Mexico Cruise from MIAMI to DUBAI aboard Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony

Miami

A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home, but another 10 million come to visit every year.

The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.

Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth, from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.

But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.

Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map

What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.

It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one day, but here are some of the highlights.

Cartagena

Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia; a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemani neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect their new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.

However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.

Cartagena

Located in southeast Spain, Cartagena is a small port city that has only recently begun to attract travelers. This quiet, beautiful town has managed to stay relatively tourist-free over the years, but the secret is out; Cartagena is a great place to see. Located 29 miles south of Murcia, the locals are friendly and hospitable. This magnificent city is known for having some of the best weather in all of Spain. Cartagena is warm and dry virtually the entire year. It is a fabulous place to visit anytime, but Cartagena is especially pleasant in the spring and fall. It has a mild climate that is perfect for traveling throughout the region. The weather almost never becomes too hot or uncomfortable, and the sights and smells of the land are marvelous.

In the 3rd century B.C., the Carthaginians founded Cartagena. The city possesses an extremely rich history and culture. It is also Spain's main naval base, in part because of its ideal location. Positioned right on the Atlantic, many of the country's cities and ports are quite accessible from Cartagena.

The landscaped squares of Cartagena are so magnificent that you can spend hours just sitting and looking. This is an enormously popular activity, and enjoying a Spanish snack while relaxing in one of the squares is a cherished pastime for locals and tourists alike. Do not be alarmed if you find yourself admiring one of the squares for much longer than you would have anticipated. Many of the boulevards in Almeria are lined with gorgeous palm trees, creating shade and a crisp, clean atmosphere. Cartagena has remained relatively unchanged over the decades. Modern apartment sections have been added to the suburbs because of all of the recent tourism. The buildings and religious structures of the city add to its wonderful culture, and a walking tour of Cartagena is great fun.

Acapulco

Cabo San Lucas

At the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, lies the tropical paradise known as Cabo San Lucas. Excellent weather, miles of magnificent public beaches with crystal clear water, and championship golf courses set the mood for a vacation that entices you to unwind and refresh.

Once sought after by migrating pirates for its safe harbors, the Los Cabos (The Capes) area, and Cabo San Lucas in particular, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It has grown in recent decades to a city of over 25,000, with many of its residents drawn to its rugged and beautiful coastline, water-sports galore, and world-class golf resorts. Cabo is particularly famous among the sport fishing crowd because of its year round status as the Mecca of big game trophy fish.

No matter what the season, in Cabo San Lucas you can partake in the thrill of hooking a blue or black marlin, sailfish, dorado or tuna. There are also many great surfing opportunities in Cabo San Lucas. To add some underwater excitement to your stay in this beautiful city, go on a deep-sea diving adventure, where you can see spectacular gardens of black coral reefs, gorgeous sea turtles, and sand waterfalls.

The legendary spirited nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, as well as the wonderful fresh seafood served in its charming restaurants, also highlights this wonderful city. Shopping for creative Mexican arts and crafts, or spending the day out on a glittering white sand beach, are other ways that you can enjoy your peaceful stay here. It is no wonder that visitors return again and again!

Los Angeles

One of the most famous cities in the world, everyone dreams of going to Los Angeles at one time or another. A certain romance is attached to this city, the "city of angels." Even children on remote islands thousands of miles away can describe Los Angeles to a certain degree. They will tell you of glorious beaches, beautiful women, fabulous weather all year long, and how easy it is to meet real life movie stars. The incredible part is that this kind of lifestyle is true for many of the city's inhabitants. A region of tremendous size and magnitude, Los Angeles is a marvelous place to visit. The variety of activities and opportunities for diversity is practically unparalleled.

Speaking in relative terms, Los Angeles is a remarkably new city, a cultural center unlike anywhere else. Los Angeles fascinates historians because its history is so exciting and easy to track, and because its growth has been so amazing. The Spanish officially founded Los Angeles in 1781. The area had been inhabited by Native American tribes prior to that, and was under Spanish rule until 1821, when they relinquished their power, and the Bear Flag Republic was then proclaimed in 1846. In 1850 California became the 31^st state of this new Republic, The Santa Fe Railroad finally reached Los Angeles in 1875, and from there the expansion began. However, it wasn't until 1911 that Los Angeles really started to take off; it was at that time when the first Hollywood studio was established. Just one year later, there were already 16 motion picture companies located in Hollywood. So began the history of the movie capital of the world. Since then, Los Angeles has been the pioneering force behind everything in entertainment and film, in particular.

Los Angeles is a region where you can drive to the mountains and ski in the morning, then travel to the beach and surf in the afternoon. It is truly an unbelievable city, with miles of glorious beach, gorgeous mountains, interesting cultural centers and museums, extraordinary amusement parks, and of course, plenty of movie studios. The Staples Center, just opened to the public in 1999, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility, where the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Kings play their respective professional sports games. Concerts and marvelous events are held here as well, and this is only the beginning of this diverse haven; a city that has been designed with the intent to entertain.

Mazatlan

Exquisite Mazatlan, the "Pearl of the Pacific," is located 674 miles north west of Mexico City, and is truly a tourists dreamland. A city housing nearly 500,000 people, Mazatlan is the single largest port in between the Panama Canal and Los Angeles. Mazatlan is packed with a myriad of engaging features and activities that make it a fabulous place to visit.

The tremendous sportfishing, some of the best in the world, and the spacious, glorious beaches continue to be two of the most enticing features of Mazatlan. The golf scene is evolving and luring many tourists, as well. There aren't too many other places where you can tee off on a lush, sparsely populated course on a seventy-degree December morning. Mazatlan's elegant yacht harbor is becoming quite the destination for the rich and powerful. The best news of all is that the tremendous selection of accommodations and activities have not yet reached the masses, so the majority of resorts are less expensive in comparison to other Mexican destinations.

Old Mazatlán is known as the "Historic Zone" because of its culture and fantastic heritage. This region is an exciting place to do a little exploring. Recent restoration has truly enhanced the atmosphere of the area, and guided tours highlight the most fascinating aspects of Old Mazatlan. Sidewalk cafes and shopping make this a quite pleasurable experience.

Zona Dorada is the hustle and bustle of Mazatlan, and is fondly translated as "The Golden Zone". This is the location where you can find the majority of the tourist hotels, most of the upper echelon restaurants, and a tremendously active nightlife. The Golden Zone is any place north of Punta Sabalo, and this is where one of Mazatlan's most well known city attractions is located. This party haven is called Fiesta Land, and it is certainly "party central" of Mazatlan. Fortunately, almost all of the attractions, nightlife, hotels, and clubs are within walking distance of one another.

The first settlers of Mazatlan were the Totorames. Hunters, gatherers, and fisherman, the Totorames inhabited Mazatlan until 1531, when the Spaniards settled. During that time, the area was rich in gold and silver, and the settlers, pirates, and everyone else who passed through tried desperately to get their hands on some of the precious metal. In 1806, the city was incorporated, and then, in the 1830?s, a municipal government was established. It was at that time that Mazatlan started to emerge as an ever-growing seaport. Since then, the port has grown into one of the largest fishing fleets for shrimp and tuna in the world. Also a fabulous tourist resort, Mazatlan is opening first class hotels and premier restaurants all the time.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a land of gorgeous sandy beaches, majestic mountains, and small-town allure. Located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlan to Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Cancun in its popularity with tourists.

The city of Puerto Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500's, when it was first visited by Spanish explorers. Later, migrating Mexicans and even pirates added their individuality to this unique city. Today Puerto Vallarta remains a place enriched with history and culture, welcoming all people to join in its beauty. Puerto Vallarta offers its visitors a wide range of lovely hotels, inns, resorts and restaurants, which are sure to fit any budget. Tours are offered year round to sites such as Los Arcos and Huichol Indian villages. Kids will find places to explore and learn about around every corner of this Mexican paradise. Puerto Vallarta is alive with the feeling of "old Mexico". It is not rare to see donkeys roaming the streets and artfully designed homes reminiscent of days long past.

While areas of Puerto Vallarta can make you feel as if you have entered early 20^th century Mexico, only walking distance away, the same city offers the feeling of a modern world-class resort with all the amenities of home. The city's 26 miles of coastline offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with plenty of boardwalk on which to stroll or browse the wares of the street vendors, who always offer something unique as a reminder of this beautiful and historic city.

In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has also gained a reputation as being a prime area to take part in many adventurous "ecotourism" activities. Outfitters are springing up all over town, providing the necessary equipment and expertise to enjoy a day of mountain biking, sea kayaking, and deep-sea diving.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a gorgeous city that, while quite popular, still remains untainted by all of the tourism. The small neighborhoods, nearby beaches, and sparkling waterfalls are picturesque, and the scenery is gorgeous. Modern skyscrapers provide a certain alluring contrast to the intrinsic beauty of the region. The city is the 11th largest in America, with 850,000 residents. Honolulu is about twenty-six miles long and twelve miles wide.

The pleasant island of Oahu greets over five million visitors every year, the majority of whom at least make a stop in Honolulu. Because the island is a combination of all South Pacific people and cultures, Oahu was given the nickname The Gathering Place. This name has stuck because it continues to be true. This is the case in Honolulu as well; you can see by the fine selection of restaurants and activities that diversity is alive and well. One of the best places to visit to get a sense of true Honolulu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is located on the North Shore and is very appealing to both locals and tourists. As a result, it is an extremely popular gathering spot. Combining education with entertainment, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a mixture of theme park, history, and heritage.

Traveling around Honolulu, it becomes quite evident what a truly remarkable city it is. From perfect waves to hiking, tide pooling to golf, Honolulu has it all, not to mention the wonderful shopping. Another fabulous aspect of Honolulu is the weather. The climate in and around the city is the loveliest in all of Hawaii. Less windy than Maui, not as muggy as the Big Island, and dryer than Kauai, every day is a gift from nature. The wondrous beauty of Honolulu is complemented by the friendly locals and comfortable, relaxed atmosphere of the city. Honolulu is a dazzling tropical paradise that may resemble a big city, but it's a big city complete with gorgeous beaches, natural wonders, and terrific weather.

Hong Kong

Many feared that Hong Kong's incredible rise to prominence would be stunted when Great Britain handed control of the island back to China in 1997. In the years since, however, Hong Kong has continued its meteoric rise to become one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Rim.

This position of strength could hardly have been anticipated. When England gained control of Hong Kong after the 1841 Opium War, the island was regarded as little more than barren rock. In fact, most of its value came from its strategic trading position, for it stood as a perfect entryway to Canton. Hong Kong started to rise slowly, but exploded only after waves of mainland Chinese came to the island, fleeing the Communist Revolution. Many of the refugees included China's elite businessmen, who came to this small island and transformed it into a wealthy economic hub.

Hong Kong's skyscrapers actually take their name literally. Companies continually strive to outdo each other by building huge edifices, seemingly one on top of the other. But if you can escape Hong Kong Island, you will be enchanted by the less developed islands that surround it. A side trip to the island of Lantau will remind you that there is more to Hong Kong than tall buildings and money.

Hong Kong can be easily divided into three main sections. Hong Kong Island measures only thirty square miles, but this is where you will probably spend most, if not all of your time. Each district on the island has a distinct feel to it, with some more focused on fashion and others concerned with economy and industry. Kowloon is the peninsula that lies across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. Finally, the New Territories cover two hundred square miles of mostly pristine, undeveloped territory.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city focused on peace. Painful scars still remain from World War Two, and Hiroshima's citizens make every effort to heal the physical and emotional trauma that is still present. Peace Memorial Park is the most popular tourist site in Hiroshima, as it commemorates both the destruction caused by the atomic bombing of 1945 and the triumph of spirit of Hiroshima's people that followed. The area has been rebuilt beautifully, and laced throughout the buildings and high-rises are lakes, parks, and fabulous museums that are sure to capture your heart. The population of this bustling yet tranquil city is one million, and both car and shipbuilding are highly promoted industries here. Hiroshima is on the rise, and now is the perfect time to visit. There are a number of exquisite restaurants and art expos to be found in the city. There are three wonderful museums in Hiroshima that are dedicated to art, and both the modern and ancient art displays are amazing. The Hiroshima Castle is a dazzling work of architecture, and this building is made all the more impressive because it was basically demolished in the bombing, and yet it is more remarkable today than ever. Unfortunately, the majority of the great landmarks, historical sights, museums, and nature areas were virtually brought to ruin in 1945. However, through intense work by the citizens and the government, the area has been restored beautifully. Nearly all of the locations that were so terribly damaged now appear to have been undisturbed.

The people of Hiroshima are not quick to forget the destruction and casualties that befell their city as a result of the bombing. Yet the citizens are known for their friendliness and acceptance, and they are quick to help you if you have a question or a problem. The service inside the restaurants is great, and nearly everyone speaks English. Formerly a war-torn city, Hiroshima has rebounded into a glorious destination full of extravagant sights and relaxing environments.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a paradox, both an anachronism and a look towards the future. The Pearl of the Orient has a rich history, replete with multiculturalism and international intrigue. After the Communist takeover, Shanghai hibernated, before beginning to reemerge in the past decade. Since Deng Xiaoping proclaimed Shanghai to be the head of the new Chinese dragon, the city has undergone a complete facelift, with a booming economy that accounts for nearly twenty percent of China's gross national product.

These happy days are reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The city was divided up into small, independent, autonomous concessions, with a British section, a French section, and an American section. While part of Shanghai remained Chinese, many locals chose to interact with the Westerners, and Shanghai became known as the Paris of the East. The Communist Party was born in Shanghai, and after it came to power in 1949, the city closed its doors to the outside world until recently.

Sixteen million people call Shanghai home today. The city is poised to become China's international face of the future, and a construction boom is fueling that feeling. The Pudong New Area is being transformed from farmland into the city's economic center. Shanghai's stock market is found here, along with some of the tallest buildings in the entire world. In just fifteen years, the number of high-rise office buildings has increased tenfold, and that number is still growing. This burgeoning economy has again attracted people from around the world, allowing the old spirit of Shanghai to re-infect people. The city has come full circle.

Dalian

Dalian sits at the tip of the Liaodong peninsula, and is home to over one million people, making it a small city in a country of over one billion people. Because it sits right on the sea, the city is free from the heavy pollution facing other Chinese cities. But its advantageous geographical position has led to its occupation over the years by a host of foreign invaders. Russia set up a trading center here, before losing it to Japan in their war in 1905. Over the years, Western Europeans came to trade in Dalian, and their influence, combined with that of the Russians, Japanese, and Chinese, continues to set Dalian apart from most other Chinese cities.

Foreign companies continue to be drawn to Dalian because of a favorable tax status here that encourages local investment. Dalian's longtime mayor, Bo Xilai, is something of a hero around these parts, and you will hear the locals of Dalian speak in positively glowing terms about his leadership.

In the summer, Dalian transforms into a resort town, with Chinese families from the inland making the trek out to the beaches on the outskirts of the city. The twenty mile stretch of beach here is among the finest in all of China. Dalian is also home to an annual International Fashion Festival, along with a Spring Festival to ring in the Chinese New Year.

Beijing

Beijing is the unquestioned capital of China. Though it lags behind Hong Kong and Shanghai in terms of economic firepower, the soul of the nation resides here. It has been this way for centuries. Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan, established the city of Beijing as his capital in 1278. After the Ming dynasty overthrew the Yuans, Yongle, the Ming emperor, relocated his capital to Beijing to capitalize on its more strategic northern position. It was Yongle who authorized the construction of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, both of which still stand today. It was also the Mings who authorized construction of the Great Wall of China.

The Qing Dynasty took over in 1644 and built on China's feudal tradition. However, its power eroded over the centuries, and China was subject to war and foreign occupation for the better part of a hundred years. It wasn't until Chairman Mao declared the birth of the People's Republic of China in 1949 that things began to settle down again in China. Mao's contributions to China are still fresh. Look at the communist monuments in Tiananmen Square, designed to make the individual feel small in comparison to the state.

While Beijing can be enjoyed by every traveler, it truly rewards the adventurous soul. It's a safe city, with plenty of room for exploration. Although you'll be tempted to spend most of your time near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, it is best not to limit yourself. There is plenty to see around the city's outskirts, and a short trip to the Great Wall is a must.

Osaka

Osaka is one of the premier vacation spots in Japan. Beautiful and busy, graceful and lively, Osaka has it all. The rich heritage of the region is complemented by the modern feel and splendid architecture. The ancient landmarks are glorious, and you will be treated to marvelous wonders at every turn. The citizens of Osaka have great pride in their hometown, and they should, because it is magnificent. While there are a number of outstanding man-made achievements in Osaka, the best sites are those that combine the thought of man and the brilliance of nature. Two examples of such spots are the Floating Garden Observatory and the Osaka Aquarium, where locals and tourists can see nature in its truest and most exquisite forms.

In addition to the extraordinary intrinsic glory of the region, the Osaka government has really done a terrific job in the last few years of keeping the city clean, pristine, and full of activities. There are a tremendous number of enjoyable engagements to take part in at any given time, especially at night and on the weekends. The businessmen and employed population of Osaka are incredibly hard working, so when they get a little time off they love to party. Great bars, fabulous restaurants, and fun karaoke clubs line the streets in certain areas of Osaka, and a night out is a fun night indeed. During the day, there are spectacular museums and architectural triumphs to hold your attention, and the underground shopping network is extraordinary.

Osaka is located on Honshu's southern coast, and has a fascinating 1500-year history. Heritage is important to all members of Japanese society, and families have an incredibly strong bond within them. Assisting a parent or grandparent in need is always the primary duty of the children. This extravagant city, so full of energy and meaning, is the capital of Osaka Prefecture, and is the third most inhabited city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, is as fascinating as it is entertaining. There are a number of great activities to keep you busy, and wonderful historic sites, museums, and shops to keep you interested. The dining facilities and small groupings of stores are wonderful, and while portions of Ho Chi Minh resemble a bustling commercial center, other parts are quiet and agricultural. Some of the locals keep to themselves, subdued and caught up in their daily routine. Others will be the first to greet you, inviting you to the grand opening of their bar or restaurant. It is the tremendous diversity of Ho Chi Minh that makes it such a desirable tourist destination. There is so much to do and see, and it is an incredibly friendly city. The citizens will assist you almost without exception, and the city is relatively easy to navigate.

This exciting Asian city is a relatively new one, only founded in the 18th century. Chinese and Vietnamese merchants from the north settled Ho Chi Minh, as they were looking for political and economic freedom. The majority of the first inhabitants to the area were civil war refugees. It did not take long for Ho Chi Minh to become a powerful commercial center. Its location and abundance of natural resources made it a desirable location for trade and commerce. This is still the major commercial port in all of Vietnam. Five million people live in Ho Chi Minh, making it the largest city in the country. It is located on the Saigon River, and the atmosphere in and around the city is extremely engaging. The Chinese district springs up out of nowhere, and this is part of the charm of the city. Many of the best aspects of Ho Chi Minh are often stumbled upon un-knowingly. They just pop up and you are instantly transported into another dimension of fun and excitement. The food here is outstanding, and the nightlife exceptional. There are a couple of rather seedy portions of the city, but no more than anywhere else. Exercise the same caution as you would at home and you should be fine. Phan Thiet beach is great if you can make it out there, but if not, there is so much to do in this wonderful city that your time will constantly be occupied with delightful activities.

Singapore

Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.

Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.

The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.

Phuket

Phuket has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. What used to be a small tin-mining community has been transformed into a hedonist's heaven, with hotels and resorts fiercely competing for beach space and tourism dollars.

Just one generation ago, Phuket was largely undiscovered by the outside world. Adventurous tourists would head down from Bangkok and discover pristine beaches and picture-perfect panoramic views. Word spread quickly, and entrepreneurs started gobbling up real estate and building huge hotels. There are 20,000 hotel rooms in Phuket now, with more being built seemingly every day. The demand is there. During the peak season, which runs from November through April, every hotel is packed. You should avoid visiting during monsoon season. On average, eleven inches of rain fall per month between May and October.

The island seems larger than it is, mainly because the terrain varies between the smooth coasts and rugged, hilly inland. Although it covers less than four hundred square miles, petite Phuket packs a powerful punch! There is plenty to enjoy and discover on Phuket, Thailand's playground.

Cochin

Cochin, also known as Kochi, lies on the Lakshadweep Sea, and is one of the largest and most storied ports in India. Cochin is comprised of the Ernakulam area on the Malabar Coast as well as a series of natural and man-made islands found in the Mattancherry Peninsula. The city is highlighted by its tremendous geographic and cultural diversity; Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews all call Cochin home, and the tourist visiting this port city will delight in the sights and attractions that this multi-faceted destination provides.

Cochin has been continuously inhabited since the days of antiquity, yet it remained a sleepy fishing village for centuries, until discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Vasco de Gama landed in Cochin in 1502, and established a trading outpost in the city, bringing a wealth of spices, silks, and coffees to the region. A stroll through downtown Cochin will still reveal many Portuguese influences on the landscape, including remnants of European architecture and local infrastructure. Today, Cochin remains a major economic center of shipbuilding, fishing, and coconut oil production.

The tourist visiting Cochin will delight in visiting the Cochin Museum, featuring breathtaking collections of Indian artwork. A stroll through the Dutch Palace is a wonderful way to get acquainted with Cochin's European roots. When the sun sets over this scenic coastal city, enjoy a fine meal in one of Cochin's delicious international restaurants, and end the evening at the Cochin Cultural Center, watching a performance of the Kathakali Dancers, famous throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Bombay

Located on the Arabian Sea, Bombay, or Mumbai as it is often called, is one of the main ports of call in India and home to over 10 million people. Geographically, Bombay once consisted of seven separate islands, but through dredging, dikes, and land reclamation, the seven islands have coalesced to form the city of Bombay.

The name Bombay comes from the Portuguese Bom Bahia, meaning Fair Bay. The Portuguese, who controlled much of India in the 16th and 17th centuries, ruled over Bombay until 1661, when it was given to the British. Bombay grew exponentially in size and importance during the latter half of the 17th century, playing a pivotal role in international trade.

Bombay may startle you with its regions of tremendous contrast. The city is home to some of the wealthiest families in India, but it also well known for its sprawling slums and areas of abject poverty. When you stroll through the streets of Bombay, make sure you have a trusty map and a general idea of where you are heading, for a city of this magnitude can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler.

Yet, despite its major metropolitan feel, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the charm that Bombay has to offer you. You will revel in the world-class dining and nightlife opportunities, enjoy an afternoon strolling through the bazaars while shopping for those priceless bargains, and marvel at the glorious museums and art galleries that make Bombay a tourists paradise.