Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.
If you are a veteran Caribbean traveler, Curacao is a good choice for you. At the beaches, you will see a range from snowy white sand to volcanic pebbles. Most of Curacao''s beauty lies around the island in its coral reefs. These coral reefs are so beautiful that they are drawing in an increasing number of divers and snorkelers.
The original Dutch settlers of Curacao did well in bringing a bit of home with them. This is seen in the appearance of the colonial buildings painted in shades of yellow, orange and blue. But no one can mistake this island as a part of the Amsterdam as the climate is dryer, the soil is barren and cacti thrive easily.
The main attractions of this island are the historic Dutch architecture, shopping, nightlife, diving and snorkeling, nature areas, caves, swimming, the Sea Aquarium, casinos, and restaurants. With all the unique culture and varied attractions Curacao has a pleasant mixture of all the best things in the Caribbean. This island is definitely good for more than laying on the beach.
Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.
Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.
Sprawling between the mountains and the beaches, Los Angeles is quintessential California. Whether your taste runs to fashionable Beverly Hills, the mega-entertainment of the movie studios, or the sizzle of homestyle Mexican food on Olvera Street, the city of angels is worth exploring.