Bali, Indonesia: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

Bali, Indonesia is an island with stunning landscaping sights, a unique culture, and an assortment of attractions. As part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, this paradise is well-known for dance, painting, music, metalworking, and sculpture. Bali supplies activities such as:

  • Surfing
  • Diving
  • Historical Sightseeing
  • Ethnic Displays
  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Beach Attractions

Volcanic hillsides, mountains, rice terraces, jagged coastlines, and sandy beaches combine to form a one of a kind paradise where visitors are able to kick back or try exciting new things. Daytime temperatures in the area do not surpass ninety-three degrees Fahrenheit during the day all year. Heavy rain is common beginning in December; however, visitors are still provided plenty of sun each day. Individuals visiting between the months of June to September can expect little rain if staying in a lowland coast area. Higher elevation areas have a lower temperature making it important to bring a sweater or jacket when exploring these locations.

Local Island Culture

This Indonesian isle houses a large percentage of the countries Hindu people with their culture easily seen around every corner. Leaf trays, used as a religious offering prior to every meal, are placed on the ground outside structures. These trays contain a variety of items that are doused with holy water at least three times each day. Temples with extensive courtyards can be seen throughout the area. Bali, housing approximately twenty thousand temples, holds a festival at each temple twice a year based on two separate local calendars. The people of this region are master sculptors, well-known for dancing, and produce enchanting music.

The Diverse Regions of Bali

The island is divided into six specific regions with South Bali having the greatest amount of tourist activity. Jimbaran is a sheltered beach in the southern portion containing sea-side resorts, seafood restaurants, and beautiful scenery. Visitors coming to the south end of the isle also have the opportunity to visit Kuta. This well-developed location supplies abundant shopping choices combined with a bustling night life. Travelers not wanting to follow the norm have many additional regions to choose from including:

  • Central – This Bali cultural center consists of mountain lakes, botanical gardens, markets, black sand beaches, temples, arts, and crafts.
  • West – The west end delivers surfing opportunities, fishing villages, ferry services, and plenty of nature oriented activities.
  • North – A quieter region where visitors are able to transcend back in time to the historical days of the isle. Sights include coastal villages, old houses containing large gardens, and black sanded beaches.
  • East – A natural region where visitors have their choice of quiet coastal towns, historical areas, cultural locations, and fishing villages.
  • Southeastern Islands – These small offshore isles are best known as great diving, snorkeling, and surfing locations.

Travelers who prefer historical or nature activities have several available options in each region. Individuals who favor a busier, ethnic atmosphere will have plenty to do in the southern portion. Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is a true paradise consisting of a diverse culture, historical significance, and plenty of settings to choose from. Individuals making their way to this isle often return to take in everything it has to offer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

Argentina is a large South American country where the Atlantic Ocean adjoins the landmass to create a unique atmosphere. It offers an immense amount of ocean shoreline with Buenos Aires residing as a popular tourist destination of the area. Buenos Aires, the capital of this country, remains as one of its largest cities. It holds the second ranking in size among South American metropolitan regions. The metropolis sits on the coast of an inlet called Rio de La Plata, which is a portion of South Atlantic. Its neighboring country Chile is bordered by the South Pacific Ocean and Argentina. Buenos Aires delivers a humid subtropical climate where summers are extremely hot. Winter averagely begins in May and lasts until September with July delivering the lowest temperatures. The contrast in seasons makes this a convenient place to visit for those subjected to winter from the months of November to March. The metropolitan area is the central hub for Argentina’s political, industrial, financial, and commercial industries. Buenos Aires, a cultural dynasty of Argentina, also houses the busiest port found in the country. These dynamics make the location a great place to visit because it offers a wide variety of things to do.

Buenos Aires Culture

The location has a culture influenced by the Europeans and contains one of the most eventful live theatres in the region. Individuals occasionally refer to it as the “Paris of South America” due to the extensity of production locations found in the area. Buenos Aires is home to these among other attractions:

  • An Internationally Known Opera House
  • Museums
  • Symphony Orchestras
  • Choral Societies
  • Preserved Homes of Writers, Composers, and Art Collectors
  • Bookstores
  • Libraries
  • Theatres

Tourists can also spend some time at the zoo or take a stroll through the regions botanical gardens. Architectural creations such as churches, landscaped parks, and historical buildings are additional sites to see when wanting to view the vast culture of this tourist destination. The area is famously known as the birthplace of Tango and has been active in the cinema industry since 1896. Well-known galleries are a long tradition of the Argentina city with fashion events being common as well.

Additional Attractions

Tourism has been a continuously escalating event in this capital city that began to surface in 2002. It ranks second among places to visit with Florence, Italy taking first place. A survey performed in 2008 estimated that over two million people make their way to this location each year. Individuals touring the lovely metropolitan city of Buenos Aires have countless sightseeing options to choose from. Tango shows, shopping, homes of famous people, musical festivals, performances, and historical architecture are typical interests of those visiting the city. Avenida Alvear is a street through an upscale region called Recoleta where numerous five-star accommodations and former mansions are located. Caminito, brought back to its original conditions by a local artist names Benito Quinquela Martin, is a worthwhile sight for visitors. Avenida Corrientes is another street where individuals can experience the deep roots of Tango and the local culture. The abundance of attractions supplied by Buenos Aires makes it a magical city with experiences awaiting every visitor.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

Rio de Janeiro can be found in Brazil as one of the largest residing cities and is a bustling metropolitan region that served as Brazil’s capital from the late seventeen to early eighteen hundreds. It remains as the headquarters of both a major oil and telephone company operating in the region. Rio de Janeiro is also home to a significant conglomerate of communication oriented companies. In regards to tourism, it is a top visited southern hemisphere region where local scenery, festivals, and famous landmarks are common drawing points. Rio de Janeiro lies along the Atlantic Coast near the Tropic of Capricorn. The shoreline faces east to west and the city itself sits on an inlet of the coast. Guanabara Bay, the entry point into this location, is famously marked by a land point called Sugar Loaf.

Rio de Janeiro Districts

The Centro, located on the western portion of Guanabara Bay, is the financial/business center of the city. Visitors can view numerous historical buildings in this section. As one of the larger sections of this city, Zone Norte (North Zone) includes hills, mountains, and marine scenery spreading to the Northwest. Individuals have the opportunity to spend a day in the Quinta da Boa Vista Park, which contains a museum, zoo, and observatory. Zone Sul (South Zone) consists of coastal shorelines, upscale neighborhoods, and a variety of well-known tourist sites. Zone Oeste (West Zone), originally inaccessible due to mountain terrain, has grown into a suburban region with beach access. Every district of Rio de Janeiro offers a unique experience with a little history and culture making additional contributions.

Rio de Janeiro Beaches

This travel destination offers a great variety of beach front locations for relaxing in the sun with a drink or participating in area water activities. These oceanic selections are best for swimming:

  • Leme
  • Copacabana
  • Arpoador
  • Ipanema
  • Leblon
  • Barra da Tijuca
  • Recreio dos Bandeirantes
  • Grumari

A stunning coastal line of beautiful sanded beaches meets the one of kind waters of the Atlantic to create the ultimate getaway scenery. Additional coastal areas can be found in-bay, but are not the best choice for swimming. Alternative activities such as exploration are a good option in these sections of Rio de Janeiro.

Must See Sights

Pao de Acucar, one of Brazil’s most famous landmarks, is the location of the Sugar Loaf Mountains where visitors can take an aerial tramway to reach the top. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a massive lagoon located in the South Zone that offers breathtaking views of area beaches. Travelers have the choice of walking, jogging, paddle boating, skating or cycling around the lagoon. The Streetcar of Santa Teresa is another option to individuals desiring to see a scenic neighborhood.  Parque Lage, Jardim Botanico, Paco Imperial, Casa Franca Brasil, and the Candelaria Church are additional musts in Rio de Janeiro. Visitors can spend the day seeing historical buildings or viewing works in museums and relax on the beach at the end of their sightseeing travels. It is a versatile tourist destination where every individual will come back with memorable experiences and a desire to visit again.

Puerto Rico: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

Puerto Rico, a paradise of exquisite beach scenery, is an unincorporated land considered to be part of the United States. It can be found in the northeastern portion of the Caribbean between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands. The region consists of several small islands in addition to the main landmass of Puerto Rico. Visitors have the chance to experience the unique mountain terrain offered by the isle and can choose from extensive coastal areas both in the Northern and Southern portions. The region contains seventeen lakes, over fifty rivers, and beautiful golden sand beaches complimented by the tranquil waters of the Caribbean. Temperatures remaining around eighty-two degrees for the entire year make it a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway full of beach fun and exploration.

Island History

Puerto Rico, originally populated by aborigine individuals called the Tainos, was part of the areas claimed by Columbus as a territory of Spain while completing his second voyage in the year of 1943. It was colonized under the period of Spaniard rule and this change almost wiped out the entire Tainos population as individuals contracted brought in diseases. Those remaining as part of the newly colonized population became emancipated during the ruling of King Charles I. The territory remained as part of Spain for more than four-hundred years and was finally surrendered to the United States as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1898. People living in the region were not granted US citizenship until 1917. Locals have been allowed to vote in officials such as the governor since the mid nineteen hundreds, but are still unable to participate in presidential elections.

Area Culture

Modern culture is heavily influenced by traditions of Spain, North America, and the early styles of the Tainos. Spain contributed to the language and traditional values of this location; however, later changes such as educational universities came from the United States. The regions culture greatly focuses on music, which is a combination of attributes gained from these backgrounds.

Top Attractions

Puerto Rico offers visitors abundant opportunities including golf, exploration, beach fun, adventure, a robust nightlife, and even a little romance. Those desiring an adventurous exploration oriented getaway can spend their time:

  • Ziplining
  • Scuba Diving
  • Rainforest Exploration
  • Hiking
  • ATV Tours
  • Rappelling
  • Hang Gliding

The island delivers more than two-hundred seventy miles of beach front where visitors can relax, take in the scenery, and participate in water activities. Individuals can view one of the top ranked beaches on the planet among other stunning areas. Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming are highly rated activities. The history of this destination also provides a unique opportunity for exploration. Individuals can tour the historic military structure of El Morro among many additional fortresses in the region. Old San Juan covers an area of seven blocks consisting of narrowly paved blue cobblestone streets lined with numerous historical architectural sites. Sports lovers can spend a day playing golf while surrounded by extravagant scenery. Puerto Rico is a magical place where individuals getting the chance to visit can easily find plenty to experience.

London, England: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

London, with a rich history dating back to the Romans, serves as the capital city of England. The core of this stunning location remains to hold many of its dated medieval characteristics as the metropolis has expanded around it. It is a global leader in commerce, entertainment, media, research, education, and fashion. Tourism is another major contributor to the status of this England region. With a financial standing comparable to New York City, London offers endless opportunities for those taking the time to visit. It has been the designated host for the Summer Olympic Games three times with the latest occurring in 2012. A total population of over seven million people adds to the lively environment found in this busy, continuously growing location.

The Districts of London

Knowing where to begin your travel journey is the hardest part of tackling a trip to this metropolitan area. Diverse culture, a significant past, art, entertainment, and several villages allow every visitor to receive a unique experience. London is broken into five areas:

  • North – A place of discovery fill with trendy shops, exquisite restaurants, parks, and green village environments. Neighborhoods such as Hampstead contain museums and additional attractions.
  • West – Take a walk in one of the local markets, peruse designer retail locations, or visit a historic palace. Notting Hill and Queens Park add their own distinctive touch.
  • East – This particular London area has various contrasts ranging from modern districts to gorgeous forests. As the decided location for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the eastern portion offers multiple tourist attractions for individuals to visit.
  • Central – Interested in fine art or famous department stores? If so, central London is the place to be. Museums, galleries, bustling markets, shopping facilities, and notable architecture are just the beginning of the districts delivered options.
  • South – The southern portion supplies a little more laid back environment with a preserved natural presence. Visitors can relax amidst an abundance of greenery, enjoy riverside views, and take some time exploring historical or heritage sites throughout the area.

Additional High Points of the City

London is also known for its train stations including Euston Station, Victoria, and Paddington. Liverpool Street, considered to be the historical centre of the city, is an exceptional area for visitors to experience. The London Victoria is a good option for seeing some of the metropolises most demanded attractions. South Bank, a riverside location, delivers immense culture along with several stunning architectural creations. The city consists of numerous villages with each having its own distinct atmosphere and plenty of things to do.  Some villages have historical roots while others focus on the arts or entertainment. The most popular attractions consist of the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the National History Museum, the EDF Energy London Eye, and the Science Museum. Whatever the individual desire, London has attractions to meet every interest. Countless travelers return to explore further as they learn of the cities many wonders. A travel guide or planning assistance can help in ensuring you get the most out of this city. Of course, you can always take off to less popular areas to make your own discoveries!