Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.

Cobbled streets, balconies with blooming bougainvillea, and pastel plazas make Cartagena one of Latin America’s most photogenic cities. But it’s not just another pretty seaport. Founded in 1533, this Spanish-Colonial city is steeped in history. Its location made it a popular port for plunderers and pirates. Today thrill-seekers will find a perfect mix of old and new with a twist of island attitude.

The canal is a marvel of engineering, but the area is also a sanctuary for sloths, eagles, ocelots and toucans, thanks to a lush rainforest environment and tropical temperatures.

As the world’s second largest duty-free port, Colón offers abundant shopping. It also represents the gateway to numerous sites of ecological interest, including Chagres National Park, a 3,000,000-acre rainforest preserve, and the Gamboa Rainforest Preserve, which lies within Soberania National Park.

Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere. Today’s visitors can enjoy this culture along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and exciting nightlife.

Kralendijk is the sleepy capital of Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Antilles. Kralendijk is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving – the island is surrounded by a Marine Park – Bonaire also offers such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean.

Grand Cayman is one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands Christopher Columbus called “Las Tortugas” (the turtles) for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. The designation did not endure, however, for on later maps the islands were labeled the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for “crocodile.” The name “Caimanas” refers inaccurately to the iguanas native to the islands, which were perhaps at one point mistaken for crocodiles. Among other attractions, visitors to the island will enjoy learning about the turtles, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven-Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world.

Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.