Posted June 3, 2009 by Kate Hamman
As Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye attracts visitors from all over the world who come to dive or snorkel along the Belize Barrier Reef. The tropical island feels thousands of miles away from the monotony of everyday living. Come stay along the beach, enjoy tropical cuisine, and swim with the fishes.
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Shark Ray Alley: Originally the stomping ground for fisherman cleaning their catch, this area now attracts Nurse Sharks and Southern Sting Rays. Divers interact with these sea creatures up close and personal in crystal-clear waters reaching depths of only about eight feet. Though you can find many popular sites for snorkeling or diving, don't miss swimming with the sharks.
Eat
Rojo Lounge: Easily reachable by water taxi, the Azul Resort features casual dining with an unbelievable view. Grab a seat under the palapa and choose from the tropically-inspired menu, with dishes such as pecan-crusted lobster, mango-coconut peanut noodles with shrimp, and ceviche. Tapas-style entrees serve two people, but you'll need to order two or three dishes for a full meal.
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Banana Beach Resort: With views of the Caribbean Sea, the Banana Beach Resort can't be beat as an affordable tropical getaway. Less than one mile from San Pedro, the island's only town, the resort offers comfortable accommodations along the beach. Choose rooms with a private balcony or veranda; or one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom suites starting at $75 per night in the off-season and $100 per night in peak season, with breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to Belize City, which is home to Ambergris Caye’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Vivian Yu)
Posted March 24, 2009 by Kate Hamman
As Costa Rica's capital, San Jose serves as the cultural epicenter of the country. While many come to Costa Rica for adventure and outdoor activities, San Jose offers plenty to do indoors, such as seeing the country's riches in its Central Bank Museums. And though the city is fairly new, you can return to the 1930's by dining and staying in converted homes without busting your budget.
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Museos Banco Central: Come learn about the country's monetary history through the Central Bank Museums' five exhibits displayed in its Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Temporary Exhibition Galleries. Find a wealth of information about Costa Rica's Pre-Columbian past, including gold and ceramic pieces created by indigenous people, as well as coins and currency in circulation from colonial times to now.
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Bakea Restaurante: Located in the neighborhood Amon, the first planned residential area in San Jose, Bakea turned a 1934 home into a thriving restaurant. As you dine, Chef Camille Ratton works her magic in the kitchen with New and Old World spices. Stop by for a quick panini or wrap for lunch, or enjoy a leisurely dinner in one of the many rooms or outside on the terrace.
Stay
Casa 69: Located less than a 10-minute walk from downtown in a 1938 house, Casa 69 offers an ideal home base while visiting San Jose. While here, you can enjoy the views from the rooftop deck, relax in the hot tub, or have afternoon coffee with other guests. And on top of all of these perks, rooms with a queen-sized bed start at only $40 per night, and include continental breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to San Jose, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Instituto Costarricense de Turismo)
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