MIRAR DEBAJO POR ESTE MENSAJE EN ESPAÑOL / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SPANISH

At the precise point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes (also known as the Gulf of California) – at the very tip of the Baja California Sur – lies Cabo San Lucas, a perfect vacation spot for avid travellers, young and old. As a famously picturesque locale, Cabo San Lucas is blessed with white sand beaches, year-round sun and temperate weather, all part of its magnetism, attracting die-hard fishermen and beach bums alike.

The famous Arch and Bay of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Locals call the arch the 'window to the Pacific Ocean.'

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Posted under General, Mexico, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

* LEIA LOGO ABAIXO ESTA NOTICIA EM PORTUGUÊS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN PORTUGUESE

Once overrun with pirates and slave traders, the peninsula of Armação dos Búzios, or simply Búzios, began to receive a different kind of welcome attention during the 1960s, when Brigitte Bardot popularised its brilliant beaches. It has since been transformed into one of the best seaside resorts in Brazil, a trendy destination especially for Brazilians and Argentines.

The harbour of Búzios fills with fishing boats in the afternoon and offers lovely sunsets. There are several hotels with views overlooking this spectacle.

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Posted under Brazil, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Image by Vika Waqa
Text by Kolinio Rokuta, whl.travel local connection in Fiji

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Bure (pronounced boo-reh) is the Fijian word for a traditional family dwelling, with a design that represents one of the finest examples of workmanship in Fiji. It is a thatched hut usually constructed from palm and bamboo, and is accompanied by an outside kitchen. The bure pictured here is located on the island of Nacula in the Yasawa Group.

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Posted under Fiji, General, Photo of the Week, countries

SILAKAN LIHAT DI BAWAH INI UNTUK ARTIKEL INI DALAM BAHASA INDONESIA / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN INDONESIAN

At the heart of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province lies the vibrant provincial capital of Makassar. Formerly called Ujung Pandang, the city has for centuries made its mark in Indonesian history as a bustling port. Today it’s a sprawling metropolis, still rich in history and culture – a perfect gateway from which to discover the rest of the region.

A tongkonan is the name of a traditional house of the Toraja people who live on Indonesia's Sulawesi Island. Its curved shape is similar that of a boat and it is adorned by buffalo horns.

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Posted under General, Indonesia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Laura Fornadel

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When deliberating a honeymoon – an important rite of passage for all soon-to-be-married couples – traditional romantic cities like Venice or Paris are usually top destination choices. Few amorous outings compare to a stroll along the Seine or a gondolier’s serenade on the Venetian canals. This year, however, a new locale has topped a few lists for those in search of romantic settings… and it isn’t in Europe!

Newlyweds Ken and Isabella look to the horizon and contemplate their future at Anse Source d’Argent on la Digue Island in the Seychelles after their wedding

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Posted under General, Seychelles, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter

SIEN ONDER VIR DIE BOODSKAP IN AFRIKAANS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN AFRIKAANS

Notable as the locations of some of Africa’s preeminent water-sport destinations, Port Elizabeth and Addo National Park lie halfway between Cape Town and Durban on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. With a moderate climate and pleasant temperatures all year round, Port Elizabeth – more affectionately known as P.E. or the Friendly City by locals – and the surrounding region also offer exciting activities to terrestrial sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Traditional wear in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is still regularly seen. These two ladies are a prime example of the Xhosa heritage common throughout the province and in cities like Port Elizabeth.

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Posted under General, South Africa, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Maureen Valentine

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Off Panama’s Pacific coast lies Isla Gobernadora, a peaceful and natural haven practically untouched by modern preoccupations. For the local inhabitants, primarily fishermen, island life tends to revolve around the seasons and tides, and the absence of roads and cars means that people get around by boats or boots. This hasn’t however prevented outsiders from beating a path to the famous surfing point of Santa Catalina or establishing a base for diving trips into Coiba National Park or nearby Isla Cebico.

Boats on the Isla Gobernadora shore await use in this ideal diving area. The beautiful waters of the Pacific off Panama draw some of the best divers in the world.

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Posted under General, Panama, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, responsible travel news, whl.travel newsletter

When the stadiums are empty, plan a tour or activity in or near the World Cup host cities to get to know the real South Africa

By Ethan Gelber and Crystel Carre-Hodgson

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“This World Cup belongs to Africa!” declared Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, at the Cape Town Convention Centre on 5 December 2009, the long-awaited day of the World Cup 2010 draw. Needless to say, since then, Africa’s already considerable pride at hosting the world’s most popular sporting event grows by the day, in lock step with the excitement of soccer fanatics from all across the continent (and around the world) eagerly awaiting kickoff of the first game – South Africa versus Mexico in Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium at 4pm local time on 11 June 2010.

Supporters of Bafana Bafana, the South Africa national soccer team (photo courtesy of South African Tourism)

The success of the World Cup will however be measured by more than just the tenacity of the teams. Nearly 500,000 people are expected to visit South Africa from game 1 until the finals precisely one month later. Their presence comes as an important economic injection, especially in the tourism sector, as the hordes head out to experience the country.

So, as a primer for the independent traveller in South Africa during the games – the traveller passionate about soccer, but also about meeting and making a difference with the local communities hosting the games – here’s a quick overview of how between games you can connect with the people, just a small but important step in being a good guest.
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Posted under General, South Africa, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter

With its distinctive whitewashed villages perched on rocky cliffs that overlook the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is the quintessential Greek island, a stunning travel delight. Part of the Cyclades Islands group and located just north of Crete, Santorini is easily reached by ferry from Athens but still a world away from its hustle and bustle. The unique and sometimes challenging landscape of Santorini betrays its volcanic origins, forces that also created immaculate beaches and vast entrancing moonscapes.

A traditional Santorini cave house is built on and dug into the slope of the caldera rim. Characteristic of the local architecture, it is a cubical and vaulted house with small windows.

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Posted under General, Greece, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Image by Carlos Martín, text by Fabiola Duerig, 
whl.travel local connection in Santa Marta

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A Buritaca sunset is unique. Here, a local child basks in its glory while walking along the river of the same name that flows into the Caribbean Sea.

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Posted under Colombia, Photo of the Week, countries, local tips