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Bali

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Madagascar is literally a world apart. A lot of breaking away from mainland Africa, and then from India, took place before Madagascar became an island nation marooned in the western corner of the Indian Ocean. This drifting away resulted to isolated evolution that eventually gave rise to Madagascar's distinctive biodiversity: 90% of all animal and plant species found in Madagascar exist nowhere else.

Vividly colored panther chameleons, tenrecs, tomato frogs, comet moths, Satanic leaf-tailed geckos, hissing cockroaches, and a long list of bird species - to say nothing of tortoises, turtles, dolphins, manta rays, sharks, colorful reef fishes - are just some of the cast that make this island nation a biologist's Eden. Even if identifying species is not your thing, there are plenty other reasons why Madagascar should be on your life list.
Hear Lemurs Wail Like a Whale (or Plié Like a Ballerina)
Have you ever wondered why lemurs were in the "Madagascar" animation film in the first place? That's because they are endemic to the country. You can't see lemurs anywhere else. Madagascar splitting from mainland Africa allowed lemurs to thrive as there was no big game to hunt them down (except their nemesis fossa, a relative of mongoose that's also endemic to Madagascar). The result: a population explosion of 101 species.

To hear the singing lemur (Indri indri), go to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park close to the capital, Antananarivo, and in other protected lowland jungle and tropical forests. And there's a dancing lemur too. Sifakas (Propithecus) are so nicknamed because when on land, they jump sideways with their arms held out for balance. You can find them prancing about in Ankarafantsika National Park, Berenty Reserve, and Ranomafana National Park where around 20 other lemur species live.
Parade Through the Avenue of Baobabs
If you believe the Little Prince, you might suspect that baobabs (Adansonia digitata) also exist in his tiny planet, but the 9 species occur only on Earth, six of which are in Madagascar. Baobabs are mind-bendingly ancient - they grew more than 200 million years ago before the supercontinent Gondwana broke up. The largest grove of the mightiest trees - which can grow up to 30m - can be found in Menabe, but Morondava is favored by those who wish to enjoy cocktails after watching the sunset at the Avenue of Baobabs.
Watch Antarctic Humpback Whales Cavort
A lone breaching whale is a sight to behold. But a handful, all at the same time? Every year, from June to September, hundreds of 30- to 50-ton behemoths make their annual journey to the warm waters off the eastern coast of Madagascar. They especially favor the welcoming, shark-less waters around Ile Sainte Marie where they breed and calve after bulking up in the Antarctic seas. A whale watching cruise with an on-board specialist gets you close to the whales so you can better admire the acrobatic stunts of male humpbacks to attract the females. On a cruise, you would also hear the males' complex vocal displays via an on-board hydrophone.
Find Your Sunny Spot in 5,000km of Coastline
In Madagascar, you don't have to jostle with crowds for towel-sized beachfront real estate. The choices are overwhelming as you can go practically anywhere and have a beach to yourself. But if you are after beautiful beaches and water-based activities not far from the madding crowd, the archipelago of Nosy Be in the northwest coast of Madagascar is the country's number one beach destination. Toliara in the southwest coast makes a convenient launching point to the Great Reef, a 450km coral reef system home to some 6,000 species. As the southwest coast faces the Mozambique Channel, a potential World Heritage marine site, it's also Madagascar's prime diving destination.
Live on the (Razor's) Edge at the Stone Forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a veritable forest of limestone needles rising up to 100 meters, and were formed when karstic plateaus were vertically and horizontally undercut by groundwater. The result is 'tsingy,' a place "where one cannot walk barefoot." As the terrain is difficult to traverse, these badlands have become a refuge within a refuge: scientists suspect that species may be endemic in areas as small as a limestone spike.
Marvel at the Kaleidoscope of Landscapes
Few places on Earth pack a variety of landscapes in such a small area, but in Madagascar, you can spend the morning in a rain forest and the afternoon in a desert. Karstic limestone needles in the west stand in sharp contrast to rounded and eroded hills in the central highlands. After seeing sandstone canyons, you may be caught surprised at the sight of terraced rice paddies. To get an idea of just how varied Madagascar's terrain can be in such small a space, go to Isalo National Park.
Watch the Malagasy Dance With Their Dead
During the Day of the Dead, Mexicans dance with caricatures of death, but not with their departed relatives. In a funerary tradition called 'famadihana' or 'turning of the bones,' the Malagasy takes it to another level by bringing their ancestors out of the crypt every seven years (or whenever the family can afford it) and rewrapping them in new cloth. The extended families then dance with joy to the sound of live, upbeat music as the rewrapped corpses are reentered into the crypt.

Famadihana is based on the belief that as long as the bodies have not fully decomposed, their ancestors have not left this world permanently and are still able to communicate with the living.

Madagascar's geographical isolation also makes it an undertouristed destination, leaving huge parts of it relatively untouched by Western influence. There are still vast tracts of the country that remain uninhabited and only occasionally explored because the state of the roads makes it difficult to get around. Outside of major cities, it's 4WD driving if you can't put up being squished in taxi-brousses with a dozen other passengers.

The island's remoteness, however, and all the difficulties that come with it, make it all the more appealing in a world homogenized by unchecked commercialism and development. Like the country's wildlife, places like Madagascar are in danger of disappearing, so enjoy them while they are still around.

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7 Wild Madagascar Travel Experiences - Demand Africa

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Madagascar is literally a world apart. A lot of breaking away from mainland Africa, and then from India, took place before Madagascar became an island nation marooned in the western corner of the Indian Ocean. This drifting away resulted to isolated evolution that eventually gave rise to Madagascar's distinctive biodiversity: 90% of all animal and plant species found in Madagascar exist nowhere else.

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The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore called the Taj Mahal a "teardrop on the cheek of time." It remains a testament to the grief-and power-of an emperor.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Shah Jahan, who ruled the Mughal Empire (with its capital in Agra) for 30 years, had the mausoleum constructed to honor his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death in 1631.

The main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal took more than 15 years to complete. (The site also includes a mosque and assembly hall (not visible in this beautiful photograph) and elaborate gardens.) The white marble dome soars 171 meters (561 feet) above a pink sandstone base. Four minarets frame the main mausoleum complex.

The finial atop the dome is uniquely Indian, recognizing the region's religious diversity. The finial incorporates a crescent moon, the symbol of Islam (the religion of both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal). But by placing the moon with its horns (points) pointing to the heavens in a U-shape, the moon and finial resemble a trident-a traditional symbol of the powerful Hindu god Shiva.

Legend has it that Shah Jahan intended to have a "Black Taj" constructed as his own mausoleum. Conflict within the empire prevented any plans or construction of the Black Taj. Both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are buried beneath the dome of the Taj.

"The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs
And the sun and moon shed tears from their eyes." Shah Jahan

"Did you ever build a castle in the air? Here is one, brought down to the Earth and fixed for the wonder of the ages." Bayard Taylor, writer

"Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stone." Sir Edwin Arnold, poet

"It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground." William Hodges, painter

"After hearing many praises ever since I had been in India, I felt that its beauty exceeded, rather than fell short of my expectations."

"Properly speaking, the Sultan's memory is more perpetuated by this building than that of his [wife]." Ida Pfeiffer, explorer

"Marble, I perceive, covers a multitude of sins." Aldous Huxley, writer

(15261764) territories throughout the Indian subcontinent. Also called the Mogul Empire.

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Jan. 11, 2012

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"The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs
And the sun and moon shed tears from their eyes." Shah Jahan

"Did you ever build a castle in the air? Here is one, brought down to the Earth and fixed for the wonder of the ages." Bayard Taylor, writer

"Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stone." Sir Edwin Arnold, poet

"It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground." William Hodges, painter

"After hearing many praises ever since I had been in India, I felt that its beauty exceeded, rather than fell short of my expectations."

"Properly speaking, the Sultan's memory is more perpetuated by this building than that of his [wife]." Ida Pfeiffer, explorer

"Marble, I perceive, covers a multitude of sins." Aldous Huxley, writer

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The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore called the Taj Mahal a "teardrop on the cheek of time." It remains a testament to the grief-and power-of an emperor. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

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Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

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Grand Canyon

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Catalina Island

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Holidays are usually stressful, hectic and dramatic at times. Why not take a break and head over to Catalina Island during the off-season to get your peace of mind and reset. While you're there, pick up a few items to check off your shopping list. What a better way to surprise the people on your holiday list than with a special gift from Catalina Island. Here are some fun ideas that will knock your friends and loved ones' socks off.

1. Catalina Express Gift Cards
Let's face it, who doesn't need a break from everyday life? Catalina Island is the place to get away. You can get away from work, traffic, chaos and maybe even those in-laws. With the gift of a Catalina Island getaway, you will definitely make an impression. Did we mention that when you spend $150 you get two free, one-way Commodore Lounge upgrades? Now what you do with those is up to you. You can give those along with the gift, or you can just enjoy them on your next Catalina getaway. This special offer ends on January 5, 2020. You can get those gift cards here.

2. A piece of Catalina History
With all the amazing history Catalina Island has to offer, the beautiful tile work is the perfect gift for the history buff in your life. There are many wonderful places around the Island that offer custom tile work, antique pottery pieces, jewelry made out of tile and more. Stop by Catalina Pottery & Tile Company and see all the beautiful custom pieces or make pottery of your own at Silver Canyon Pottery to take home as a special handmade gift.

3. Sweetness for the heart
Who doesn't love something sweet for the holiday season? Lloyd's of Avalon Confectionery was established in 1934 and makes all of their delicious saltwater taffy in-house. Some of their other tasty gift ideas include peanut brittle, chocolate-covered strawberries, creamy fudge and caramel apples designed for every holiday. And remember, you need to treat yourself as well!

4. Sea glass jewelry from the sea of Catalina
For the jewelry lover in your life, sea glass jewelry is special and unique. There are many jewelry makers on and off the Island that work with this beautiful unique stone and create unordinary pieces. You can find such pieces at stores on Catalina like Two's Company, Ciao Baci or Steamer Trunk along with other exceptional jewelry.

5. A little R&R is always much needed
Give the gift of the sensational spa experience so your loved ones can feel relaxed and rejuvenated. No one will ever turn down a spa gift certificate. There are many options on the Island offered by many different spas. Try a couple's massage for that special someone, a pedicure for mom or a facial for the BFF.
A Touch of Heaven
Catalina Sea Spa
Island Breeze Spa & Salon
Island Spa Catalina

Aside from the above ideas, there are many other amazing certificates to hotels and activities, as well as dining that are popular among gift giving. You can never go wrong giving the gift of Catalina Island in one way or another. Take a stroll in Avalon as you knock out that holiday list of yours. You never know, you may just find the perfect gift for yourself as well.

Enjoy shopping and Happy Holidays from Catalina Express!
* To get the latest details on what's open and other travel advisories, visit Love Catalina Island.

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Holidays are usually stressful, hectic and dramatic at times. Why not take a break and head over to Catalina Island during the off-season to get your peace of mind and reset. While you're there, pick up a few items to check off your shopping list.

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Tulum is the perfect place where you can combine total relaxation and never-ending adventure. This quiet town along the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya in Mexico is home to one of today's best preserved Maya sites and the finest Tulum hotels facing the Caribbean Sea.
ACCOMMODATION
Tulum Cabañas, Hotels & Luxury Resorts

Tulum Downtown Hotels

Tulum Downtown hotels can offer more services and relatively higher accommodation standards than rustic beachfront cabanas.

All Inclusive Resorts

Looking for a complete luxury experience set in a breathtaking location? Look no further than a Tulum All Inclusive Resort.

Vacation Rentals

Located in the beach front or in the jungle our Tulum houses for rent are the ideal accommodation for families.

DISCOVER
Mayan Ruins, Cenotes & Amazing Wildlife

Tulum Secret Cenotes

The cenotes are water holes in the jungle produced by a process of dissolution and collapse of limestone terrain located above an underground network of caves and rivers.

Birding Sian Ka'an

From swimming in caves under stalactites and flying high over the jungle on zip lines to exploring Mayan ruins and snorkel next to hundreds of fish.

Dive Shops

Eco Parks & Activities

LIFESTYLE
World Class Restaurants & Spa Retreats

WEDDINGS
Tulum Destination Weddings
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Concierge Selection

El Pez: Culinary Experience
Tulum Having a breathtaking looking at the Caribbean Sea, overviewing seagulls and pelicans, feeling the breeze in your face while you enjoy one of our fresh and delicious dishes. This is "El Pez" a place of beauty and relaxation.

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ACCOMMODATION Tulum Downtown Hotels Tulum Downtown hotels can offer more services and relatively higher accommodation standards than rustic beachfront cabanas. All Inclusive Resorts Looking for a complete luxury experience set in a breathtaking location? Look no further than a Tulum All Inclusive Resort.

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Schonbrunn palace - Vienna

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A few days hiking in Idyllwild, California 

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A few days hiking in Idyllwild, California 

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Kauai, Hawaii

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Legoland

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La Paz, B. Cfa. Sur. Mexico

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Los Cabos

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weekend plan

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We will go for hike over there in August

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Cancun, Mexico

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Denver, CO