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The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a wonder. Inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1996, it’s home to sea turtles, manatees, and American marine crocodiles. It represents the “evolutionary history of reef development” and includes 450 cayes and three atolls. The reserve is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second largest in the world (behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef). But largely due to unsustainable tourism practices, Belize’s reef has recently been added to the “List of World Heritage in Danger.”

One of the biggest threats to the reef reserve’s sustainability is mangrove cutting to make way for commercial development. According to a State of Conservation report for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, 29 percent of mangroves in Pelican Caye have been cut down. The ocean floor has been dredged to fill the land with coral and sand, resulting in a loss of sponges and other sea life.

The number of visitors to the reef has tripled since its World Heritage designation, and Half Moon Caye alone hosts 10,000 tourists per year.  According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 600,000 people arrive in Belize via cruise ships, a method of travel vigorously promoted by the country’s government and private sector.

There are lots of problems to tackle, but there are also some positive signs. The local community has an interest in preserving the reserve, fishermen are learning about conservation and sustainable fishing practices, and efforts are being made to regulate tourism in the World Heritage site. In order to fully protect the reserve system, however, more cooperation is needed between Belize’s government and tourism industry, NGOs that manage some sites, and UNESCO.

Photo: Bobby Ramirez via Flickr

Close your eyes, and say the word vacation. What sensations do you feel? Perhaps the feeling of true relaxation. Modern life is full of interruptions, cell phones, and responsibilities. Relaxing on the beach, in a warm environment is a great way to relax. Tropical climates are both relaxing, and set the perfect stage for outdoor events. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best tropical places to visit.

Accommodations – What is important to you in selecting accommodations? Perhaps you need to ensure there is room service, a restaurant hotel, or cafe within walking distance. Explore online maps to see the exact distance of each place you would like to go. If there is a hotel many miles away from the majority of things you would like to do or see, consider paying a little bit more to secure the hotel close to the best attractions.

Children, Tween, and Teens – In the event you are bringing the entire family, think about childcare services. Many all inclusive resorts, cruise lines, and upscale hotels offer help with children. There may be a nanny available to watch young children in your hotel room, or in the hotel nursery. The establishment may offer supervised activities for brief periods throughout the day. This could be a supervised laser tag event, arts and crafts, or a movie showing. This is time for a great date with your spouse. Wouldn’t the vacation be more exciting if you knew there was two hour window each day, that you would have alone with your spouse? Daily life is stressful, vacations are a great time to reconnect. Childcare services can also help you be more independent. For example you may not want the children to go with you to see a Broadway style show, skydiving or scuba diving.

Activities – Navigating your way through the numerous choices of things to do before the trip is important. Selecting at least one thing to do each day, can add excitement to your vacation. Ask each family member, what would they like to experience. Children and teens may enjoy seeing a visual of the places they could go.

Casinos – Casinos offer gambling, restaurants, and live music for dancing. Casinos can be enjoyed while on cruises, inside your hotel, or in an inclusive resort. Casinos usually have a great selection of food and unadvertised entertainment. Always research before going to the casino to see exactly which parts of the casino you would like to visit. For example, there may be free tables available to watch poker tournaments, or the high rollers play. There may be small night clubs throughout the Casino, life singing in certain restaurants, and shops in case you forgot toiletries, books, or medicines.

Tropical Places – Tropical North Queensland is located in Australia. North Queensland is home of on of the seven wonders of the world the Great Barrier Reef. There are numerous cruises for swimmers and non swimmers to enjoy and view the Barrier Reef. Local activities include para sailing, exploring the nearby jungle, hot air balloon rides, and extreme skydiving.

English speaking Fiji in the South Pacific, is another great tropical vacation area. You can stay in one of many all inclusive resorts, or venture out to explore the city without fear of no one understanding what you are saying. Dining, going to local tours, will not require guessing or relying on a translator.

Finding the best tropical places to visit, simply involves knowing which activities you would like to participate in. Think about what you personally want to explore, see, and do. Then select your destination. Use these tips to help you select the best tropical places to visit.

A list of countries that are named after explorers and royalty with a little description about each.

Bolivia – Simón Bolívar
This 18th century revolutionary – a proper hero – freed half of South America from the Spanish monarchy’s rule. Simón Bolívar was one of the most important leaders of South America’s successful struggle for independence against Spain. Following the triumph over the Spanish Monarchy, Bolívar participated in the foundation of Gran Colombia, a nation formed from the liberated Spanish colonies. He was President of Gran Colombia from 1821 to 1830. Bolívar is credited with contributing decisively to the independence of the present-day countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia and is often revered as a hero.

Simón Bolívar

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Although it may not be possible for you to travel to every holiday destination in the world, you can make a visit to the top ten world attractions. These attractions are unique in their own right and are must see events and destinations.

1. Disneyland in America – A trip to Disneyland is an experience in itself and is sure to bring out the child in you. With amusements for both children and adults, this location host parades, lightshows and floral tributes in grand style. You can also club your visit with a trip to Universal Studios.
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