The Worlds Best Safari - Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park in South Africa is perhaps the most visited and most photographed big game reserve in the world. It is also more developed for touristic safaris than most other African parks. Covering roughly 20,000 square kilometers (7,700 square miles), Kruger is divided in 14 different zones, each supporting different kinds of wildlife.

According to the official website for South African National Parks, Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. "Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals." (Sanparks.org)

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Flickr photo credit: Calling for cub originally uploaded by BrianScott

The Worlds Best Hiking - Inca Trail

The Peruvian Inca ruins of Machu Picchu are among the worlds most amazing cultural as well as natural attractions, and the Inca Trail through the Andean highlands to get there is perhaps the worlds most renowned hiking destinations. It has also become rather overburdened by visitors, however, so planning is essential in order to avoid the biggest crowds.

"In just 26 miles (45km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious 'Lost City of the Incas'." (Incatrailperu.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Machu Picchu originally uploaded by Matito

The Worlds Best Snorkeling - Bimini

Just a short trip east of Florida is Bimini, a district of the Bahamas and a longtime favorite snorkeling destination. Although there are plenty of healthy reefs surrounding the Bimini Islands, the main attraction is probably the astounding number of fish. A particularly popular activity is swimming with the friendly and curious dolphins.

"Although only 50 miles from the U.S. mainland, its clear Gulf Stream-fed waters are filled with an incredible diversity of life, and its underwater terrain is as dramatic and varied as any dive destination in the world. [ ] Snorkelers can explore the wreck of the Sapona resting just below the surface, or meander through the vast reef system that surrounds the island and stretches for over 10 miles from the southern shore to Cat Island." (Bahamashomesite.com)

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Flickr photo credit: snorkel gliding originally uploaded by MyDifferentDrum

The Worlds Best Beaches - Boracay

An hours flight from the Philippine capital Manila takes you to the tropical island paradise of Boracay with its long white sands and warm, turquoise water. Facilities for water sports and energetic nightlife abounds on Boracay, but it is also possible to find more tranquil spots of sand, ideal to watch awe inspiring sunsets and brilliant sunrises.

"The most famous part of Boracay is its 4 kilometer stretch of the finest, most pristine white sand beaches, White Beach, where the color of the sea blends with that of the sky during the day and the white sands glimmer at night. So awesome is the Island that the best descriptions cannot give justice to Boracay's natural beauty." (Boracay.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Perfect Day originally uploaded by The Wandering Angel

The Worlds Best Safari - Okavango

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the largest inland waterways in the world and has an impressive mass and variety of wildlife. Rather than emptying into the sea, the remains of the Okavango River flows onto the vast sands of the Kalahari Desert. In addition to safaris by air or land-based vehicles, the breathtaking scenery of the Okavango can be experienced by boat or local makoro canoes.

"The Okavango is the ultimate destination for an African safari. A pristine wilderness of waterways, islands and grasslands, the Okavango draws great herds of migratory animals and predators to its fertile shores, making it the best big five African safari destination." (Okavango.info)

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Flickr photo credit: Zebra in the Morning Mist originally uploaded by justin

The Worlds Best Parties - South Beach

The southern stretch of Miami Beach is known throughout the United States as one of the country's most outrageous party destinations. It is hard to see how you can go wrong with South Beach's excellent climate, splendid beach, colorful crowd and more than 150 pumping nightclubs and other party venues. Access to some of the clubs can be expensive and difficult, however, so be sure to have a game plan for your night out.

"Glittering with bars, discos and nightclubs, South Beach throbs with vibrant nightlife and overflows with an eclectic set of partiers, including iconic Miami Beach types, sporting glitzy designer fashions over beach bronzed bodies. South Beach nightlife has been compared to an all-you-can-eat buffet. The choices are endless and the party never stops, although it heats up after 11p.m. and rages until 6 in the morning." (Southbeach.com)

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Flickr photo credit: South Beach originally uploaded by Piutus

The Worlds Best Cycling - Western Ireland

Ireland has some magnificent scenery and terrain for cycling and many of the definitive highlights are found in the western part of the country. Picturesque villages dot the countryside and the dramatic coastline presents spectacular views for bikers. Although the wind can at times be a challenge, at least you don't have to worry about steep mountains or heavy traffic.

"The Emerald Isle’s rugged landscape can be exhilarating at times, but there are lots of sublime cycling routes winding through some of the most superlative scenery the country has to offer. The magical extra ingredient that Irish cycling holidays can offer is our network of countless little leafy lanes and quiet rural roads, almost completely free of traffic, which thread through the unspoiled countryside." (Discoverireland.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Achill Island, April 1989 originally uploaded by sludgegulper

The Worlds Best Bungee Jumping - Nevis

The Nevis Highwire Bungy is located near Queenstown, New Zealand's unrivaled adventure sports capital. At a height of 134 meters, it is the third highest bungee jumping platform in the world. The platform itself hangs from a set of high-tension wires that are suspended over the Nevis River, making it a unique experience compared to jumping from a bridge. The glass floor of the platform adds further to the suspense.

"With 8.5 seconds of falling its a breathtaking ground rush like no other. Come stand on the edge and face your fear in what is for many one of the greatest personal challenges of their life. Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous." (Bungy.co.nz) Enjoy this video of Billy Connolly bungee jumping at Nevis.

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Flickr photo credit: Bungy originally uploaded by alexsemenzato

The Worlds Best Casinos - Macau

Macau is a special administrative region in the southeast of China. As gambling is illegal in the People's Republic, adventurous people have been flocking from this populous market to try their luck in the casinos of Macau, making gambling its biggest industry. Enormous gambling venues are popping up constantly, such as the Venetian (pictured) which was the largest casino in the world when it opened in 2007.

According to the Olamacauguide.com, Macau Casinos are expected to pull in more than US$5 billion in annual revenues in 2009, which is more than Las Vegas. "Gambling in Macau was already legalized in 1847 under the rule of Portuguese and since then Macau has become known worldwide as the Monte Carlo of the Orient."

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Flickr photo credit: IMG 7555 originally uploaded by vixyao

The Worlds Best Scuba Diving - Big Island

The island of Hawai'i, also called the Big Island, is home to some of the most fantastic scuba diving on the planet. More than 600 species of reef fish and frequent encounters with larger aquatic animals add to the excitement of diving in an underwater volcanic landscape that in itself is magical enough. Particularly popular is night diving with huge manta rays at Manta Ray Village.

"What makes Big Island diving even more exciting is how quickly the ocean goes from shallow to very deep. Because the island is composed of volcanoes rising from the seafloor, its near-shore aprons of submerged lava rock and coral reefs quickly drop off into the abyss." (Bigisland.org)

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Flickr photo credit: Raccoon butterflyfish originally uploaded by pixtory