Beaches and Islands

If you enjoy discovering new places, here is a very special treat.

In April ’04 my husband and I stayed 10 nights at Dive 7000 Resort (Anilao, Batangas, PHILIPPINES; In the U.S., call Bob Furlong at 773/791-1898 or e-mail furlong20@hotmail.com) — a 2-hour drive south of Manila.

The rooms are basic, with two single beds and private baths. Most have air-conditioning. The nightly rate of $115 per person includes the round trip from Manila, all meals and two boat dives a day.

by John C. Deppman, Fort Meyers, FL (Part 1 of 2)

I always considered Madagascar to be a dream travel destination, and I fervently wanted to visit the island. Having taken previous ecotours to West, East and Southern Africa, I felt I was ready to take on this big island.

The 39th annual Carriacou Regatta will take place July 25-Aug. 2, 2004. The most southerly of the Grenadines, Carriacou is the largest of the chain of islands between Grenada and St. Vincent. The festival is a salute to its sister island of Grenada’s art of boatbuilding, handed down by Irish and Scottish ancestors.

by Steve Venables, Contributing Editor

8-day/7-night cruise of northern SCOTLAND and islands aboard the 50-passenger Hebridean Princess, April 30-May 7, 2013. Highlights: Embark Oban/Isle of Muck/in Inverie, Scotland’s most remote pub/Tanera Mòr island/bird-watch at Balranald Nature Reserve, Uist. Cabins, $4,900-$8,040. Single cabins, $5,250-$7,350. Hebridean Island Cruises (Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 877/600-2648).

Montague Island, off the coast of Narooma, New South Wales, Australia, has a historic lighthouse and a nature reserve which seals and seabirds, including little penguins, call home.

by Judith Anshin, First of two parts

For more than 10 years I had wanted to take a long trip to Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. I decided 2011 would be the year I would do it, no matter what.

12 days/9 nights, Jan. 29-Feb. 9, 2013. Highlights: In Santiago, CHILE, Cousiño Palace, winery visit and tasting / fly to Easter Island, stay in Hanga Roa / Rano Raraku quarry, source of stone for the moai carvings / petroglyphs at Orongo / Ana Kai Tangata (Cave of the Cannibals) / watch traditional dancers while enjoying an umu (earth oven dinner). With air from Santiago to Easter Island, $7,995. Single supp., $795. Far Horizons (San Anselmo, CA; 800/552-4575).

The topic of the essay contest announced in the December ’11 issue (page 52) was “It’s Real in Israel.” Each contest seems to bring a surprise, and this month we have a tie. The winners are NILI OLAY and DEE POUJADE. Each will receive a 50-dollar gift certificate for Magellan’s Travel Supplies (800/962-4943). Their essays — with different focuses — appear below.