Monterey, California: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

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Monterey, California is located along the Pacific coastline in the southern portion of the bay. It served as Alta California’s capital until 1846 as a Spanish and Mexican territory while offering the only entry port for taxable goods in the region. The location was not part of United States territory until 1846. Besides providing a port of entry, the city offered many firsts to California including a theatre, public library, and newspaper. Tourists have come to the region since the end of the 19th century with numerous famous persons making it their home. Monterey was also a well-to-do fishing area until overfishing caused the business to plunder in the fifties. The city sits next to a national marine sanctuary spanning over two-hundred seventy-six miles of Pacific coastline and protected areas can be found throughout the Monterey Bay. Winter temperatures average in the sixties with summer temperatures remaining around seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit. Heavier rainfall, starting in November, often lasts until April with an approximate average of nineteen inches. 

An Arts Paradise 

Monterey, well known as an arts community, contains various museums and venues designed for entertainment purposes. The Museum of Art, Thomas Kinkade National Archive, and the Harry A. Greene Mansion are a few cultural hot spots of the city. While not all Thomas Kinkade originals can be seen at the archive, several of his earlier creations along with contemporary pieces are available for viewing. The Greene Mansion, home to his works, provides a Moorish-Victorian style architecture that has been restored to reflect its 1886 appearance. Monterey holds many waterfront art festivals each year and countless artists have made it their home throughout the years including John Steinbeck. The area jazz festival, a tradition since 1958, has featured artists such as Billie Holiday and Louie Armstrong. Tourists are also provided with abundant live theatre options when staying at this destination. 

Points of Interest 

While the arts are a common theme of Monterey, the region offers a variety of alternative activities to travelers. The aquarium contains exhibits of area sea life with a large silver anchovy tank, see otters, and jellyfish consisting of the most noted displays. Visitors can spend a day at the State Historic Park located in the older downtown area commonly referred to as Old Monterey. Individuals have the chance to learn a little about the area or look upon stunning architectural structures in this portion of the city. 

Dennis the Menace Park only ten minutes from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf is a large place for kids to let loose. The park consists of a real size train, bridges, a large pond, and paddling boat fun. Those wanting to get out on the water can spend the day sailing, relax on the beach, or explore a coastal trail. Bike or boat rentals are an option to any traveler wanting to add a little adventure to their vacation. Whale watching tours are another great opportunity for experiencing the raw nature of the region. Monterey is a versatile tourist destination that puts travelers next to a distinctive coastline surrounding a one of a kind natural paradise.

Dublin, Ireland: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

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Initially a Viking settlement, Dublin experienced rapid growth during the seventeenth century after the Norman invasion. The city was one of the largest under the British Empire for a period of time, but experienced an era of stagnancy once the kingdom was united with Great Britain by the Acts of Union passed in 1800. A new parliament, instituted in 1922 as part of the partition of Ireland, led to the appointment of this town as the capital of what is now referred to as the Republic of Ireland. Dublin today, ranked thirtieth among global cities, remains as a center of both historical and cultural significance. The region is also a well-known for its advancements in education, industry, administration, and art.

Local Climate

Dublin climate does not reach extreme temperatures as with alternative tourist destinations. The summers are cool, winters are mild, and the sunniest times exist from the months of May to June. October is the wettest portion of the year for this getaway location and February follows as the driest month. Unlike other travel locations, the region experiences fairly consistent amounts of rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in July is sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures remain around forty to sixty degrees. Dublin’s position to the East makes it less susceptible to the strong Atlantic winds during the warmer months; however, these same winds bring on a large amount of snow in the winter.

Famous Dublin Landmarks

This Irish city holds numerous historical landmarks that remain standing after hundreds of years. The Dublin Castle was created as a defensive structure after the Norman invasion in 1169. It contains a courtyard, central square, high defensive walls, circular corner towers, and forms the one of the cities outer perimeters. The River Poddle became a natural defense mechanism as the castle was completed in the early 1200’s. Visitors will find the Spire of Dublin, also referred to as the Monument of Light, by taking a stroll down O’Connell Street. As one of the latest monuments in the area, the creation stands three-hundred ninety eight feet tall on the same site as where Nelson’s Pillar once resided. Trinity College, Ha’penny Bridge, the Mansion House, Upper Gardiner Street, and Poolbeg Towers are additional landmarks found throughout the area.

Area Tourist Activities

Dublin offers plenty of non-historically related activities and offers countless festivals at all times of the year. Festivals include exciting races, traditional music, and various activities to make the travel experience increasingly fun. Area spas offer luxury at its finest with an abundance of supportive scenery where walking around in a robe is considered the norm. Eateries, drinks, shopping, and an assortment of wellness facilities can be found in this stunning travel destination. Those wanting to take the more active route have plenty of fun new things to choose from including:

  • Surfing
  • Cycling
  • Fishing
  • Golfing
  • Horse Racing or Riding
  • Inland Cruises

The interest of every visitor is easy to maintain with the diverse choices offered by this city. Culture, historical sites, fun activities, festivals, and breathtaking scenery make Dublin, Ireland an ideal spot for any individual or group getaway.

Maui, Hawaii: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

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Maui, ranking second in size among Hawaiian islands, delivers a diverse landscape to visitors. The isle was formed by lava flowing between two volcanoes, which caused them to merge into a single land mass with a formed isthmus. The western volcanic land mass has been greatly eroded as time has progressed resulting in the formation of the West Maui Mountains. Haleakala, the younger eastern land mass, sits over ten thousand feet above sea level and is one of the tallest mountains in the world. To the East, volcanic masses contain deep incised valleys, ravines, and shorelines.

Maui, Hawaii has two distinct seasons per year with mild temperatures occurring yearly in lowland areas. Windward lowland locations, found in the Northeast of the island, experience moderate rainfall due to trade wind developed showers. Leeward lowland locations experience higher temperatures during the day, lower temperatures at night, and drier weather patterns. High altitude areas on the leeward side supply mild temperatures with higher humidity than other regions. High mountain sections deliver much less humidity with average rainfall ranging below ten percent and temperatures frequently reaching below freezing.

Island Activities

Individuals making their way to this destination must experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Maui offers a wide selection of Luau’s consisting of the famous Kalua pig or a buffet with more generalized foods. These events supply a relaxing atmosphere full of great food, hula dancing, music, and fire dancing activities. Individuals desiring a refined experience with fine dining should consider the Feast at Lele in Lahaina. Taking the time to stop by one of Maui’s botanical gardens is another must. The area additionally supplies an abundance of galleries, designer boutiques, malls, farmers markets, and fine dining experiences.

Watching the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala is another great experience awaiting visitors. This summit was once only accessible by priests or students studying initiation practices in the area. The highly popular tourist destination offers stunning views regardless of the time of day. Maui also contains over eighty sandy beach paradises consisting of gold, red, black, green, and the ever popular shimmering white sand with abundant snorkeling opportunities. Individuals desiring an active trip have the choice of:

  • Diving
  • Swimming
  • Sailing
  • Parasailing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Golf
  • Hiking

Ziplining tours are available for those who love the rush of extensive heights at a varying rate of speed. Visitors also have the choice of seeing a museum to learn about the history or culture of the island. Helicopter tours are a great idea for first time visitors who are unfamiliar with the destination because they supply a complete view of isle. Maui, a location of stunning beauty, is well-known for whale-watching due to the yearly migration of Humpbacks from the Alaskan waters. Whales make the thirty-five thousand mile trip to Maui’s warm waters every autumn. They then travel back in small groups to Alaskan waters toward the end of April after giving birth to their young. Maui, Hawaii has become a top tourist destination due to the abundance of activities the island offers and its one of a kind beauty. It is a must see for any individual who wants a taste of coastline paradise.

Bali, Indonesia: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

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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

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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.