Showing posts with label Adventure Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventure Travel. Show all posts
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Fun with tourists
Tourism Review asked folks to share some of the bizarre questions that tourists pose. Pretty funny stuff. Do you have any to share?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
El Salvador Tourism Video
Just came across this video on El Salvador on YouTube. Thought it was pretty decent. It is hard to imagine all these beautiful places in one small country -- but even this video doesn't capture all E.S. has to offer. My only complaint, the video does not give justice to the great food we experienced in El Salvador!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Dispelling the Myths about El Salvador
#1 Myth: El Salvador is a dangerous country.
El Salvador, like every other country, has it's challenges. Crimes related to gangs are on the rise in cities like San Salvador. Gang related crime is also on the rise in many U.S. and European cities, but does that keep travelers from visiting those cities? No, it does not. Using common sense and taking simple precautions when traveling anywhere are always advisable -- just as locking your doors at home and while driving in a car are advisable even if you live or drive in a safe areas close to your home. The important fact on which to dwell is that crimes against tourists are nearly non- existent in El Salvador. When traveling to El Salvador, if you are staying in San Salvador, it is imperative to know the area of town in which you are going to stay. It is also not advised to explore the city of San Salvador by foot. The hotel concierge is a great resource for sightseeing information. There are many beautiful, upscale, and safe areas of San Salvador -- but you can not assume you can walk from one area to another. Traveling with a tour guide or by taxi is recommended.
Once you leave the city of San Salvador, you will find the country to be much less chaotic and the pace of life much slower. You will also discover that the Salvadoran people very kind and helpful. It is highly recommended to venture out of the city and explore some of El Salvador's beautiful nature areas and attractions; El Impossible, Monte Cristo, Apaneca, Suchitoto, Morazan, Joya de Ceren, National Volcano Park, Ilopongo Lake, El Pital, the beach areas and estuaries -- and all of these areas are quite safe. Infact, El Salvador was the first, and continues to be the only, Central American country that has established a System of Tourism Safety (STS). At a January 2008 meeting of the Central American Council of Tourism (CCT), it was determined that the System of Tourism Safety developed in El Salvador would be adopted throughout the Central American region. This system provides trained tourism police in the popular tourist areas.
In El Salvador, many businesses employ armed guards to protect their property and patrons. This can be unnerving at first since most travelers are not used to seeing this type of security in other countries. This seems to be a result of cultural traditions mixed with the need to employ people who had developed few skills during the civil war years. Most often you will find these guards very friendly and willing to help you in any way. At worst, they are reserved, but are never threatening.
If you don't speak Spanish, driving in El Salvador -- or any Central American country -- can be quite challenging as most people in the rural areas do not speak English and you will not find street signs in English. In the rural areas, often times the roads are not well marked. Getting lost or disoriented in any foreign country can increase your chances of falling victim to a crime. It is advisable to hire a tour guide for your adventure travels throughout El Salvador.
El Salvador, like every other country, has it's challenges. Crimes related to gangs are on the rise in cities like San Salvador. Gang related crime is also on the rise in many U.S. and European cities, but does that keep travelers from visiting those cities? No, it does not. Using common sense and taking simple precautions when traveling anywhere are always advisable -- just as locking your doors at home and while driving in a car are advisable even if you live or drive in a safe areas close to your home. The important fact on which to dwell is that crimes against tourists are nearly non- existent in El Salvador. When traveling to El Salvador, if you are staying in San Salvador, it is imperative to know the area of town in which you are going to stay. It is also not advised to explore the city of San Salvador by foot. The hotel concierge is a great resource for sightseeing information. There are many beautiful, upscale, and safe areas of San Salvador -- but you can not assume you can walk from one area to another. Traveling with a tour guide or by taxi is recommended.
Once you leave the city of San Salvador, you will find the country to be much less chaotic and the pace of life much slower. You will also discover that the Salvadoran people very kind and helpful. It is highly recommended to venture out of the city and explore some of El Salvador's beautiful nature areas and attractions; El Impossible, Monte Cristo, Apaneca, Suchitoto, Morazan, Joya de Ceren, National Volcano Park, Ilopongo Lake, El Pital, the beach areas and estuaries -- and all of these areas are quite safe. Infact, El Salvador was the first, and continues to be the only, Central American country that has established a System of Tourism Safety (STS). At a January 2008 meeting of the Central American Council of Tourism (CCT), it was determined that the System of Tourism Safety developed in El Salvador would be adopted throughout the Central American region. This system provides trained tourism police in the popular tourist areas.
In El Salvador, many businesses employ armed guards to protect their property and patrons. This can be unnerving at first since most travelers are not used to seeing this type of security in other countries. This seems to be a result of cultural traditions mixed with the need to employ people who had developed few skills during the civil war years. Most often you will find these guards very friendly and willing to help you in any way. At worst, they are reserved, but are never threatening.
If you don't speak Spanish, driving in El Salvador -- or any Central American country -- can be quite challenging as most people in the rural areas do not speak English and you will not find street signs in English. In the rural areas, often times the roads are not well marked. Getting lost or disoriented in any foreign country can increase your chances of falling victim to a crime. It is advisable to hire a tour guide for your adventure travels throughout El Salvador.
Unbelieveable Deep Sea Fishing!
Just returned from a fabulous family vacation to El Salvador. The highlight of our trip was the day we spent deep sea fishing. Even better than we ever dreamed it could be! We caught over 600 lbs. of fish! This is no fish story. We reeled in a 400 lb. marlin, a large sail fish, several yellow fin tunas, and more! We even found ourselves in the midst of a huge group of spinning dolphins. They were everywhere. This was the first day of our trip. My son said; 'Dad, if our trip ends today, this will be the best vacation ever!' Thank you Tamarindo Touring Company for an unforgettable trip to El Salvador!
Yet another myth about travel in El Salvador
# 3 Myth: El Salvador has little to offer for an Adventure Traveler
El Salvador may be a small country in acreage, but it is packed full of sites that are suited for adventurous travelers. Here is a listing of some of the most wonderful adventure in El Salvodor and the location where you can enjoy them:
Deep Sea Fishing - The Pacific Ocean provides miles upon miles of undisturbed waters
Kayaking - Pristine Estuaries
Sailing - In the Golf of Fonseca
Hiking - El Imposible tropical forest, Monte Crist cloud forests, Volcanoes (25), and other scenic areas
SCUBA diving - The Pacific Ocean and Volcanic Lakes such as Ilopango
Surfing - Punta Roca and El Sunzal are two of the most popular places to catch the waves. Punta Mango is accessible only by boat and boasts tremendous surf.
Biking - In mountainous areas such as El Pital or through rural areas on back roads in Apaneca or Morazan
Zip Lining - In Apaneca coffee country
White Water Rafting - Lempa, Sumpul, Guayjoyo, Bandera and Paz Rivers
There are many artisan communities to visit, and interesting and significant cultural and historical sites throughout the country. In San Salvador, there are a number of museums including the David J Guzman Museum of Anthropology, the Tin Marin children's museum, the Museo de Arte Marte displaying a huge collection of International artwork, and several history museums. If traveling to Morazan, the Museum of the Revolution is a popular attraction.
With over 200 miles of unspoiled coastline, El Salvador is a beach lovers perfect destination.
El Salvador may be a small country in acreage, but it is packed full of sites that are suited for adventurous travelers. Here is a listing of some of the most wonderful adventure in El Salvodor and the location where you can enjoy them:
Deep Sea Fishing - The Pacific Ocean provides miles upon miles of undisturbed waters
Kayaking - Pristine Estuaries
Sailing - In the Golf of Fonseca
Hiking - El Imposible tropical forest, Monte Crist cloud forests, Volcanoes (25), and other scenic areas
SCUBA diving - The Pacific Ocean and Volcanic Lakes such as Ilopango
Surfing - Punta Roca and El Sunzal are two of the most popular places to catch the waves. Punta Mango is accessible only by boat and boasts tremendous surf.
Biking - In mountainous areas such as El Pital or through rural areas on back roads in Apaneca or Morazan
Zip Lining - In Apaneca coffee country
White Water Rafting - Lempa, Sumpul, Guayjoyo, Bandera and Paz Rivers
There are many artisan communities to visit, and interesting and significant cultural and historical sites throughout the country. In San Salvador, there are a number of museums including the David J Guzman Museum of Anthropology, the Tin Marin children's museum, the Museo de Arte Marte displaying a huge collection of International artwork, and several history museums. If traveling to Morazan, the Museum of the Revolution is a popular attraction.
With over 200 miles of unspoiled coastline, El Salvador is a beach lovers perfect destination.
More Myths about travel in El Salvador
# 2 Myth: Contractible diseases are common in El Salvador
The Center for Disease Control (CDC ) lists a number of vaccinations/precautions travelers should take before traveling to El Salvador. It is always good to consult your primary care physician before traveling to any foreign country to discuss the recommendations. Your physician knows your baseline health and can help determine whether you would benefit from these vaccines or not. Some countries seem to elicit more concern regarding these warnings/recommendation than others. For instance, I have heard for years that you have to be careful when traveling to El Salvador because of all the diseases you can contract there. The warnings/precautions/recommendations are the same for El Salvador as they are for all other Central American countries, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico -- including popular areas such as Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. When people travel to these areas, they don't often consult the CDC guidelines. I imagine they are familiar with these destinations, have had friends and family that have traveled to these areas and have not heard of many -- if any -- instances of malaria, dengue, or other ailments mentioned on the travel sites. It is my opinion that once more people become familiar with El Salvador, the concerns about these diseases will be less. Pack your bug spray and avoid mosquito bites -- that will be your best safeguards against contracting arboviral (transmitted through insect bites such as mosquitoes or ticks) diseases. Consult your doctor before traveling and you will be able to make a well informed decision that will be best for you.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC ) lists a number of vaccinations/precautions travelers should take before traveling to El Salvador. It is always good to consult your primary care physician before traveling to any foreign country to discuss the recommendations. Your physician knows your baseline health and can help determine whether you would benefit from these vaccines or not. Some countries seem to elicit more concern regarding these warnings/recommendation than others. For instance, I have heard for years that you have to be careful when traveling to El Salvador because of all the diseases you can contract there. The warnings/precautions/recommendations are the same for El Salvador as they are for all other Central American countries, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico -- including popular areas such as Cancun, Puerta Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. When people travel to these areas, they don't often consult the CDC guidelines. I imagine they are familiar with these destinations, have had friends and family that have traveled to these areas and have not heard of many -- if any -- instances of malaria, dengue, or other ailments mentioned on the travel sites. It is my opinion that once more people become familiar with El Salvador, the concerns about these diseases will be less. Pack your bug spray and avoid mosquito bites -- that will be your best safeguards against contracting arboviral (transmitted through insect bites such as mosquitoes or ticks) diseases. Consult your doctor before traveling and you will be able to make a well informed decision that will be best for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)