Page 3 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Spring 2016

FInd BlIss On FlOrIda’s GUlF COast Islands
sBy Gretchen Zauner
ometimes you just want to get away from it all
and pick up the slow pace on an island where the living is casual and peaceful. Florida’s Gulf Coast islands offer the perfect retreat. With a tropical climate, lovely white-sand
include fishing, shelling, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. and certainly the entire family will enjoy the 90-minute boat trip into the everglades to investigate a remote manatee hideout.
Collier seminole state Park, just a few miles from the island, has camping, canoeing,
fishing, boating, picnic grounds, and a mile-long nature walk. Guided boat tours of the park run on a daily basis. Briggs nature Center features a half- mile boardwalk where
visitors can observe
wildlife in its natural
habitat. also available:
boat trips with a guide,
shelling excursions,
and canoe trips.
inquisitive raccoons and colorful birds of all species. these islands are also world-renowned for their
abundance of pastel-colored seashells. What fun to
go shelling along the surf and beaches of sanibel and Captiva, unique in that they lie east and west, different than most islands, which lie north and south. this direction allows the islands to catch abundant seashells that the Gulf of Mexico brings to its shores. In fact, people from all over the world come to collect and admire the colorful treasures from the sea.
beaches and unspoiled parks, these islands capture the essential elements of a truly relaxing vacation.
the sun shines year round on the islands of Marco, sanibel and Captiva, situated near the Florida everglades off the coast of naples and Fort Myers. visitors to all three of these islands
can expect to find a variety of accommodations and restaurants to choose from, as well as plenty of sun sports to enjoy.
Marco Island
Sanibel Island &
Marco Island’s distinguishing feature is its lush tropical foliage. More than 200 species of birds, including the american Bald eagle, are found on Marco Island, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching. Other popular outdoor activities
sanibel Island and its smaller sister island, Captiva, also present many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with exceptional fishing, miles of bike paths, tennis and golfing. Explore the waterways by boat and watch frolicking dolphins, graceful blue herons,
Marco Island
Sanibel Island
Captiva Island
‘tIs tHe seasOn FOr aUrOra BOrealIs
IBy Dorothy Crouch
nspiring generations of nature enthusiasts, aurora
borealis has become a bucket-list inclusion for travelers from every walk of life. Particularly striking through 2015 and 2016, the northern lights will shine brightest during a current stage of solar maximum, before dimming again.
Iceland
Journeys through Iceland are synonymous with aurora borealis. While Iceland’s beauty and
attractions include fine Scandinavian cuisine, pristine arctic landscapes and visits with the country’s majestic Icelandic horses, most visitors must see
the northern lights to complete an adventure in this country. Icelandair offers packages including aurora adventure, northern nights special and arctic discovery that boast amenities such as non-stop flights, accommodations and tours.
The Shetland Islands
sure, the shetland Islands are known for its ponies and sheepdogs, but these British Isles
also provide access to the northern lights. the shetlands’ proximity to the north Pole allows aurora borealis to be seen. While choosing the town of lerwick as a destination for viewing the lights is not advisable, stop in
to enjoy Up Helly aa, a festival celebrating shetland culture and heritage. As a bonfire heats up the night, the lights of the city will inhibit any efforts to admire a sky illuminated by the northern lights, but the party should not be missed.
Norway
In norway, the northern lights are part of a daily normalcy for locals
who live in the north country. the lofoten Islands,
a region known for quaint villages and natural wonders, is located above the arctic Circle within
the norwegian sea, offering prime northern-lights- spotting opportunities. despite its location in one of the northernmost parts of the globe, the climate of
the lofoten Islands is surprisingly temperate, which
is ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, ocean rafting and scuba diving – or a late-night
picnic under aurora borealis. Globus Journeys’ scenic norway offers itineraries for september and april that fit within the prime northern lights viewing season.
Alaska
When planning a journey to see the alaska northern lights, alaska doesn’t always receive the attention
it deserves. sitting under the aurora oval, Fairbanks affords a prime viewing location for visitors who want to see the northern lights. In addition to aurora borealis, the Golden Heart city boasts opportunities to discover the region’s historic role during the gold rush. visitors can pan for gold to find a precious Alaskan souvenir.
It is best to view this natural spectacle on moonless nights, autumn through spring. Keep in mind that this seemingly supernatural sight is a naturally occurring wonder, a product of the Earth’s magnetic fields engaging electrons through geomagnetic storms – affording a glorious example of nature’s power.
Northern lights in Iceland
spring 2016
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