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Fishing Trips

By on June 30, 2011 in Activities
This small shrimp trawler uses outriggers, wit...

People who are serious about sport fishing knowledge to catch an aggressive, predatory fish such as Peacock Bass is an exciting and stimulating. This fish game is the most dominant species in freshwater around Panama that has made the Central American region a hotspot for Peacock Bass fishing. There are many all-inclusive tours Panama fishing are available for a fishing trip for bass really exciting and memorable experience, tailored for the whole family.

Avid sport fishermen have been traveling to Panama and Central America since the late 1980’s to target this type of game. The history of Peacock Bass in Panama is interesting because they arrived in the rivers and lakes of this region by accident. They were first introduced when an aquarist starting breeding and raising them for sale as aquarium fish. At this time, they were kept in a small pond. Heavy rains flooded the pond and the runoff drained into the Gatun Lake. Soon, the lake was overrun with these species of fish. Peacock Bass fishing was introduced to this area because of the opportunity that this abundance of fish created.

Gatun Lake remains one of the top destinations for Peacock Bass fishing. There are day-long bass fishing trips available that include transportation, bait, lunch, beer, and other refreshments. The Peacock Bass here range in size from one to ten pounds. Often times, fishermen can catch up to 100 fish per day. This is a once in a lifetime experience for anyone – novice or veteran.

The Peacock Bass is known for its explosive strike that makes fishing for them so exciting. They are considered one of the world’s greatest freshwater fish because of their strength and beauty. Peacock Bass fishing is a challenge because of the power of the fish, but catching even one of these species is a rewarding and satisfying encounter.

Traveling to international waters in foreign countries is a great way to take sport fishing to another level. Because species of fish are concentrated in certain waters, there are only so many chances to try to catch new fish all the time. Booking Panama fishing trips are a surefire way to become exposed to new species and opportunities, including the Peacock Bass.

When choosing a trip for Peacock Bass fishing, it is important to pick a package that is a member of the Peacock Bass Fishing Association. This organization promotes responsible game fishing practices. Check to make sure the vacation package you choose takes this into consideration for the safest and most effective fishing trip possible.

The Peacock Bass fishing trips in Panama are among the best in the world. This species of fish is so plentiful in the waters in this region that people have been traveling to Panama for decades for sport fishing. Panama fishing trips are full of new adventures in beautiful surroundings that the whole family can enjoy. They provide a multitude of memories and experiences for everyone involved that are sure to last a lifetime.

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Coffee of Central America

By on June 30, 2011 in World Travel
Jorge Umana,

Although only grown in the Tropics coffee is a global industry. Here we take a look at the coffee growing regions of Central America

Mexican Coffee
Mexico is the seventh largest coffee producer in the world, most of which is of the arabica variety from the southern part of the country, where it is grown by smallholders and sold on to the National co-operative.
Vera Cruz State, on the gulf side of the central mountain range, produces mostly lowland coffees, but coffees called Altura (High) Coatepec, from a mountainous region near the city of that name, have an excellent reputation.
Chiapas and Tapachula coffee is grown in the mountains of the southeastern most corner of Mexico near the border with Guatemala and has a delicate light flavour similar to the well-known Oaxaca.

Primo Lavado (prime washed) is a grade of Mexico coffee that includes most of its’ finest.

Mexico is also the worlds’ main source of maragogype beans, which are extra large and some experts consider produce the very best coffee.

Guatemalan Coffee
As the second largest producer in Central America (and 8th in the world) Guatemala is another main source of the maragogype bean.

The best Guatemalan coffees have a very distinct, spicy, and (when dark roasted), display a unique smoky flavour that sets them apart from all other coffees. They are very acidy, with the spiciness or smokiness coming across as within the acidy tones, and are medium to full in body and rich in flavour.

High grown beans (Strictly Hard Bean) grade coffees(such as Antigua) from the central highlands tend to have a rich, spicy or floral acidity with excellent body characteristic. Coffees from mountainous areas exposed to either Pacific or Caribbean weather, display a bit less acidity and more fruit.

Honduran Coffee
Honduran arabica coffee is ninth of world’s leading coffee producers, yet most of it is fairly undistinguished and is mainly used as a blending coffee. Excellent coffees are grown here, but most are blended before export. Beans are named after the growing regions, including Santa Barbara, as well as Copan, Ocotepeque, Lempira, La Paz and El Paraiso.

Costa Rican Coffee
Costa Rica only produces high quality arabica coffee that display a full body and clean, robust acidity that makes it among the most revered of all Central American coffee. It is grown primarily in the countryside surrounding the capital, San Jose, on rich, well-drained volcanic soil above 3000 feet.
The most famous coffees are San Marcos de Tarrazu, Tres Rios, Heredia, and Alajuela. La Minita is a well-publicized estate in the Tarrazu district of Costa Rica that produces an excellent coffee – reputed to be the most meticulously prepared in the world.

Nicaraguan Coffee
Situated between Honduras and Costa Rica, the coffees of Nicaragua display a characteristic more of the former than of the latter. They are coffees in the classic Central-American style but usually undistinguished – being medium-bodied, straightforwardly acidy, with reasonable flavour.

El Salvadorian Coffee
Despite being the smallest country on the American continent, El Salvador ranks 15th in world coffee production. This hasn’t always been the case, as political problems have regularly beset this densely populated country.
Arabica coffees from El Salvador are generally less acidic and softer than other coffees from the Central American region. The best high-grown coffees are from trees of the Bourbon and Pacamara varieties and the taste can be fragrant and complex.

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Travel Trends For 2010

By on June 30, 2011 in Destinations

Over the last ten years the travel industry has had to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, and the first ever true global recession. Through it all the industry has proven to be robust, resilient and dynamic, finding new ways to deal with adversity. 2010 brings with it fresh challenges and opportunities to which the industry must again adapt and react. The cyclical nature of the industry stems from the fact that it is inextricably linked to the health of the global economy. As you would imagine therefore, the next twelve months promise significant change in the travel industry. This article will focus on emerging trends and hotspots for 2010 and give an insight into what can be expected by consumer and operator alike.

“If our hotel bookings are anything to go by, people are still determined to travel but are choosing how and where they spend their money much more carefully,” commented Juliet Kinsman, Editor-in-Chief of Mr and Mrs Smith. “Value will continue to be important, whether that means creative online searching for great deals, exploring new destinations that offer currency advantages, or joining travel clubs for exclusive discounts.” Indeed, reflecting on the current economic setting, many travel professionals have commented on new bargains, noting that it’s expected that value for money will be the top priority, with concept and branding taking a backseat in the coming years. Travellers are looking for an optimal price/quality balance when selecting their luxury vacation.

Furthermore, travellers are demanding far more from their holidays – gone are the days of a the simple sun/sand combo – nowadays the demand is for exotic travel combined with customized, ultimate experiences. Travellers are seeking above-and-beyond adventures in exciting new destinations. Luxury adventure travel is on the rise and consumers can enjoy a growing selection of luxury safaris, heli-ski trips, niche boat cruises, personalized art tours, tailor-made culinary courses, and high-speed car tours in top vacation destinations like Cape Town, Provence, Tuscany and New York. Moreover, adventure travellers are seeking more than just adrenaline thrills but wholesome cultural quests in which they learn about their destination and environment. Indeed, as claimed by the Vacation Travel Chanel ‘… the more enriching experiences are preferred over a luxurious lifestyle.’

Additionally, although neither a newcomer nor a veteran, eco travel is definitely carving its place into the travel market. Hotels are becoming increasingly self-sufficient and travellers are considering a hotel’s environmental credentials a lot more. 2010 will therefore see a continued rise of intimate, sustainable villa resorts developing in eco-friendly destinations. Two such examples are Fregate, a private island in the Seychelles, which is saving sea birds and makes its own spa products, and Vigilius Mountain resort South Tyrol, Italy, which harnesses its own natural energy. Green travel promises exciting adventures and conscientious travel experiences.

Not technically a trend but it’s worth noting that 2010 will be a sport-fuelled year and that this will have a huge impact on where people choose to travel. First and foremost, the Vancouver Olympics in February is an event that will significantly affect the travel industry. The 17 days of Olympics are expected to attract a global television audience of 3 billion people; more than 80 countries and 6,850 athletes and officials are expected to participate according to the ‘PRCo Travel Industry Trends and Highlights for 2010′ report. The opening ceremonies will be held on February 12, and as a result Vancouver is the city to visit in the Western hemisphere in 2010. South Africa is also going to be a travel hotspot with the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicking off there in June. The event is expected to lure half a million fans to the country. Tourism in India will also enjoy the benefits of sporting events with the Commonwealth Games taking place in October.

Other destinations to keep your eye on this year are China, India and the Gulf States, where industry insiders are expecting travel to skyrocket over the next twelve months. Travellers are becoming more courageous with their travels and expanding their horizons. While the global economy is in the toilet, China and India continue to show signs of growth, offer favourable exchange rates and low travel expenses and therefore increasingly warrant visiting. As their respective tourism industries start to expand these countries are going to become top destinations for 2010 and beyond. According to sceneadvisor.com, between China and India alone it is expected that over 35,000 hotel rooms will have to be added to meet the impending demands.

On the other side of the planet, Latin America is set to see important growth as a luxury travel destination this year. Hotels such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, the Haciendas luxury hotel in the Yucatan, and other outposts in San Jose, Uayamon, Santa Rosa and Temozon (Mexico) are but a few examples of the growth of luxury hotels in the region. In the spotlight especially are Panama, Peru and Ecuador, which are focusing massively on promoting their respective exotic and exclusive services. In addition, Mexico is spending $3.6 million on improving its luxury infrastructure and Argentina is to see five new 5-star hotels open in the next two years (PRCo report).

Whilst Europe is by all means still a hub, especially with the new high-speed rail links into Spain and Italy, the focus for 2010 is definitely further afield where exchange rates are better and currency is cheaper, therefore offering the consumer much more for their money.

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Panama City – The Mainland Paradise

By on June 30, 2011 in Diving

The Panama City often called as the mainland paradise, boasts of its being rated as the world’s most beautiful beach. Located on the panhandle of northwest Florida on the stunning St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama City beach is a favorite destination amongst the tourists who want to see the sun set over the emerald green waters of the Bay of Mexico.

Panama City beach, one of the most sought after tourist destination in the Panama City, is full of activities all the time around the year. So it is in fact a 27 mile stretch full of fun and colorful people. There are many activities on the beach where the tourists can enjoy everything to the hilt like sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, beach volleyball, jet skiing and having a gala time the whole time. And to add to it the visitors can have many special and mouth watering treats on the beach itself.

Just for the records, Panama City Beach is the number one destination in the United States for Spring Break. So you will find a lot of rush on the white sand of Panama City Beach during this period. And in fact it can be the most eventful time for you to visit the picture perfect city of Florida. And if you have had enough of the beach you can enjoy the nightlife offered by the city which is equally appealing. Just roam around the blocks and you will discover an all new Panama City in the evening with much more to offer. To amaze yourself with some facts mixed with surprises visit the much known Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. The 4D Theater in Panama City can be another option to indulge into.

The number of visitors in Panama City is increasing every year and that is why the hotels in this area have increased. Now finding a good stay at Panama City is not a problem unless you are here in the peak season without prior reservations. The hotels in Panama City are suitable for almost every budget and it is hardly a problem if you are on a tight one. Moreover the restaurants in this region guarantee full satisfaction of the taste buds with the delicacies they serve. From whichever continent you are you will find the food appealing. Some of the regular facilities offered by the hotels in Panama City include air conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport pick and drop facilities, swimming pools, health clubs, spas, restaurants etc. Also the nightlife in the city is a wonderful experience to have. So why are you waiting, pack your bags and set out for the white sands of the Panama City and have an experience of a lifetime.

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