The best way to explore an off-beat destination

Picture partaking in an Asian mountain tea ceremony or bike riding down one of the most beautiful trails in the whole world.  Taiwan is virtually a playground for active and adventurous group travelers. The island nation is more than 70% mountains and is completely surrounded by beautiful ocean views. Some think the landscape looks like a cross between Hawaii and Alaska, if that is even possible. Local young people are friendly and love to try out their “Hello, how are you?” on everyone that passes who might speak English. You can can delight in connecting with everyone a little bit in a place so new. Head for the hills Cities are wonderful, but Taiwan’s rural wonders impressed and moved me. Taroko National Park covers a huge part of Northeast Taiwan and can only be entered by one way, so check to make sure roads are clear. Visitors are rewarded with temples framed by waterfalls, trails that lead through natural marble caves and even an aboriginal restaurant to taste some authentic...

Do your kids have favorite films where animals can talk like humans? Can you imagine a place that lets children make friends with marine life, just like in the movies?   Curacao is a Caribbean island only a few miles off the coast of Venezuela. Inspired by previous Dutch settlers and its close proximity to South America, Curacao is not your typical resort destination. Instead, it can offer your family a chance to connect closely with marine life, learn about new cultures and enjoy many more activities in a beautiful, tropical paradise because Curacao is for kids!   Get in the ocean The creatures behind the glass are a thrill to see, but what if you could get even closer? At the Curacao Aquarium, there are some interesting exhibits – take a peek at the colorful fish tanks, flamingoes and even shark feeding exhibit. But to experience something over the top, head back outside to Animal Encounters. By signing up ahead and paying a reasonable fee, the aquarium allows guests ...