Deal

Dynamic Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline, cobblestone streets lined with rooftop bars, and centuries of intact ruins to explore. Founded in 1519, the original Panama City – Panamá Viejo – was abandoned in the mid-17th century and replaced by a historic district — Casco Viejo – that are together recognised as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Discover a trove of artifacts and information on the planning, construction and operation of the ‘Big Ditch’ at the interactive Panama Canal Museum, and pay homage to the 22,000 workers who died building it at the Plaza de Francia.

This small port city along Costa Rica’s west coast is a gateway to verdant mountains and abundant wildlife. Cruise the Tárcoles River, home to countless birds and a huge colony of crocodiles. Catch the rare opportunity to watch purebred Andalusian horses perform at a Costa Rican hacienda in the highlands of Puntarenas. Travel down the Pacific coast to observe Costa Rica’s famed scarlet macaws among the rainforests and mangroves of Carara National Park. While strolling the open-air cafes and boutiques of Paseo de los Turistas beside Puntarenas Beach, be sure to sample a ‘Churchill’, the Puntarenas version of a snow cone.

Surrounded by azure Pacific waters, the port city of Corinto is a gateway to León, the capital of Nicaragua until 1851. Its stunning streetscapes of preserved vestiges from the colonial period are topped by the World Heritage-listed León Cathedral, the largest of its kind in Central America and home to revered artworks and a multitude of architectural styles. Experience more superb artwork at the Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián Art Center, where Rubens, Miró, Picasso, Chagall and Matisse are but a few of the artists represented. Back in Corinto, wander amongst the handicraft vendors of Parque Central before settling into a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood and a tasty margarita.

Though it boasts the largest industrial seaport in El Salvador, Acajutla is not heavily frequented by cruise ships and thus gives visitors an authentic look at life along the Pacific coast of Central America. Cast your line on a deep-sea fishing expedition, or take a tour to see the country’s active volcanoes, Mayan ruins or coffee plantations. For more adventurous souls, a zip line canopy tour above the Apaneca jungle provides thrills.

Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country’s colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvillea-draped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes. Travel to famed Lake Atitlan and step back in time as you encounter the indigenous people in all their finery still living along the lakeshore. Whether you opt to explore the ancient Mayan history of the region or it’s more-recent colonial past, its architecture, culture and locals are sure to inspire.

Embrace International style and old world charm in Puerto Vallarta, tucked within the sparkling Banderas Bay, embraced by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. Once in Old Town, follow the sound of the bells to The Lady of Guadalupe Church; they ring every 15 minutes. Admire the carved interior and exceptional architecture. Stroll along cobblestone streets to the park-like setting of the Rio Cuale. Outdoor vendors line the river with colourful wares. Look for fine silver jewellery, designer clothing, leather goods and hand made pottery. Enjoy the flavours of Mexico from fresh seafood, grilled meats, café de olla, and tempting sweets.

This popular resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula offers dual experiences: the vibrant, bar-and-restaurant-filled ‘Cabo’, and quieter, more historic San José del Cabo. Once a sleepy fishing village, Cabo’s stretches of white-sand beach now draw holidaymakers from around the world. Playa El Médano is Cabo’s main attraction, while the Land’s End promontory features picturesque Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) and El Arco, an iconic natural archway in the sea cliffs. Take a drive to San José del Cabo to see a 17th-century Jesuit Mission, a bird-filled estuary, and the Art District’s charming architecture, trendy cafés and galleries selling traditional Mexican artworks.

After the Jesuits built a series of missions along the coast of Alta California, the Spaniards established a port in 1781 as a supply stop for their coastal shipping routes. With the arrival of the transcontinental railway and the discovery of oil, people began to arrive in droves. In 1923, the much-photographed giant letters were erected on the hill, and the golden age of Hollywood was born. The scale of Los Angeles, 145 kilometres long by 80 kilometres wide, defies belief.

Enjoy another day in Los Angeles.

Honolulu is both the capital and most populous city of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, Honolulu means “sheltered bay” or “place of shelter.” The city was settled by Polynesian migrants, but it is not known when they first made the area their home. The turbulent late 19th century and early 20th century saw the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaii’s subsequent annexation by the United States, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, all keeping Honolulu as the main seaport of the Hawaiian Islands.

Explore Kahului, Maui, on Hawaii’s Valley Island, with its natural treasures on land and sea, including Mt. Haleakala Crater, Iao Needle Mountain, and spectacular beaches for swimming, diving and surfing. Head to Lahaina on the western side of the island and visit the magnificent world-famous banyan tree in front of the Old Courthouse building. Browse the mile-long Front Street with its shops, galleries, whaling history museum, and restaurants. Stop for a refreshing shave ice. Look for unique souvenirs like Maui’s famous “Kitchen Cooked” potato chips, coffee, and leis. Back in Kahului, visit the Maui Arts and Cultural Centre. Enjoy a meal of Hawaiian pig, poi, or fresh seafood in these lush and naturally luxurious tropical settings.

Situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo greets guests in its historic downtown area, packed with restaurants and shops. As beaches are high on any visitor’s list, be sure to head to beautiful Hilo Bay Beachfront Park, a black-sand haven for surfers and canoeing enthusiasts. Other local attractions include Pana’ewa Zoo, the only rainforest zoo in the United States; Nani Mau Gardens, where a tram ride takes you past highlights such as the iron bell tower and lovely orchid pavilion. Spectacular day trips are available, from volcano tours to kayaking adventures to hiking tours in Akaka Falls State Park.

Bora Bora lies 241 kilometres northwest of Tahiti in the Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the centre of a multicoloured lagoon, surrounded by offshore “motu” islets inside a protective coral necklace. Its lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. A partially paved road circles the island, passing colourful villages, archaeological sites, and old Army bunkers and cannons left over from WWII, when 5,000 American GIs made a “friendly invasion.”

Moorea, often likened to James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea’s spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark’s jaw from the island’s base. Shark sightings on nearly every dive make this island a popular diving destination. At times, a tuna will swim by, or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.