Best Ski Destinations in the World - Chamonix

Chamonix is a world famous resort in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's 2nd highest mountain peak. The ski resort has a vertical drop of an amazing 2800 meters (9200 feet).

"Chamonix offers a multitude of slopes for all levels of downhill skiing, each ski area having its own merit. Tremendously long slopes, skiing through the trees, freeride and off-piste, beginners slopes: an infinite number of possibilities for snowriders and mountain lovers alike (Chamonix.com)".

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Best Scuba Diving Destinations in the World - Galapagos

Diving in the Galapagos Islands is a lifetime dream for most scuba diving enthusiasts. The dive sites of Galapagos cannot be compared to other dive destinations claims the website divingalapagos.com:

"Here, life in the water with its cold and warm water species is plentiful and unique. Sharks, rays, marine turtles and hundreds of reef fish are nearly seen during each dive. And as regular attenders one will get to know curious and cheeky sea lions, who come into the water to play.

However, divers who exclusively dived in tropical waters with colorful coral reefs have to be prepared to find low spread of corals. The underwater formations are almost exclusively lava rocks."

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Best Casinos in the World - Las Vegas

Billed as The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is certainly regarded internationally as the Casino Capital of the world. After gambling was legalized here in the beginning of the 1930s, Las Vegas gradually grew into a Mecca for people seeking various forms of adult entertainment. Today Las Vegas is shedding its reputation as a "Sin City" while continuing to develop its spectacular gambling venues.

Playing the odds has been part of Vegas since the first casino opened in this desert town asserts VisitLasVegas.com. "Any time is the right time to pull up to a blackjack table, roulette wheel or craps table. Casinos are open 24 hours a day. If there's a game to be played, you can play it in Las Vegas. If table games aren't your style, many casinos offer sports betting, which can be just as fun."

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Best Safari in the World - Okavango Delta

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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Best Beaches in the World - Copacabana

Copacabana is located in the lively south zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The beach is about 4 km long, and is perfect for everything from sun bathing and swimming to volleyball, soccer, surfing and even scuba diving. Alternatively you can relax and enjoy an icy caipirinha from one of the many beach bars, while engaging in a bit of people watching. The Copacabana area is also famous for its exciting nightlife. For those who prefer vibrant beaches with plenty of activities, Copacabana is the place to go.

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The Worlds Best Surf - Bali

Bali is known worldwide as an absolute surfing mecca. The island is famous in the international surfing community for its long rolling waves, and enthusiasts flock to this destination every year for the experience.

"The island of Bali has locations which work in the Dry Season and the Wet Season. The dry season is the peak surfing season and it typically runs from May through to September, this is when the famous waves of Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Impossibles break at their best." (BaliWaves.com) Beginners will find the gentler, sandy areas around Kuta to be ideal for learning.

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The Worlds Best Theme Parks - Cedar Point

When it comes to thrill-rides and action, Cedar Point theme park is among the very best in the world. Founded in 1892, it is the second oldest amusement park in North America. Cedar Point is particularly famous for its record breaking roller coasters including Millennium Force, Magnum XL-200, Top Thrill Dragster, Maverick, and Raptor.

"With 75 rides, including 17 roller coasters, Cedar Point amusement park/resort in Sandusky, Ohio, will provide an exciting day of fun and thrills for everyone in the family. Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, Cedar Point is one of the most popular amusement park and vacation destinations in the country. For starters, Cedar Point has more rides than any park in the world, an unmatched assortment of thrilling coasters and family favorites." (CedarPoint.com)

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The Worlds Best White Water Rafting - Grand Canyon

A rafting trip down Colorado River, and particularly the Grand Canyon, is truly one of the top white water adventures in the world. Breathtaking scenery combined with wild white water make for an unforgettable experience. As Arizonaguide.com points out, rafting in the Grand Canyon enables visitors to explore its geological wonders through the very source of its creation, the Colorado River.

"The Grand Canyon section of the Colorado River runs from Lees Ferry to Grand Wash Cliffs, and those looking for a real white water adventure can raft the entire 277-miles. Featuring an amazing 161 sets of rapids, the complete trip takes as little as six days in a motor powered raft or up to 22 days under oar-power." Note, however, that the popularity of the experience means that one must plan and book this adventure several years ahead.

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The Worlds Best Golf - St. Andrews

St. Andrews, Scotland is recognized worldwide as the home of golfing. For well over 600 years golfers have enjoyed their sport here. Most famous is the Old Course which is also open to the public provided that bookings have been made in advance. There are, however, at least 10 other golf courses within a ten minute drive of the town centre – seven of championship class – as well as a major golf academy.

"The town regularly plays host to major golfing tournaments such as The Open, which is staged every five years, and The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a pro-am tournament which features the world’s top golfers and international celebrities." (Standrews.co.uk)

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The Worlds Best Skiing - Verbier

Verbier is acknowledged as one of the best off-piste ski resorts in the world with steep slopes and excellent snow conditions. Situated in the Swiss canton of Valais, Verbier boasts an impressive lift infrastructure with access to an enormous network of pistes. It is off the groomed slopes that Verbier has its edge, however, and even the most adept skiers can always find plenty of white knuckle challenge in the surrounding mountains.

"From its sunny plateau, Verbier offers some amazing views. In the shadow of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin, it is located at the heart of one of the biggest ski areas in the Alps: Les 4 Vallées. A freeriding paradise, Verbier is the perfect winter sports destination, from the very first snow falls. The resort offers a wide range of accommodation in a protected setting, with all the charm of a traditional village and its wooden chalets. An international programme of events will add a whole new dimension to your stay." (Verbier.ch)

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