukush range, glaciers and pine trees. This place is known for its wild life like Markhor, Ibex and snow Leopards.
Drive: 06-07 hrs
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jamal Hotel, Park Hotel, Serena Hotel
    DAY 13:    GILGIT  - FAIRY MEADOWS

Today after breakfast drive to Riakot on Karakoram Highway as it carves a swathe through the meeting points of world three largest congregation of mountains at Shigarpa before Juglot, is an adventure in itself. Then further drive by jeep to Tato & hike to Fairy Meadows.
Tato: The steep and difficult ascent on a rocky trail will lead the group to a small hamlet of Tato which is comprised of few clay lofts scattered around. This village is inhabited by the upright and fierce yet very hospitable Chilasi people whose origin is Kohistan.
Fairy Meadows: The traditional base camp of Nanga Parbat, known as Fairy Meadows. The local people believe that this beautiful place is an abode of fairies and ghosts. The lush green plateau presents some of the most spectacular sights one can ever witness. One forgets the tiring walk up to this magnificent site when one beholds a landscape of rushing torrents with a panoramic back - drop of the mighty Nanga Parbat.

Drive: 04-05hrs  Hike, 2-3 hrs
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Raikot Sarai, Fairy Meadows Cottages

DAY 14:  FAIRY MEADOWS  - FREE DAY
Free day for sightseeing, nature watching and hiking. Optional hike to Nanga Parbat BC and back to Fairy Meadows.

Meals provided:  Breakfast
Accommodation: Raikot Sarai, Fairy Meadows Cottages
    DAY 15:   FAIRY MEADOWS ?BESHAM

Today leave for Besham travelling on the Karakoram Highway through captivating and enthralling landscape. In places, sheer, snowcapped mountains ascending from deep valleys while elsewhere, lush alpine meadows are carpeted by colorful wildflowers and dazzling apple blossoms. Terraced villages dot this monumental terrain, supported by traditional farming methods and lifestyles that have changed little over the centuries.

Drive: 09-10 hrs
Meals provided: Breakfast
Accommodation: Besham Continental, PTDC Motel,

DAY 16:   BESHAM -  ISLAMABAD
After breakfast we drive on KKH towards Islamabad through amazing lush green terraced fields and meadows.

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Sedona America's landscape as dramatically

Sedona is regularly described as one of America's most beautiful places. Nowhere else will you find a landscape as dramatically colorful. The towering red rocks and jagged sandstone buttes matched against an almost always blue sky have beckoned to professional and budding artists for years. And filmmakers have chosen these fiery rock formations in north-central Arizona as the backdrop for such box-office blowouts as "3:10 to Yuma," "Broken Arrow" and "Midnight Run."

But there's more to Sedona than Red Rocks and good looks. Over the past few decades, spiritualists have flocked to the region to take advantage of the numerous New Age "vortexes" with supposed spirit-balancing powers found here. Still searching for a way to satisfy your yen? Book an afternoon at one of Sedona's many spas. Traditional treatments with a local twist — such as red clay wraps and blue corn body scrubs — followed by a glass of local wine are great ways to relax after a long day spent on the trails. Oh yeah, did we mention that the area is home to more than 100 hiking trails? Don't forget to bring your boots!


How To Save Money in Sedona

Visit in winter
Sedona's cooler temperatures generally drive tourist traffic farther south to destinations like Phoenix or Tucson, leaving behind plenty of bargain-friendly room rates.

Beware of the New Age influence
Sedona is chock-full of crystal-toting psychics itching to predict your future for less-than-generous prices. You can center your own aura for much less if you stop in just for a free vortex map.

Enjoy the scenery
You don't have to pay anything to enjoy Sedona's main attraction, the Red Rocks. While some of the tours may seem tempting, you can avoid the hefty charges by opting for a free hike or a scenic drive instead.

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Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk

A trip to Kaghan Valley is incomplete without a visit to legendary Lake Saiful Maluk. The lake is named after prince Saif-ul-Maluk who fell in love here with a fairy from the mountains.

It is 9 km away from Naran. Situated at a height of 10,500 feet from sea level. Take a Jeep from Naran. It takes almost an hour from Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk. Do bargain with the Jeep driver. Also you can share Jeeps with other fellow travelers to cut the cost.

Lake is surrounded by impressive snow clad mountains and crowned by the summit / peak of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). On a clear day its pointed peak is mirrored in the deep blue waters of the lake. Words can not describe the beauty of the scenery. The crystalline water of Saiful Maluk reflecting the surrounding snow covered mountains is an image that must be seen in person.

Naran valley is the most beautiful & picturesque valley. That's why it is called virtual paradise, unbelievably in pristine state and still unspoiled by the human. You'll find the Himalayan peaks hidden with clouds or snow, somewhere you'll find the beautiful fairy tale lakes, which will attract you toward them, and you might decide not to leave this at any cost. Where Kaghan is full of scenic beauty there it is full of thrill and excitement for the mountaineers and treks.

Naran Valley is a 155 kms long scenic wonderland. Lofty peaks crown the mountains ranges on either side like turrets, ranging in height from 12,000 to 17,000 ft and more, with the eastern range higher than the western. The bed of valley slopes up from 3,000 ft at Balakot, which, as it were, the gateway of the valley, to 12,000 ft at Gittdas beyond which the valley crosses at Babusar Pass 14,000 ft. The first ten miles or so are largely barren, but when the valley raises to about 5,000 ft forests of pine and fir appear, densely overgrown with a variety of plants, which has won for Kaghan the epithets of 'the botanists paradise'. The forests continue till about Naran 8,000 ft.

Road goes along the river Kunhar, meandering now to one side and now to the other. But keeping most to the bed of the valley and never too far above the bank of the stream except in the very first state.

The Naran Valley is accessible by road from Abbottabad. From Abbottabad, 72 km drive to Balakot, the gateway to Kaghan valley. Here you have to switch over to jeeps for your drive 100 km to Kaghan Valley.

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Rental Property Available Near Horn River

ocation: Fort Smith, Big Horn River Valley, Custer Country, Montana, USA (32 Miles South of Hardin, Mt, on Highway 313.) View Map

Accommodations:  House, 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 8)

Loads of recreation opportunities await you in the Big Horn River Valley and Bighorn National Recreation Area. Book now for your vacation!
*Bighorn Lake: Fish for Walleye, Lake Trout and other game fish, water ski and go tubing, sail and enjoy the views of the red rock canyon. The canyon provides lots of opportunities for photography. Rent a boat or pontoon at the marina for a day on the lake with your group.
*Yellowtail Dam: Drive up to the visitor center to learn about the construction of this hydroelectric facility that is operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and how it has influenced the valley through irrigation, flood control, fishing and recreation.
*Bighorn River: Fly fish the world famous trout-rich waters, or hunt Canada geese and Mallard ducks from your drift boat.
*Hunt upland game birds on private property, with permission & licenses as required.
*History: Visit Little Bighorn Battlefield and the site of Fort C.F. Smith and its Hayfield Fight. There are also several other battlefield sites in the region, a well-planned day will allow you to visit them.
*In the region: Pompey's Pillar, the only remaining physical evidence of of the Clark's voyage down the Yellowstone, is located about 80 miles away. Billings and Sheridan (WY) are great shopping and theater destinations and are each about 90 miles.

Unlike the lodges in the area, this self-catering house offers you the ability to cook and eat what you want - when you want, come and go as you please and save money in the process. Your Bighorn Valley experience will be so much better then just renting a motel room!



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This home is located just 2 miles from the 'Bighorn' river fishing access (known as '13 mile' to the locals) and is 12 miles from Ft. Smith. It offers all of the creature comforts you're looking for. You'll be able to spend the day on the water and be 'home' within minutes to a hot shower, ice cold beverage and grill that fish you just caught.

The warm water in the Bighorn river and many farmers' fields attracts many Canada geese during the winter, making the valley a prime area for waterfowl hunters and upland game birds trive in the many fields and pastures of the farms and ranches.

The home is situated on a large parcel of land, so you'll have lots of privacy, peace and quiet. The parking area is huge and there is plenty of room for your boats and pickup trucks.

The house has 2 bedrooms, and I have them set up with 2 full-size beds in each room. It will sleep 4 adults comfortably, with a maximum of 8. Very large groups will have restrictions of water use, and require special instructions so the septic system isn't overloaded.

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10 Weekend spot in Germany (love them all)

0 Summer Weekend Getaways (Germany)

During the summer months, I will concentrate the Lists! features on potential weekend jaunts or excursions that are off-the-beaten path, with a great local flavor and/or that attract more locals as tourists.  For June, I concentrate on Germany... In July, it will be other countries in Europe.

Well known cities like Cologne or Nuremberg need not apply, nor anyplace half-way connected to the Koenigschlosser.  These are great places you are less likely to have heard of, but just as likely to enjoy for a day trip or weekend.  Keeping this list to ten was not easy!!!

#10.  Schwäbisch Hall

Schwäbisch Hall is a wonderful little town that those living in German have heard of but probably never had a chance to visit.  Take this advice:  Go there.  It's a wonderful day trip to a beautiful town with loads of half-timber houses, pleasant parks, and summer concerts.  It's easy to get to as well!  (Autobahn 6, Exit 42)

#9.  Thuringian Holiday (Weimar shown below)

The province of Thueringen is pretty easy to explore -- much of its attraction are in a row:  Eisenach, with its famous Wartburg Castle, the fabolous capital of Erfurt, and Weimar, the site of the founding of Germany's first democratic republic (ok, so it didn't last).  Weimar is highlighted here because Erfurt is already very popular among the Euro tourist crowd, while Weimar attracts more locals seeking to learn more about history.

#8.  Hockenheim Race Track (on race day of course)

Yeah, I know, this isn't an exciting photo.  But, if you are a race fan and you happen to be in the western part of Germany, you may want to hunt on-line and check out a race?  Hockenheim hosts races frequently over the summer (including major Formula 1 events), and during that time this sleepy little hamlet of 5 thousand grows into a throng a quarter-million strong!!!

#7.  Lübeck

Summertime is the ideal time to head north, and one of the most impressive cities up north is the red-brick island city of Lübeck not far from the Danish border.  The site of the formation of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck has lots of history and rich architecture, plus plenty of summer activities!

#6.  Dinkelsbühl

Been to Rothenburg already?  Twice?  Three times?  Brought all your stateside family there, too?  How about an alternative?  About a 45-minute drive south is another of Germany's well-preserved medieval towns, Dinkelsbühl, except this one is better preserved and has far fewer tourists -- therefore less kitsch.  Worth checking out.

#5.  Schloss Wilhelmshoehe, Kassel

The northern Hessen city of Kassel is impressive in its own right, but the Schloss is the reason to go -- particularly in the afternoon when all the artificial waterfalls and cascades in the park are running.  A guided "water tour" begins here at the Oktagon at the very top of Wilhelmshoehe in mid-afternoon with the opening of its magnificent cascades.  Each half-hour the tour climbs down the hillside to another fabulous water show.

#4.  Trier

Trier is a very popular spot on the Mosel River Valley.  Loaded with well-preserved Roman architecture, Trier also sits at the southern end of the Germany's Mosel wine country.  Follow a visit to downtown Trier with a drive up the Mosel through some of its fabulous wine villages and sample the local wares!

#3.  Driving the Rhein River (Bingen am Rhein shown)

A wonderful Sunday drive is following the Rhein River in between its confluence with the Main River at Mainz to that of the Moselle River at Koblenz.  In between is an eye-catching spectacle of steep banks of vineyards and castle after castle after castle.  If you don't feel like driving, take a ferry ride.  Or better yet, take a night ride during one of the famous Rhein Aflame events, complete with fireworks!

#2. Schwerin

One of my favorite places in Germany.  The Schwerin Castle is just too pretty sitting on an island in a pristine lake, but the rest of the town has gotten a tremendous facelist.  Another place to go out of the way for!

#1. Lake Constance (Lindau shown)

The key to enjoying Lake Constance (which can be overrun by tourists in some spots) is to venture around a bit -- preferrably by boat -- among some of the lake's greater sights.  Lindau is my favorite, but Meersburg and Konstanz are places not to be missed.  Although these towns can be busy in the summer, I never found them so overwhelmingly crowded that they can't be enjoyed (nor has parking seemed like an impossible task).

Remote Lands

Remote Lands offers travel exclusively to Asia, the world's most diverse and compelling continent, and we specialize in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

We are experts on Asia, which has the planet's richest and most fascinating history, art, architecture, cuisine, religion, customs, and rituals. Asia also has the most breathtaking scenery and beaches, the most spectacular hotels and spas, the most delicious food, the finest service, and some of the kindest and gentlest people on earth.

We personally love exploring the relatively untouched and undiscovered corners of Asia, as far off the beaten track as possible. We seek unique and magical experiences not available to tourists, and enjoy spending time with local Asian people from all walks of life as they go about their daily lives — in their homes, schools, workplaces, markets and places of worship.

Remote Lands actively promotes socially responsible tourism, and 10% of the company's profits go directly to local charities in developing Asian countries. We feel strongly that traveling to faraway places promotes peace and understanding between disparate cultures, and ultimately helps creates a better world for us all.

Dubai Seaplane

The best-selling Dubai seaplane flight! Take a 40-minute journey and enjoy a bird's eye view of Dubai's iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab Hotel Jumeirah, Burj Dubai, Jebel Ali, historic Dubai Creek and fly over the largest man-made islands including The World and The Palm.

The flight will provide you with unforgettable photo opportunities of Dubai with its magnificently built skyscrapers and some of the marvels of human engineering. The highlights of your seaplane flight include:

Jebel Ali Palm
Jebel Ali Port
Dubai Marina
The world famous Palm Jumeirah
The seven star Burj Al Arab Hotel Jumeirah
Burj Dubai
The historic Dubai Creek
Port Rashid
The World

Schedule details
Dubai Seaplane Flight

Dubai Seaplane Flight
Departure Dates:

Sri Lanka Travel

ri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, located to the south of Indian Subcontinent. Sprawling over the area of 65, 610 square kilometers, Sri Lanka with its tear-dropped shape is dominated by the astonishingly varied features of topography, making it one of the most scenic places in the world. Three zones can be divided by its distinguished elevation: the Central Highland, the plains, and the coastal belt.

At the core of the island is dominated by a high plateau in which several highest mountains of Sri Lanka are situated. Among them, the highest pinnacle is Pidurutalagala Mountain levitating at 2,524 meters of its height; Sri Lankan people consider this mountain as the sacred site of pilgrimage. The Adam's Peak lying to the west, at the southern end of the plateau is better known for its spectacular scenery and sacred pilgrimage site with its elevation of 2224 meters.

Then the land descends from the Central Highlands to a series of flat plains between 30 and 200 meters above sea level, dominating the east and the north of the island. Extensive erosion in this area has worn down and deposited the rich soil good for agriculture.

A coastal belt surrounds the island, consisting of scenic sandy beaches and lagoons. Best beaches line along the southern coast, southwestern coast and eastern coast. In the northeast and the southwest, the coasts cut across the stratification of crystalline rocks, cliffs, bays, and offshore islands, creating one of the world's best natural harbors at Trincomalee on the northeastern coast and a smaller rock harbor at Galle on the southwestern coast. In the northwest, Mannar Island which is joined with the mainland by a bridge is almost connected to the southern India by a long chain of sandbanks and islets called Adam's Bridge.

Rivers in Sri Lanka originates in the Central Highlands, near Adam's Peak and flow through the gorges, broad valley and plains and finally empty in the sea near Trincomalee, creating the different landscapes of escarpments, waterfalls and deep gorges. Most of the rivers are short and frequently interrupted by the discontinuities of terrain. The longest river of Sri Lanka is the Mahaweli Ganga River with it length of 335 kilometers. The upper reach of the river is wild and non-navigable while the lower reaches are prone to the seasonal flooding. The river is the most important water necessity for the irrigation system in the northeast region in which natural rainfalls are deficient.

The Romantic Getaway.

The Pros:
Staying at a fine hotel means you can expect full service and privacy. If you want to stay in bed all weekend, sipping Champagne and nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries, room service should be able to accommodate.

Hotel Close-Up: Sofitel the Grand Amsterdam Hotel

Hotel Close-Up: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey

Hotel Close-Up: Encore Las Vegas

If you care to venture out for a meal, a hotel dining room is nearby. The concierge can arrange reservations, transportation, and tickets for you during the weekend. For privacy, just put out the "do not disturb" sign, and a weekend of romance is yours.

The Cons:
Good hotels can be pricey, but many that host business guests during the week offer romantic weekend getaway packages for couples. If you stay in a city hotel in a business district, some surrounding local establishments may be closed on Sundays.

RESORT Romantic Weekend Getaways

The Pros:
Spending a weekend at a resort means that you can choose from a variety of activities to participate in. Beach resorts often rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and other watersports equipment. Ski resorts put you close to a mountain. Larger resorts, depending on the location, may offer instruction in sports such as scuba diving, golf, tennis, and skiing. Resorts also tend to have more than one restaurant (plus room service) so you can savor meals in a variety of settings.

Resort Close-Up: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Resort Close-Up: Marco Island Marriott Resort, Florida

Resort Close-Up: Royal Plantation, Jamaica

The Cons:
A resort can be costly, and little things — like parking and raiding the minibar — can add to the expense. Also, many large resorts cater to families, so there's a chance the squeals of children or the noise of them tearing down the hallway may intrude on a romantic weekend. In the event this occurs, don't put up with it. Ask management for another room, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

LODGE Romantic Weekend Getaways

The Pros:
Smaller than resorts but larger than inns, lodges are usually located in beautiful natural surroundings and offer a variety of outdoor activities.

Lodge Close-Up: Stowe Mountain Lodge, New York

Lodge Close-Up: Lodge at Turning Stone Resort, New York

Lodge Close-Up: Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania

The Cons:
Lodges cater to families as well as couples. Food tends to be banquet, not gourmet, quality.

Jamaica Travel

ravel Alert: While the government-declared state of emergency in some parts of Kingston due to civil unrest has now been lifted, violent crime is still an issue so caution is advised when travelling. For further information see Safe Travel for updated government warnings and the BBC for the latest news updates.

Despite its location almost smack in the center of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Jamaica doesn’t blend in easily with the rest of the Caribbean archipelago. To be sure, it boasts the same addictive sun rays, sugary sands and pampered resort-life as most of the other islands, but it is also set apart historically and culturally.



Today’s visitors will appreciate their trip to Jamaica all the more if they embrace the island’s unique character and the inherent ‘African-ness’ of its population. Aside from its people, Jamaica has much to offer, the curious, thirsty or weary traveller. The Blue Mountains boasts the world’s best coffee, try a cup in the century-old factory at Mavis Bank. There are world-class reefs for diving including those at Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios and great stretches of palm-fringed sand at Treasure Beach or Frenchman’s Cove near Port Antonio. There are offbeat bush-medicine hiking tours, congenial fishing villages, pristine waterfalls, cosmopolitan cities, wetlands harboring endangered crocodiles and manatees, unforgettable sunsets – in short, enough variety to comprise many utterly distinct vacations.

Nowhere else in the Caribbean is the connection to Africa as keenly felt as it is in Jamaica. Kingston was the major nexus in the New World for the barbaric triangular trade that brought slaves from Africa and carried sugar and rum to Europe, and the Maroons (runaways who took to the hills of Cockpit Country and the Blue Mountains) safeguarded many of the African traditions – and introduced jerk seasoning to Jamaica’s singular cuisine. St Ann’s Bay’s Marcus Garvey founded the back-to-Africa movement of the 1910s and ’20s; Rastafarianism took up the call a decade later, and reggae furnished the beat in the 1960s and ’70s. Little wonder many Jamaicans claim a stronger affinity for Africa than for neighboring Caribbean islands.

This is a country infused with pride in its unique history, stunning landscape and influential culture. Welcome to Jamaica.