Machu Picchu

In 2009 we saw the cheapest airfares in decades but with a looming recession many people didn’t take advantage of the special travel deals on offer. Next year will be different with South Africa hosting the soccer World Cup and Vancouver the Winter Olympics, 2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for travel.

The world’s eyes will be turning to Vancouver, Canada in February when it hosts the Winter Olympics. Split between the cities of Vancouver and Whistler the event is expected to be the largest winter games since Nagano, Japan. Unless you have friends or family it’s probably too late to secure accommodation or cheap flights for the event.

The biggest sporting event on earth will be visiting Africa for the first-time in 2010. South Africa will host the World Cup soccer in June. The month-long tournament will be held in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth and many more South African cities. If you want to go, World Cup packages are now on sale but they’re not cheap!

Mention South America and people get excited! Maybe it’s the chance of meeting a dark, sexy stranger or being lost in a foreign place where you don’t speak the language but whatever it is, travellers are attracted to the continent.  One of my favourite places/walks in South America is the Inca Trail, which leads to the famous Machu Picchu. Sure day 2 of the 4-day hike is tough but the end is so worth it. Machu Picchu, a world heritage site was only re-discovered in 1911 by an American historian. You can reach the Inca ruins by either the 4-day hike or half-day bus tour from Cusco.  But if you travel all that way, you’re going want to do the hike!

The Island of Culebrita, Puerto Rico is an unspoilt treasure. Located in the warm waters of the Caribbean and only accessible by boat from the Island of Culebra, the island has no accommodation but has pristine, white sandy beaches and fantastic snorkelling and hikes. Flamenco Beach back on Culebra is my second favourite beach in Puerto Rico.

One place I hear a lot of people talking about is Burma and with the Australian airline Jetstar flying 4 times a week along with other international airlines, the country is sure to have more Western tourists in 2010. As with all dictatorships there will always be debate for and against people travelling to such countries. Cuba is another country that has a lot of appeal but having seeing first-hand how poor the people are, I’m wary of giving my money to another junta.

After writing this I’m ready to travel, what about you? Unfortunately, next year we won’t see the same discounted air travel but it’ll be interesting to see what impact the World Cup has on travel to Europe next summer, we might still see some specials.  If you’re after more travel hot spots, checkout Trip Advisor’s top-10 list. Leave a comment and let me know where you’ll be heading in 2010!

Culebrita Beach

In yesterday’s post, I arrived on the Island of Culebra and headed to one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, Flamenco Beach. In today’s post, I’m traveling to the Island of Culebrita, a destination which is thankfully kept secret from most tourists! Only accessible by private charter, the Island has no accommodation but is home to one of the world’s prettiest beaches, Totuga Beach.  Did I say a secret? I only counted 20 people on the beach and 5 boats which sail across from the Virgin Islands — they’re probably in need of some peace and quiet.

The island also has some excellent snorkeling and diving options and is a popular nesting ground for turtles. I was lucky enough to spot a turtle while snorkeling and it was a truly memorable experience. In addition to the white sandy beaches and snorkeling there’s a deserted lighthouse which is still in operation perched a top of the island’s only hill. The walk takes only 15 minute from the beach but its well worth the effort. Be careful upon entering the lighthouse and making your way to the top where you’ll be met by amazing views. You’ll be able to spot the Virgin Islands including Saint Thomas and the Puerto Rican Island of Vieques. I must warn you entering the lighthouse is at your own risk so be careful on the stairs if you climb to the top!

Culebrita, Puerto Rico

As mentioned earlier the only way to get to the Island is by private charter so when on Culebra inquire at the tourist information/dive store for names of boats who can take you out there. Advance bookings are recommended due to the limited number of boats on the Island, prices start at around $45 plus snorkel rental which is $15 per day. I went with a small boat operator who was captained by Luis, a New Yorker, who lives on Culebra.

In tomorrow’s post I head back to the mainland to discover the historic town of Old San Juan.  To ensure you don’t miss one of Jimmy’s travel posts simply click on the RSS feed located in the top right-hand corner of the screen.