Ultimate Vacation Spots

posted by Travel Cat on Jan 22

Every Year there is a massive influx of millions of Monarch butterflies to certain towns in Mexico - and you could see it for yourself.

By visiting the Mexican state of Michoacan to the west of Mexico City towards the end of February, you could witness around 120 million Monarch butterflies take to the skies as they start to become active after the colder winter months.

The sky around you literally turns orange with millions of tiny wings fluttering past you in search of a tasty breakfast!

Why Here?
Every year in North America, the Monarchs react to the wetter colder climates by moving south with the sun from about August onwards, they stop over in California and Florida around October before flying to Mexico for the winter.  After a few months of inactivity in the cooler weather, they start to head back north around February/March, through the southern states for late spring, then reaching their destination in summer.

However, this migration is amazing as no one butterfly will ever make the whole round trip - only it’s offspring or even the generation after that which returns to the northern states and Canada the following summer!

Butterflies need warmth to grow and fly as they are not warm-blooded like ourselves, so if these Monarchs are going to be adults throughout the year they need to follow the sunshine to stay active - hence the migration south towards the tropics.  After all - we travel there for warmth too!

Why Visit?
Apart from the amazing sight of all these animals in the same place - their awakening coincides with the calving of Grey whales in Baja California just a bit further west again.

There are many stories of the mothers bringing their calves over to small boat so they can be petted and scratched by humans!  Strange really considering that we humans virtually wiped them out over 100 years ago!

There are hundreds of Grey whales around at this time including wandering males too!  San Ignacio Lagoon is fast becoming the best site to find ‘friendly’ whales, and offers many boat trips throughout the season specifically for this phenomenon!

Further events in Mexico include:

1st - Constitution Day - A celebration of past events - Nationwide
2nd - Candlemas - To celebrate the end of Christmas - Nationwide
10th to the 16th - Carnival - Not quite as grand as Brazil - but a great event none-the-less - Nationwide

posted by Travel Cat on Dec 5

Need a vacation right now - but can’t decide where to go?

How about choosing from one of the following destinations in North, Central and South America that are ready for you right now?  Why visit a country when it’s just being itself - why not make a trip to a country when it is at it’s best!

Angel Falls, Venezuela - All Month:
If you want to see the worlds highest waterfall at it’s best, then a trip to Canaima National Park should certainly be on your list!  Especially after the rainy season when the rivers are running at capacity!

Surrounded by massive rocky outcrops and a huge number of fabulous lower (but no less impressive) waterfalls - this will certainly turn out to be one of the most unforgettable trips you take!  Believe me, I’ve been there!

Telluride, Colorado - In The Snow:
This amazing and adventure filled winter sports resort is a great hit with the outdoor types.    Travel to the top of the Rockies to experience virtually every winter sport there is available - or just enjoy the endless views - and don’t forget your camera and woolly hat!

Caymen Islands, Caribbean - Anytime:
If you want to forget that it is winter - then head for these idyllic sandy islands - virtually all to yourself!  Whether it is diving with Stingrays, watching giant iguanas or deep sea fishing - you won’t have a care in the world once you step foot in the sand!

Williamsburg, Virginia - During Advent:
Visit this old colonial town and travel back in time- with a high street filled with history and traditional gifts.  The spirit of Christmas past is here in these streets, so be prepared to get involved in the merriment and festivities surrounded by traditional folk in costume to take you back to the past!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - New Year:
Bigger than the Carnival in Brazil is the Reveillon - the New Year celebrations!  With a crowded Copacabana Beach and fireworks and music all night - this is certainly one of the best destinations to see in the new year if you like to party!