The Worlds Best Parties - Goa

Ever since the hippies made it their favorite chill-out spot in the 1960's, Goa has remained a cherished party destination for travelers. Nowadays it is the rave or trance scene that is all the buzz in Goa, and tens of thousands of backpackers flock to the stunning beaches here on India's west coast every year to enjoy the pumping music and the magic atmosphere. Goa's most outrageous party season is around Christmas and New Year, but the beach parties and dance events roll on throughout the year and are among the best in the world.

"Goa Party season runs all through in the letter and spirit. Party enthusiasts from different parts of the world converge at Goa for the celebrations. The exotic beaches, the breathtaking ambience and the joyous festivities that rule Goa provide an ideal ambience for the party celebrations. Goa Party season exudes a charm of its own inviting people with open arm to make merry and unwind." (MapsofIndia.com)

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Flickr photo credit: originally uploaded by Jason Sam

The Worlds Best Hiking - Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174 mile (3500 km) marked hiking and camping trail in the eastern United States. It is perhaps the most famous hiking trail in the world, running along the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Walking the entire trail takes several months, but there are ample opportunities to enjoy weekend or day-trips to parts of the trail. Designated in 1968, it is the first completed national scenic trail in the United States.

"Over 10,000 people have documented proof of hiking the entire length of the AT. The AT is officially the United States’ longest marked footpath of any kind. It is estimated to take over 5 million steps to cover the 2,178 miles, and will take even the very best hikers at least a few months, usually much longer. If you manage this feat, you’ll have crossed through 6 national parks, 8 national forests, and 14 different states." (AppalachianTrail.com)

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Flickr photo credit: McAfee's Knob originally uploaded by jacob.d.sutton

The Worlds Best Safari - Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier game reserve and a superb place to experience the African safari. Visitors to the park can expect to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos and lions, and if very lucky, leopards and cheetahs. One of the bonuses of Etosha is that it is comparatively less commercialized and therefore has a less disturbed wildlife than some of the other African reserves. This also has to do with the fact that Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world.

"Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. The Etosha Park is one of the first places on any itinerary designed for a holiday in Namibia." (Namibian.org)

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Flickr photo credit: Etosha National Park, Namibia originally uploaded by Sara&Joachim

The Worlds Best Fishing - Los Roques

Los Roques is an archipelago off the northern shores of Venezuela that offers rod-bending bonefishing action in a stunning environment. The islands' sandy beaches and large flats provide access to the sizeable bonefish that is often better for waders than for those fishing from boats. A boat trip to the coral banks, however, opens great opportunities for catching big Jacks, Tuna and Barracuda.

But it is the bonefish that is the main attraction of Los Roques, and this grey ghost of the shoals is found here in better size and more abundant quantities than anywhere else on the planet. "The many keys and this environment of shoals and deeper channels provide a variety of settings for the feeding and protection of this species, all making Los Roques a top destination for bonefishing." (Los-Roques.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Los Roques originally uploaded by Franklin Dattein

The Worlds Best Casinos - Paradise Island

Paradise Island is a small island just off Nassau, the Bahamas capital city. It is dominated by the enormous Atlantis Resort and Casino. "With 880 slot machines ringing all night, the “cha-ching” almost outdoes the “bling-bling” at the 50,000 square foot, lavish Atlantis Casino. At the largest casino in the Caribbean, you’re just as likely to bet against the house as you are a film star. If you’re a card shark, belly up to one of 46 blackjack or four Caribbean stud poker tables, or see if Lady Luck is on your side and throw the dice at one of seven craps tables." (NassauParadiseIsland.com)

Gaming is but one of the large range of holiday activities available on this mega-resort fantasy island. According to some sources, the Atlantis complex alone is responsible for an amazing 11% of the Bahamas' gross national product. Atlantis also offers outdoor gambling where you can enjoy the beautiful tropical scenery while playing your favorite table games. Somewhat smaller in scale but no less spectacular is the Crystal Palace Casino on nearby Cable Beach.

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(Not much about the casino in this video, but a nice promo for the resort.)



Flickr photo credit: Atlantis marina originally uploaded by jonworth

The Worlds Best Bungee Jumping - Great Canadian Bungee

At just over 60 meters (200 ft), the Great Canadian Bungee in Wakefield, Quebec is the highest permanent bungee jump in North America. It has been operating since the early 90s, and continues to provide the thrill-of-a-lifetime for thousands of visitors each year. Located on the edge of Morrison Quarry next to a deep, crystal blue lagoon, this is also one of the worlds most unique bungee jumping sites.

"Looking for the highest bungee jump in the land? Then look no further. Just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa is "The Rock", home to Great Canadian Bungee's 200 ft. Goliath. Here you'll find one of the world's most spectacular and unique Bungee Jumping sites. Visualize an amphitheater of solid limestone, 200 ft. high, surrounding a 160 ft. deep aqua-blue, spring-fed lagoon, larger than 3 football fields." (Bungee.ca)

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Flickr photo credit: Great Canadian Bungee originally uploaded by Medmoiselle T

The Worlds Best White Water Rafting - Gauley River

The 45-kilometer (28-mile) run of class III to V rapids of the Gauley River is one of the most popular white water rafting experiences in the United States. A series of controlled water releases from the upstream Summersville Dam are scheduled for six successive summer weekends in what is known as Gauley Season. The releases are undertaken for the express purpose of white water recreation, and the river and the rafters go wild.

"Dropping more than 668 feet through 28 miles of rugged terrain, the Gauley River's complex stretch of whitewater features more than 100 rapids with a steep gradient, technical runs, an incredible volume of water and huge waves. Its vigorous rapids, scenic quality and inaccessibility combine to make Gauley River one of the premier whitewater runs in the world." (US National Park Service)

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Flickr photo credit: 2006-09-17 Upper Gauley River, WV - White Water Rafting 08 originally uploaded by QuiteLucid

The Worlds Best Scuba Diving - Chuuk

The site of a former Japanese naval base with over 50 diveable wrecks, Chuuk Lagoon (formerly known as Truk) is among the worlds top wreck diving destinations. In 1944 the US Air Force wiped out the entire base in the largest surface bombing campaign in history, and the remains now litter the seabed of the lagoon. Due to the lagoons reef system, the wrecks are all well protected from deep sea currents.

With its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon, Chuuk is a Mecca for wreck divers maintains the local visitor center (Visit-fsm.org). "Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into shipreefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site. Hard and soft corals in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes attract divers worldwide for both daytime and night diving."

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Flickr photo credit: Yamagiri Maru originally uploaded by mattk1979

The Worlds Best Snowboarding - Mayrhofen

Mayrhofen is situated near the Hintertux glacier, which is above the snowline, making snowboarding possible all year round. The resort claims to have Austria's steepest piste, called the Harakiri, but it also has a large range of runs that permit snowboarding at different levels of difficulty. Mayrhofen also boasts the largest cable car in Austria with a capacity of 160 passengers, as well as a great park and a snowboard hotel.

For several years the Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen has been voted one of the best parks in Europe by Snow-parks.com. "The Park has been an important factor in the Austrian freestyle scene for the last six years. Many Austrian and international pros call the Vans Penken Park their home and can be regularly seen shredding there. Due to the park's southward facing slope it gets plenty of sunshine and softer landings in the late season. The lift runs over the park, giving a perfect view of the action." (Mayrhofen.at)

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Flickr photo credit: CIMG0070 originally uploaded by stoosh

The Worlds Best Beaches - Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is a magnificent strip of sand on the Puerto Rican Island of Culebra. It is nearly a mile (1.6 km) in length and situated in a picturesque Caribbean cove fringed on either side by coral reefs. The clear, shallow, and calm water makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

"A mile or so of striking white coral sand is juxtaposed by turquoise waters and well covered hills. But this beach offers more than the best stretch of coast in Puerto Rico - it offers solitude. Though the area was once used for naval exercises, it has now been given the status of a Marine Wildlife Reserve." (PuertoRico.com)

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Flickr photo credit: Culebra - Playa de Flamenco originally uploaded by Diueine