Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is located at the base of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, next to the town of Curubande and the popular Rincón de la Vieja National Park, in the northern province of Guanacaste.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin has been helping visitors enjoy the natural beauty of our ranch and the neighboring national park, Rincon de la Vieja for over 20 years.

Natural hot springs, Canyon & Canopy Tours, virgin forests, waterfalls and volcanic mud pots are just some of the many attractions you can enjoy during your stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, together with its strong involvement in ecotourism, Hacienda Guachipelin continues its traditional work of raising cattle and horses.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín is a comfortable hotel catering to nature lovers and adventure travelers alike.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín has 40 rooms and all of the rooms have private bathrooms with hot water. Our rooms are composed of simple buildings, with inviting porches for sharing your afternoon adventures with fellow travelers.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

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Laguna Lodge Tortuguero is a rain forest ecotourism lodge, a leader among this tropical country’s hotels and resorts with an extra touch in style, comfort and personalized service.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero lies along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero offers one or two or three day packages that include transportation, meals, naturalist guides, tours to the Tortuguero National Park canals, the village of Tortuguero, the Turtle Museum of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Additional activities include fishing trips for Tarpon, Snook, among other species. Kayaking is available so you can explore some of the canals on your own if you have a chance.

Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The season starts around mid July and ends by October and you could be able to take one of our night walks to search for green sea turtles.

Laguna Lodge Tortuguero offers 80 standard rooms with views to the gardens and forest that surrounds us. The rooms offer private bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan, reading lamps, wooden bench outside your room to sit and admire the gardens.

Laguna Lodge's open air restaurant is located in front of the Tortuguero lagoon, providing beautiful views of the forests nearby, you will also admire the boats of local people passing by to the local village. Meals are served buffet style with a variety of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Coffee, tea, and cookies are available 24 hours a day at the restaurant. The decoration of our restaurant and bars include woods that have been collected at our beach area and treated in our workshop.

Introduction to Central Pacific Costa Rica

The closest beaches to San José, and some of the country's most popular, are found on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. Options here range from the somewhat seedy Puntarenas and the cut-rate, fun-in-the-sun Jacó, to the jungle-clad hillsides of Dominical, and the ecotourist mecca of Manuel Antonio. The climate here is considerably more humid than that farther north in Guanacaste, but it's not nearly as steamy as along the south Pacific or Caribbean coasts.

Jacó and Manuel Antonio are two of Costa Rica's more developed beaches, while Puntarenas, a former seaport, is just a little over 2 hours from San José. If you're looking to get away from it all without traveling too far or spending too much, Dominical and the beaches south of Dominical should be your top choice on this coast.

By FROMMER'S

Literature: Poetry

Costa Rican poetry has usually followed the same literary movement that the prose is experimenting at the time. This parallelism in artistic movements is also the case with different art forms, such as painting and theater. Even though poetry has been written in the country since colonial times, most experts would agree that its "birth" occurred in the 1890's, as it did with prose. In 1890 La lira costarricense was published, and it was a poetic anthology that included authors like the following: Jose Maria Alfaro, Juan Diego Braun, Jenaro Cardona, Aquileo Echeverria, Carlos Gagini and Rafael Machado. Some of these poets also wrote several short stories, novels and essays. The poems by these authors conserve some Romantic aspects and they also tend to be nationalistic and even political.

The Concherias by Aquileo Echeverria celebrate Costa Rican folklore and the bucolic way of life of the peasant. Echeverria utilizes humor and "rural" language in this lengthy work. A lot of authors of stories and novels also used these devices during the late nineteenth century. However, in the early twentieth century, "Costumbrismo" or this regional style gave way to Modernism, a European and mostly French literary influence. The poet is no longer somebody who discusses the external reality- he or she turns to internal and alternate realities. The poet Brenes Mesen writes "El ave rara" or "The Strange Bird" in which he confesses that he feels like a strange bird who is alienated by wild, dumb birds that persecute him.

Modernist poetry was propelled by the establishment of the artistic magazine called Repertorio Americano (1919). Some authors that participated with their creations were: Rafael Angel Troyo, Lisimaco Chavarria and Auristela Castro de Jimenez. These authors explore concepts such as spiritualism and mysticism through lavish language and imagery. Castles, fairies and Parisian settings are common poetic themes of the Modernist tendency. Authors that followed this movement were criticized for ignoring their surroundings and for trading them for fantastic and luxurious settings.

Every action causes a reaction, and this is also the case for literary movements. Cosmopolitan themes and styles were soon replaced by Costa Rican provincial themes and language. However, poets and their works of the period ranging from 1920-1940, also explored intimate feelings such as melancholy and a preoccupation with the ephemeral quality of life. Isaac Felipe Azofeifa, one of the greatest and most productive poets, explored diverse styles which included erotic, existential and socially-conscientious writings. Thus, even though some poets of this time chose to return to the known path of regional themes, some picked the "road less traveled" and investigated existentialist and more obscure regions.

The existentialist tendency enabled the birth of Costa Rican Vanguardism. The 1940's and 1950's were extremely rich in literary production, and some of the poets that contributed immensely to the artistic creation of the time were: Eunice Odio, Salvador Jimenez Canossa and Eduardo Jenkins Dobles. These authors chose to explore the subconscious, psychological and unknown dimensions, and they did so through revolutionary language and techniques.

The 1960's saw the birth of important authors such as Jorde Debravo, Laureano Alban and Alfonso Chase. Again, there was a return to the outer reality, but instead of only criticizing the social condition, the poets of this generation also offered hope and a belief in the possibility of change. Erotic poetry, which had been present in Costa Rica since the beginnings of serious literary creation, blossomed during the 1960's. The figure of the loved one was interestingly intertwined with that of nature, thus announcing that erotism and sex were natural and glorifying them.

There are several contemporary authors that are writing interesting pieces that have won national as well as international recognition. However, it's too early to be able to describe their work, since analysis often requires distancing in time and place. Contemporary poetry and literature in general promises a lot, since in recent years there have been an abundance of serious authors that pursue these arts.

by Infocostarica Staff

The Teribes

Térraba is the main settlement of the Teribe indigenous people of Central America. The Teribe were moved here in 1710 after a team effort on the part of Franciscan missionaries leagued with the Spanish militias. Atlhough those who remained in Panama have managed to retain much of their culture, those in the Costa Rican reserve have lost most of their heritage. Teribes own only some 10% of the reserve’s land; the remainder has been sold to outsiders attracted by the expansion of the PINDECO/Del Monte plantation.

The Asociación Cultura Teribe is the main activist organization here. Over the course of the past few years, they have completed a number of projects including a rancho cultural (meeting place), tree nurseries, a health clinic, and have offered a number of workhops — ranging from Teribe spiritual teachings to workshops for locals; they have also opened a small museum.

A medical clinic will also preserve traditional remedies, and a garden with medicinal plants has been started. Visitors who are genuinely interested in the Teribe culture are welcomed. Contact the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe (ACIT) or the Comisión Cultura Teribe who will show you around and exchange ideas. Visitors are requested not to shoot pictures indiscriminately. Donations may be made in the form of checks and made out to the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe and mailed to them at Terrabá, Buenos Aires, Puntarenas.

by Harry Pariser

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja’s varied ecosystem provides visitors with an exciting array of outdoor activities and destinations. 35,000-acre Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to many of the area’s favorite locales, though several hotels outside of the park boast natural gems, as well.

National Parks:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Created in 1973, Rincon de la Vieja National Park has evolved a small tourist infrastructure over the years but remains one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Natural trails, a seasonal waterfall, steaming fumaroles, a small volcanic crater, and bubbling mud pots highlight the park’s most popular Las Pailas trail, and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano beckons to hikers willing to make the 8-hour roundtrip trek to its crater.

Strangler figs amaze every park visitor. The giant trees begin life by latching onto an existing tree trunk, slowly growing stronger until they eventually surround their host and strangle its life away. They are easy to spot with their huge root systems that snake along the forest floor and immense, but hollow, trunks, the only remaining memory of their long-lost hosts. Rincon de la Vieja National Park also contains the largest population of Costa Rica’s national flower, the Cattleya skinneri, a type of purple orchid.

Rincon de la Vieja’s volcano is considered to be gently active. Though it has experienced no major eruptions in recent years, it habitually belches up steam and ash. Santa Maria Volcano, the tallest in the park, towers at 6,286 feet, while the national park’s lowlands hover at just 1,969 feet above sea level. This 4,000-foot altitude change allows for several different microclimates that range from hot and dry to cool and misty.

The Red Pond and Blanco River Pool: A hike or horseback ride from the Las Pailas park entrance, this dynamic duo offers beautiful and natural surrounding. The Red Pond is a red and white solid rock formation, created by lava runoff many years ago. Its neighboring Blanco River pool is a quiet, tranquil pool of clear water surrounded by only forest and birdsong. Round trip, including time spent relaxing and enjoying these two natural wonders, will last three or four hours.

Waterfalls:

Oropendula Waterfall: Just four miles from Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s Las Pailas entrance, this 82-foot tall waterfall tumbles into an incredible, emerald green pool. Visitors can hike through the dry forest or rent horses to get there.

Las Chorreras Waterfall: This beautiful double waterfall teams up with the Blanco River to create a beautiful blue pool at its base where many visitors enjoy taking a dip in the cool waters. These waterfalls are just a mile from one of the area’s premiere hotels, but anyone can hike or rent horses to get there.

La Cangreja Waterfall: A four and a half mile hike from Rincon de la Vieja’s Las Pailas entrance, these falls are found within the park’s borders. Dissolved copper salts give the waterfall a celestial blue color, a striking sight against the gray cliffs behind it. A small pool at its base is wonderful for cooling off after the hike.

La Victoria Waterfall: Accessed by a steep trail, the hike to this 115-foot waterfall is not for the faint of heart. For those that make the journey, a moss-covered canyon and beautiful greenery await.

Hidden Waterfalls: Almost two miles farther west of La Cangreja Waterfall, the Escondidas Waterfalls are actually a group of four continuously cascading falls set into the Agria Ravine. A calm bathing pool sits at the base of one waterfall.

Playa Hermosa

High-adrenaline tours, wildlife encounters and beautiful sunsets make up the days and nights in Northern Guanacaste, where diverse ecology and ecotourism allow visitors to walk along miles of golden and gray-sand beaches, float down the tranquil Tempisque River, and explore acres of national parks, wildlife refuges, and a private African safari park.

Nearby Beaches (from north to south):

Gulf of Papagayo: The Gulf of Papagayo is dotted by 12 golden-sand beaches separated by gray cliffs that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The calm coves’ protected waters are ideal for beginner swimmers, young children and visitors just wishing to relax.

Many of Papagayo’s secluded beaches are best accessed by canoe or sea kayak. Their sparkling sands dance with scuttling hermit crabs, and the gulf’s resident howler monkeys will boldly call out to you during a relaxing sunbath. Make a date to watch the sunset from one of these gentle strips of sand – the Northern Pacific coast is known for some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica.

Playa Panama: Just a few miles north of Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama is a bay within a bay. The resulting waters are nearly wave-free, and perfect for floating the afternoon away. Playa Panama is very popular with vacationing Costa Ricans, who often set up camp on the beach.

Playa Hermosa: Not to be confused with Jaco’s neighbor of the same name, Northern Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is an elegant, mile-long strip of gray-sand beach. Tide pools mark its northern and southern points, and its bay is always filled with fishing boats, sailboats and even the occasional cruise ship.

Playa del Coco: Shaped like a horseshoe, Playa del Coco is one of Guanacaste’s most popular and accessible beaches. Hard-packed gray sand is ideal for walks down its mile-long beach, and the waves are often strong enough for boogie boarding fun.

Playa del Coco is the best departure point for trips to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, both located in Santa Rosa National Park. These surf breaks are world famous and some of the best in Costa Rica, though not for the faint of heart. Witch’s Rock is particularly well-known for its appearance in the classic surf movie Endless Summer 2.

Playa del Coco is also one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the country. Diving tours depart daily for the rich waters of Bat Island and Santa Catalina Island, and sailboat tours regularly take snorkelers to reefs and underwater volcanic formations.

Playa Ocotal: Just two miles south of Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal is quieter and more relaxed than its busy neighbor. A small gray-sand beach lines the waterfront.

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges:

Africa Mia: One of Guanacaste’s newest and most unique attractions, Africa Mia safari park is a treat for all. Giraffes, antelope and zebra roam the open savannah, the lovely El Salto waterfall rumbles in the distance and visitors happily feed the park’s ostriches, dromedaries (one-humped camels) and deer. About an hour's drive from Playa Hermosa, Africa Mia is an ideal day trip for the entire family.

Guanacaste National Park: Adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, 86,000-acre Guanacaste National Park boasts several habitats from lowland dry forest to mountainous cloud forest. Two volcanoes – Orosi and Cacao – frame the park, and researchers can often be found perusing its lands for new discoveries. The park is located less than 90 minutes by car from Playa Hermosa. Read more...

Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge: Backing up to Palo Verde National Park, this tranquil wildlife refuge helps to protect endangered rosewood and mahogany trees. The 6,500-acre park is also home to 250 bee species – about 25 percent of the world’s total – as well as 200 bird species. There is a small network of hiking trails throughout Lomas de Barbudal, and most visitors are accompanied only by wildlife and the occasional researcher. The refuge is a one and a half hour drive from Playa Hermosa. Read more...

Palo Verde National Park: This 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is the largest component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also includes the Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, Barra Honda National Park and the newly-added Cipanci Wildlife Refuge.

More than 300 bird species make their homes here, including herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, ducks, scarlet macaws and toucans. Monkeys, bats, American crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos and jaguarundi join their avian neighbors, and make a trip to Palo Verde National Park one that is not soon forgotten. A few miles south of Lomas de Barbudal, budget about two hours to reach Palo Verde from Hermosa Beach. Read more...

Santa Rosa National Park: One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa sprawls out over almost 96,000 acres. The park serves as one of the most important nesting sites for several turtle species, and is also a symbol of national pride: Costa Rica has only been invaded three times by foreign armies, and each time, the would-be conquerors were defeated in Santa Rosa.

Reaching Santa Rosa National Park is a challenge, but it’s worth the 1.5-hour trip. More than 250 bird species, 50-60 bat species, 115 mammal species, 4000 moth and butterfly species and thousands of insect species make their homes here. Visitors may hike many miles of trails, explore the historic La Casona building and Monument to the Heroes, or simply relax at one of the park’s beautiful ocean overlooks. Santa Rosa National Park is also home to famous surf breaks Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Read more...

Rivers:

Tempisque River: Beginning at the Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Tempisque River travels 90 miles south to empty into the Gulf of Nicoya. The river cuts right through Palo Verde National Park, and many river tours float along its waters in search of white-faced monkeys, American crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Day Trips:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: A mere 90-minute drive from Playa Hermosa, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers well-groomed trails, towering volcanoes, boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and amazing natural beauty. Full-day tours depart daily and include transportation, a guided tour, lunch and unforgettable memories. Read more...

Monteverde Cloud Forest: One and two-day tours depart Hermosa almost daily, climbing from Costa Rica’s dry savannah into the country’s most celebrated cloud forest. Walk through the canopy along hanging bridges, swing among the trees on the country’s first canopy tour and experience one of the most bio-diverse regions in Costa Rica. Views from Monteverde seem to stretch out forever, and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Pacific Ocean. Read more...

Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna: One and two-day tours depart Hermosa daily, traveling to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. The majestic Arenal Volcano sets off lava light shows nearly every night, and the area’s hot springs are famous for their restorative properties. Read more...

Barra Honda National Park: Go on a caving expedition at Costa Rica’s most famous and labyrinthine caves. Known for its spectacular rock formations and incredible views, visitors will witness geological formations created more than 50 million years ago. Hike through the ancient caves and discover the park’s weaving waterways on a full-day trip from your Playa Hermosa hotel. Read more...

Nicaragua: Discover the beauty of one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities, Granada. Gaze at its canary yellow church, walk through its colonial streets and swim in nearby Laguna de Apoyo. Purchase souvenirs at the eclectic Masaya market and drink in the views of the town’s active Masaya Volcano.

How to Get to the Gulf of Papagayo

Bus:

Costa Rica’s excellent public bus system will take you as far as Playa Panama, just five minutes south of the Gulf of Papagayo. Buses depart San Jose once daily, and the six-hour ride costs about $5. Buses from Liberia depart many times daily, and the one-hour trip costs less than $1.50. When you reach Playa Panama, take a $5-10 taxi ride to your Papagayo resort. Bus schedules and prices change frequently, so please call ahead for more detailed information: (506)2-221-7202 or (506)2-680-0392.

Private shuttle buses are also available to the Papagayo area. A comfortable, air-conditioned van will take you to the Papagayo Gulf from many popular Costa Rican towns, including San Jose, Monteverde, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. The trip costs about $45 per person each way, and 24-hour advance reservations are required. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport, take the West Interamerican Highway (Route 1) to Liberia. From Liberia’s main road, turn right and follow signs to Papagayo. Cross a small bridge; 200 yards later, you will see another road with signs that will lead you to your Papagayo hotel. This trip will take 4-5 hours by car.

From Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport, head out to the main road and turn right, following signs to Papagayo and to your hotel. This trip will take about 30 minutes.

Air:

Visitors can fly directly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, or take a local flight from San Jose. Nature Air and Sansa Air offer 40-minute flights daily from San Jose to Liberia starting around $80. Contact 1-800-517-7893 for reservations.

Northern Guanacaste

Northern Guanacaste

Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s most northwestern province, is bordered by soaring mountains to the east and the blue Pacific to the west. Visiting this region is like a tour through the highlights of Costa Rica: zip through wild jungle canopy, float down a tranquil river, hike along volcanic park trails, relax on sandy beaches and bask in the glow of a brilliant, coastal sunset. It’s an escape into the extraordinary that is impossible to forget.

The Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco perfectly combine tranquility with convenience as if on purpose. Playful monkeys, sunbathing iguanas and foraging coatimundis often accompany guests on walks along the beach. Four very different national parks are located within 50 miles of the coastline where hundreds of animals, including 300 bird species, make their homes. Together, these beach communities help to form an eco-rich region that is also close to amenities, including eclectic nightlife, luxurious hotels and pampering spas.

Rincon de la Vieja, only 16 miles north of Liberia, is more rural than its oceanfront neighbors. Towering volcanic peaks, sputtering and sulfurous mud pots and steaming fumaroles are reached by hiking trails that wind through Rincon de la Vieja National Park, promising enough to see and do for days.

Top Ten Travel Nursing “Hot Spots”

by: Janet Fikany

The great thing about being a traveling nurse boils down to one key component – it’s about the travel! For those of us who love moving around and seeing the world, travel nursing is the profession of our dreams. There are many travel destinations available, based on weather, activities, cost of living, and salary. Therefore, I have gathered a list of my “Top Ten” destinations that nurses choose, based on the number of travelers who inquire about each location every month. Are you a travel RN scouting a new assignment? Then I’d like to suggest the following ten “Hot Spots”: HAWAII – It’s no shock that Hawaii generates over 500 travel nursing inquiries per month. The wide range of outdoor activities from snow-capped mountains to snow-white sandy beaches elevates Hawaii to one of those meccas where you can build a snowman or a sand castle all in one day. Nurses tell me that you’ll discover virtually every type of outdoor activity imaginable—hiking trails that wind through erupting volcanoes, secret beaches, and lush green ranchlands. Many travelers also hunt, mountain bike, go rafting, and golf on some of the world’s most extravagant courses. ALASKA – Travel nurses are intrigued by the possibilities of Alaska’s rugged mystery. Alaska is a huge wilderness with beautiful scenery, and travel nursing assignments offer plenty of time to see and do everything you want, whether in winter’s darkness under northern lights, or the glorious spring and summer where it’s light most of the time. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Alaska for its’ wildlife, spectacular natural landscape, and fishing expeditions where the fish really are as big as the stories about which they’re told. Countless day cruises and sightseeing expeditions abound, as well as opportunities to hike, kayak, canoe, ski… Need we say more? MONTANA – Whether photographer, adventurer, or both, Montana is truly a state that beckons with open arms. River trips, fishing and camping, history, snowy mountain ranges, and waterfalls are what you’ll encounter, along with plenty of open space to explore. Assignments in Montana appeal to those travel nurses who just need some time to break away from their city grind to enjoy marching to the beat of an entirely different drummer. The Big Sky Country boasts some of America’s most famous mountains, canyons, river valleys, forests, grassy plains, badlands, and caverns, and many travelers find it just irresistible enough to keep coming back. MAINE – Maine’s splendor has inspired artists like Georgia O’Keefe and three generations of the Wyeth family, since the mid-nineteenth century. Travel nurses can’t resist at least one adventure in this charming getaway. Whether you embark on outdoor adventures like skiing and snowmobiling, or if you prefer the cozy ambience of antiquing through charming villages or just strolling or riding horseback on miles of sandy beaches in the smell of salt air, Maine is legendary and offers some wonderful travel nursing experiences. Its’ unique culture is outdoorsy and quaint, and of course you get to enjoy lobster as the locals do—fresh from the ocean! CALIFORNIA – Warm weather and world-famous beaches make California a favorite choice for traveling nurses. Nine-hundred miles of coastline gives nurses in all locations the chance to spend many hours near the waves; and for nature lovers, California is home to many wildlife parks, remote wilderness areas, and safe-havens for endangered animals. If you’re an excitement junkie, you can scout out a wide selection of theme parks; and no matter what your taste in music, concerts abound in every type of venue. Historic sites and museums invite, as do five-star restaurants and clubs in which to see and be seen. The shopping is unparalleled, whether it’s trendy Melrose Place, La Jolla, or the strand in Venice Beach; and of course it’s home to Hollywood, and, yes, movie stars. Whether northern, southern, or coastal locations, traveling nurses return to California time and again. WASHINGTON – The Evergreen State boasts the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains, desert experiences, rain forests, towering volcanoes, glaciers, and lush wine country. Washington State rates high on the list of many nurse travelers. Must-sees are the Space Needle and Coulee Dam. The culture here is incredibly diverse; sophisticated, outdoorsy, and loaded with resorts, history, parks, museums, and botanical gardens. Whether touring downtown Seattle for cozy antique and book stores, exploring ancient Indian grounds, or hiking and biking mountains or trails, Washington holds a strong allure for many nurse travelers. SOUTH CAROLINA – Endless adventure, excitement, fun and exploration represent why South Carolina is always a favorite destination for travel nurses. America’s oldest landscaped gardens frame mansions rife with historical heritage, in addition to pristine beaches and legendary marshy wetlands. For all you golfers, with over 330 golf courses, there’s always a new place to swing your clubs. But what fascinates many traveling nurses is the rich heritage in which South Carolina has paved the roads of culture, art, and folklore in our past. You can visit several historical areas and discovery centers of American history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War. COLORADO – World-class winter skiing and summer music festivals in the mountains are just two reasons that nurses love traveling to Colorado. Boasting four spectacular seasons, Colorado is where travel nurses get to explore the state’s 18 million acres of state and national parks, forests, and monuments for biking, hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, and kayaking, to name a few. Colorado has many cultural treasures, including ancient Native American sites and dinosaur fossil exhibits, historic ghost towns, and even award-winning vineyards in Grand Junction. And for those who enjoy city life, amid all this natural beauty lie wonderful metropolitan areas like Denver and Boulder, full of shopping, performing arts, and professional sports. TENNESSEE – From energetic nights of blues on Beale Street, to gorgeous rolling acres of Tennessee Walker horse country, to peaceful Smoky Mountain sunsets, Tennessee is a vacation that offers many world-renowned attractions. Nurse travelers who visit Tennessee will find that they’re within a day’s drive of 75-percent of the U.S. population via quality interstates and highways. Attractions in Tennessee include the Jack Daniels’ distillery, Elvis’s Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and lots of southern hospitality. And don’t forget the crown jewel of the southern Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ARIZONA – If you adore the outdoors, then the Grand Canyon State might just be for you. The nurses who go there just rave about Arizona’s landscape which takes in tall mountain ranges, swift rivers, grasslands, sand dunes, and cactus forests all set against a beautiful sky that glows pink in the sunset. The traveler nurses who enjoy history will find plenty of it here, including Old West reformations, Native American nations, and Spanish-influenced areas all in one state. Arizona is also home to the nation’s greatest golf courses, resorts, spas, cabins, and ranches. As you can see, limitless possibilities exist for those nurses who want travel, fun, and adventure to be part of their daily lives. If you’re a nurse who travels and it's time for you to move on to a new location, try one of these top travel nursing destinations and see what new experiences lie ahead.

Travel Insurance Bargains for Brits

by: Steve Cogger

If you're traveling in the UK, or a UK citizen traveling elsewhere, you have many options including full year travel insurance. While the occasional traveler such as a vacationer may not find full year travel insurance preferable to the one-trip options, business travelers or other frequent travelers may opt for full year travel insurance as the best time saving and money saving choice. UK travel insurance options, in addition to full year UK travel insurance coverage, are numerous: one-trip or multiple-trip plans, extended stay, business travel plans, several designed especially for family travel, and even one that's focused on the needs of backpacking travelers. With just about every plan lost luggage coverage can be included or deleted a la carte, since travelers may find that this protection is included in their homeowners' policy. Full year UK travel insurance, as well as one or multiple trip options, also includes medical coverage while participating in most sports, although you sometimes must choose this option for the coverage. Instant quotes are available online. On one informative UK site your instant quote is given individually for your choice of single trip, annual (also known as multiple trip) or backpacker. Let's take a look at the full year UK travel insurance quote. For this quote you are asked to register and then choose destinations. The destination choices for this full year UK travel insurance plan are for travel specific to the UK, travel within all of Europe, travel worldwide with the exception of the United States and the Caribbean, word travel that includes the U.S. and the Caribbean, or travel in Australia and/or New Zealand. We indicated that we are a couple - 45 and 43 years of age - with no children under 19 accompanying us, that we are traveling throughout all of Europe starting September 1st of 2005, and that we are going to participate in winter sports. The quotes, converted from British pounds to U.S. dollars, ranged between $92 and $255, depending on the extent of coverage. At the low end of the full year UK travel insurance coverage we found lower ceilings on medical coverage. These quotes also excluded lost baggage coverage and some sports coverage. An accident during a round of golf, for example, was not included in this quote. The highest premium full year UK travel insurance product, offered an amazingly high ceiling on medical coverage - over $17 million -included compensation for any loss of limbs, dental coverage, mountain search and rescue and repatriation for medical emergency. Clearly, if you seek full year UK travel insurance, you'll find many options and something that will fit your wallet.