Author: Harman Stinson

  • Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken, Switzerland

    Interlaken, sits between the Lakes of Thun and Brienz surrounded by the Alps.

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  • Paris, France

    Paris, France

  • Bern, Switzerland

    Bern, Switzerland

    Bern, Switzerland, named by its founder Duke Berchtold von Zähringen after his first kill–a bear–in a hunt near the new city, is situated on the banks of the meandering River Aare. Filled with inspiring gothic churches and wonderful stone buildings, walking the quiet cobbled lanes gives the feeling of going back in time.

  • St. Lucia

    St. Lucia FlagSt. Lucia, which is one of the bigger islands in the Windward Island chain of the lower Caribbean, has done what most of the Caribbean islands have done after the tapering off of their once rich agriculture and exports industries: turned itself over to tourism. After the sugar industry collasped the islands of the Caribbean struggled to get by until airplane travel made visiting these once remote outposts just a few flight connections away. There are still some old fishing villages mixed in among the resorts and charter sailboat operations, but the main industry now is tourism and service.

    That doesn’t mean that St. Lucia–with its high volcanic mountains–isn’t still a beautiful island. It has not yet been ruined by overdevelopment, and you continue get the special feel of its laid-back, if rugged, environment once you leave the craziness of Castries, the capital. There is plenty to see in St. Lucia, from towering peaks called the Pitons, to its wonderful coastline with so many picturesque beaches. This island has much to offer as long as the resort developers keep their distance.

    Traveling in St. Lucia
    St. Lucia MapGetting around St. Lucia is easy, unless you’re not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road: because it’s a member of the British Commonwealth, British traffic rules apply.

    Flying in and out of St. Lucia is a little more complicated. The small island has two airports, the older Vigie Airport in the north, near the capital, and the newer Hewanorra International Airport in the south, near the town of Vieux Fort. If you are flying in, it may be a good idea to choose the airport in relation to where you’ll be staying.

    Health Risks in St. Lucia
    Besides a poisonous viper (called the fer-de-lance) that inhabits the island, the only major health risk is Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), an infection caused when you come in contact with contaminated water. This happens mainly in fresh water ponds, lakes, and rivers. You can avoid this by swimming in protected (chlorinated) swimming pools or the salt water ocean–which is, of course, why many people come to St. Lucia. For more information, contact your doctor or read about Bilharzia at about.com.

    Weather in St. Lucia
    Because of its location, the weather in St. Lucia is almost always warm. The average high temperature throughout the year is right around 80°F. The rainiest time of year is between June and December.

    St. Lucia Information
    Population: 156,260
    Government: Independent republic within the British Commonwealth
    Square Miles: 240 sq mi (616 sq km)
    Capitol: Castries (pop 50,000)
    Official Languages: English and French-based patois
    People: African (90%), mixed descent (6%), European and East Indian (4%)
    Religion: Roman Catholic (90%), Protestant (7%), Anglican (3%)
    Major products/industries: Bananas, coconuts, cocoa, assembly of electronic components, clothing, tourism

  • Chad

    Chad FlagWith its harsh climate, geographic remoteness, and weak economy Chad is not a place where many tourists seek out. Chad is considered to be one of the poorest nations on earth, but it’s cities and other ancient attractions still make it an interesting place to go for the adventurous traveler.

    Generally speaking as long as you’re careful and keep a low profile Chad isn’t an especially dangerous place to visit. There is still conflict between the government and some rebel armies, but these issues do not often affect travelers (although traveling at night is considered very dangerous and one is advised to go only by the most frequented routes). Chad is on Amnesty International’s watch list because of the violent conflicts and methods of torture used by the government to deter detractors, though travelers are not typically at threat. Travelers looking to go to Chad should make sure to research the current political stablity before booking a trip.

    Traveling in Chad
    Chad MapThere are usually twice-a-week Paris-to-Chad direct flights, as well as more frequent flights from the Congo, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. Flights from many West African capitals operate on a weekly basis, and flights from Thailand via Bombay are also possible. If you’re driving into Chad from one of the neighboring countries, be sure to research your route, as some can be dangerous because of armed bands on the highways, or remoteness in the desert regions. It is often suggested that you arrange to meet a guide at the border, to take you into the cities, but offering a uniformed official a lift can work just as well (and it will considerably speed up your trip). If driving, remember: you may need to supply your own fuel… Be prepared.

    To get around Chad, your best bet is to fly. Most flights to outlying cities from the capital are around US$70. To move throughout Chad you will be required to get an official autorisation de circuler. There are buses from the capital to Sarh, but to get other places you may be forced to find your own way.

    Weather in Chad
    Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, much of Chad is arid and barren. The main water supply is Lac Chad, which is being reduced in size quickly, as demands for fresh water increase. Chad’s three climatic regions have temperatures ranging from 110°F in the area around the capital to 15°F in the northern mountains of the Sahara. The best climate is in the south where it’s more tropical and fertile. There is very little rainfall in much of Chad, and there isn’t any traditional “rainy season” in the norther arid region. However, in the south and central regions, the most precipitation comes between June and October, when it is advised to be cautious driving in these parts of Chad, as the roads are not tarred and can wash out easily.

    Africa MapChad Information
    Population: 7.5 million
    Government: Republic
    Square Miles: 500,000 sq mi (1,284,000 sq km)
    Capitol: N’Djamena (pop 700,000)
    Official Language: French (official), Arabic, Saran
    People: 200 ethnic groups including the Sara, Bagirmi and Kreish (31%), Sudanic Arabs (26%), the Téda or Toubou (7%) and the Mbun (6.5%)
    Religion: Muslim (44%), Christian (33%), local tribal beliefs (23%)
    Major products/industries: cotton, meat packing, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes

  • Galapagos Islands

    Galapagos FlagTechnically part of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are so unique, we thought they deserved a page of their own. Situated roughly 600 miles west of Ecuador, these islands were discovered in 1535 by the Spanish, and later claimed by Ecuador in 1832. But the first visitors to the Galapagos–the fauna that’s protected there today–arrived millions of years before.

    The archipelago is made up of 13 major islands, 8 smaller islands, and 40 islets. Man’s history in the Galapagos is an interesting one. The earliest human residents were pirates, followed by whalers, who found they could gather food and water there on the long journeys across the Pacific. Made famous by the English naturalist Charles Darwin in the mid-1800s, who’s examination of local wildlife contributed to his famous theory of natural selection, the Galapagos eventually became the site of the Darwin Station, a research organization dedicated to understanding and protecting the Galapagos environment.

    The islands became Ecuador’s first national park, and were declared a World Heritage site in 1978.

    Wildlife in the Galapagos
    galapagos Map The Galapagos Islands are most famous for their amazing wildlife. Mostly sheltered from the evolutionary forces that have helped to shape the rest of the world (namely the influence of man), the creatures of the Galapagos have evolved some very unique traits, helping them survive in their own different environment. Most famous are the Galapagos tortoise, the terrestrial and marine inguanas, lava lizards, and sea turtles. There are also a number of different types of dolphin in the seas around the islands, as well as whales, sea lions, and a wide variety of crustaceans.

    The Galapagos are a birder’s paradise, offering sightings of such otherworldly species as the blue- and red-footed, and masked boobie; the many types of Darwin’s finches; and the unusual Galapagos penguins–the northernmost branch of the species.

    Traveling in the Galapagos
    Most people who visit the Galapagos do so via cruise ship, which they board once they arrive on the islands. There are many flights that will take you, first internationally, to Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland, then to one of the two island airports in the Galapagos.

    In terms of comfort and accomodations, the most important aspect of touring the islands is the cruise you book. Do your research and be sure to find one of acceptable price, comfort, and one that offers the various activities you’re most interested in.

    Both land and sea activities are popular on the Galapagos. Many people like to snorkel with seals, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other aquatic life. Birders have some of the most exciting opportunities to see species not found anywhere else on earth. And hikes and walks are often full of wildlife spotting, as well as beautiful landscapes and flora.

    Weather in the Galapagos
    Much of the year the temperatures stay cool [typically around 20¡C (68¡F)]. If you plan on snorkeling, the warmer rainy season, from January to April, is the best time. El Ni–o hits hard about one winter every decade, making for very unpleasant and inconvenient travel conditions.

    The high season in the Gal‡pagos tends to be mid-December through January and June to August, when most of the vacationing foreign visitors arrive.

    Galapagos Islands (Archipelago de Colón) Information:
    Population:
    12,500 (est.)
    Square Miles:
    4,897 sq. miles (7,880 sq. km)
    Capitol:
    Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (pop 2,800)
    Official Language:
    Spanish (English used widely)
    Religion:
    Catholic, others
    Major products/industries:
    Tourism

  • Italy

    Italian FlagItaly was the center of the world for much of early history; naturally, when you go there, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the past. Once upon a time the Italians were letting it all go to waste, but not any more. Now Italy has one of the biggest budgets in the world for restoration and upkeep of it’s historical buildings and artifacts. The problem is, there are so many pieces that need attention, it’s hard to keep up with it all. Whether they’re keeping the leaning tower of Pisa from leaning too far, or restoring a piece of renaissance art, Italy has more public historical treasures than most other countries combined.

    Traveling in Italy
    For a fairly small country, seeing all that Italy has to offer can be tough. From the Roman coliseum to the canals of Venice, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence to fashionable Milan, Italy’s major cities all have something to offer. But there is so much to see and do off the beaten track–for instance, a cliff-top hike in pristine Cinque Terra–that just going to the cities doesn’t cut it. When traveling in Italy, be more like the laid-back Italians: have a plan but don’t worry about breaking it. Like the old saying goes, when in Rome…

    Weather in Italy
    Italy Map The weather in southern Italy is warmer than many other places in Europe throughout the year. This brings tourists to the country’s Mediterranean coastline even in the winter months. The northern mountainous region is a favorite ski destination through winter, spring, and into the summer, and the autumn months are good for hiking in the Italian Alps. Like most European countries, August is vacation time for the locals, and many stores will be closed. But because of the huge number of tourists that Italy attracts, you can generally go any time of year and find plenty to do.

    Italy Information
    Europe Map Population: 57.6 million
    Government: Republic
    Square Miles: 301,250 sq km (117,487 sq mi)
    Capitol: Rome (pop 3.8 million)
    Official Language: Italian
    Religion: 85% Roman Catholic, 5% Jewish and Protestant
    Major products/industries: tourism, engineering, textiles, chemicals, food processing, motor vehicles, clothing and footwear

  • Rangley Lakes, Maine

    Rangley Lakes, Maine

  • Grenada, Windward Islands

    Grenada, Windward Islands

    Grenada (pronounced /grɪˈneɪdə/) is an island nation that includes the southern Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is located north of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, and south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The national bird of Grenada is the critically endangered Grenada Dove.

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  • St. Vincent, Windwards Islands

    St. Vincent, Windwards Islands

    Saint Vincent is a volcanic island in the Caribbean, the largest island of the chain called Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, between Saint Lucia and Grenada. It is composed of partially submerged volcanic mountains. La Soufrière is still an active volcano .

    The territory was disputed between France and the United Kingdom in the 18th century, before being ceded to the British in 1783. It gained independence on October 27, 1979. Approximately 120,000 people live on the island. Kingstown (population 19,300) is the chief town. The rest of the population resides in the other five main towns of Layou, Barrouallie, Chateaubelair, Georgetown, and Calliaqua.

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