The wines of Argentina are among the most appreciated in the world and the tours of the various vineyards that produce them are a great attraction not only because visitors learn the process of making award-winning wines, but also because they have the opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary countryside of this wonderful destination in South America.The regions that produce the best wines are Mendoza, Salta and Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, and Sur Argentino. Here are five important wineries that offer tours to their visitors:ADVERTISING Trending Now Zuccardi Valle de UcoThis house produces internationally awarded wines. Its winery is the most important in South America and was awarded the best in the world in 2021. The Zuccardi Family, which owns the factory, produces wines with the highest quality standards with the help of agricultural and wine experts. They have a research and development area dedicated to the study of terroir and the variables that affect the quality of the wine. According to the factory owner, the important thing is not to look for perfect wines, but those that express the region where they are made.Visitors can tour the different spaces of the winery and enjoy the experience of touring the vineyards to discover the characteristics and particularities of the different soils that give identity to these award-winning Argentine wines. Visitors have to book to get a place on the tour and also for product tastings.Catena ZapataFounded in 1902 in the province of Mendoza, Bodega Catena Zapata is responsible for the resurgence of the Malbec variety and the discovery of the terroirs of extreme height at the foot of the Andes. Its Adrianna vineyard, located almost 5,000 feet above sea level, is considered the Grand Cru of South America for its exceptional quality wines.During the visit to this extraordinary winery, tourists can taste three types of wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay. Tours are conducted by specialized guides in small groups. Is recommended to book a date and time in advance that can be done via the internet.ColoméColome has been producing wines since 1831 and is located in the Calchaquíes Valleys (Salta-Catamarca). It is the oldest in Argentina and is characterized by the conservation of natural resources through environmentally friendly practices in its production processes. Its wines, of the emblematic varieties Malbec and Torrontés, have unique characteristics that make them one of the favorites of connoisseurs. The land of Argentina makes it a privileged place for the cultivation of grapes with which the best wines in the world are produced. (Photo via Rostislav_Sedlacek/iStock/Getty Images Plus). Visit, with prior reservation, includes tours around the vineyards, enjoying private individual or group tastings, as well as a visit to know the art collection at the James Turrell Museum. Tastings include high-altitude wines that can be accompanied by a lunch in the restaurant to create a complete experience. In addition, the visitor can stay at Estancia Colomé, a boutique hotel located between lavender gardens and vineyards. This place has nine rooms with private balconies to enjoy the magnificent scenery.Salentein Valle de UroThis wine producer is located in the heart of the province of Mendoza, a sandy region with a dry climate, hot days, and cool nights. Its production is based on European craft techniques combined with advanced technology.It has underground stone-floor cellars where its wines are aged in French oak barrels of 225 liters each. It has three tasting rooms located on the same level as the cellars, with stone tables and quarry blocks. Its impressive Sala Primus is unique in Argentina and contains 12 French oak barrels equipped with controlled refrigeration systems where it is made, only with crops where the fruit is of exceptional quality.Tourists can book to enjoy the experience of their wines with guided group tours including vineyards, production areas, underground cava, and tasting of four wines from the cellar. Visitors can also book at the Espacio Salentein restaurant and enjoy its different menus. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay are some of the great wines produced by Argentina. (Photo via Brunomsbarreto). El EnemigoThis winery, located in Maipú, Mendoza, was created to rescue some of the forgotten traditional techniques of Argentine wine growing. The visitor can tour the underground cellars where the barrels are housed, and in addition to tasting the wines have the opportunity to enjoy unique gastronomy, with family recipes made with organic products from their garden. All this in an environment surrounded by original paintings and sculptures.Visitors can tour some vineyards and halls that make up the front courtyard of the winery that is created based on the Divine Comedy of Dante, so tourists can tour Infierno, which is the barrel cellar with its different levels until they reach Paradise, which is the Restaurant of Casa Vigil that offers an excellent lunch of four steps paired with award-winning wines. Adblock test (Why?)

The northeast Mexican state of Tamaulipas is a revelation destination thanks to its wide range of experiences and places to visit, according to Fernando Olivera Rocha, Secretary of Tourism of the government of Tamaulipas.The numbers back that up. From January to August 2022, Tamaulipas received more than 9.5 million local visitors, which surpasses the 9 million tourists that arrived in 2019, the previous record year.ADVERTISINGMORE Destination & Tourism Travelers can look forward to 400 kilometers of sun and beach, one million hectares of protected natural areas, 27,000 hotel rooms, a robust array of gastronomic offerings, medical tourism and business services and amenities, among other qualities.In the case of the coasts, Olivera Rocha said that "Tamaulipas is the destination with the cleanest beaches in all of Mexico." It received the international Blue Flag distinction and the recognition of Cofepris, the Mexican agency that evaluates the cleanliness of beaches.Recognizing the correct cleaning practices, water quality, and environmental management, Miramar Beach, Tamaulipas's greatest tourist promenade, received the Blue Flag international distinction for the third consecutive time granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education. This new achievement joins the national certifications that Miramar has, as well as being the first inclusive beach in the Gulf of Mexico.Tamaulipas has an excellent infrastructure for the groups and conventions segment as well. "We have four centers, representing more than 30,000 square meters of the exhibition floor," said the secretary. And outstanding connectivity. Tampico is only 4.5 hours from Mexico City by road, and, in addition, the state has five international airports.Olivera Rocha is convinced of information technologies. And he assures that they have changed how people travel and how new advances promise to make the experience more pleasurable, as the choice of destination and activities are linked to them.In the next two decades, Mexico will be oriented toward providing services, which is why cultural and natural resources are essential and impossible to replicate elsewhere, as highlighted by the Secretary of Tourism of Tamaulipas."Tourism is a sector that has not stopped growing in the last 50 years, and, despite the pandemic, it was one of the activities that rebounded the fastest in economic income," he said.The head of Sectur de Tamaulipas pointed out that hunting and sport fishing tourism offers fabulous natural and cultural wealth, such as beaches, canyons, a protected natural area, a critical archeological zone, and two wonderful Pueblos Mágicos (magical towns): Tula and Mier.Another area to highlight is the state's handicrafts: Tamaulipas leather; ixtle, bamboo, wood, and stone handicrafts; the traditional "huapilla," a drink made from the fruit of the same name; mezcal and craft beer, to mention a few products. Ceviche (Photo courtesy of iStock / Getty Images Plus / Proformabooks) Olivera Rocha said that part of the attraction of Tamaulipas is also the delicious gastronomy. Visitors can delight themselves with different samples of local dishes, characterized by their flavor and freshness and for being the perfect fusion with endemic ingredients of the state. And he mentioned various dishes such as crab a la Frank, kid, flautas de harina (long flour tacos), teodorinas, and torta de la barda.From traditional Tampico cuisine to the ancient zacahuil recipes, with the vitality of prawns and the taste of crab, the Tamaulipas gastronomy is so vast that visitors may choose from seafood, meat, corn or different fusion cuisine that has emerged as a result of the influence of the neighboring states: San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Nuevo León, and even Texas in the U.S.When visiting Tampico and Madero, you can find great seafood at local restaurants or other modest establishments. It would be best to try the delicious ceviche, seafood soup, fish, cocktails, and crab in different presentations. These are only some of the options to delight travelers looking to discover Tamaulipas through its flavors, smells, and textures.It's worth noting that people in Tamaulipas love going out to eat. Thus, it is no wonder that portions are generous almost everywhere. It would be best if you came with a great appetite, which is made easy by merely looking at the dishes. So, if you've spent your morning exploring the streets and museums of Tamaulipas, an afternoon meal will reenergize you.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

It seems like so many Colorado visitors just hit the usual suspects like Denver and Colorado Springs, which are both incredible places and included in this road trip itinerary, but there’s a lot more to Colorado than just big cities.Whether you go to explore the big cities or visit the mountains in Aspen or Vail to ski, Colorado has a lot to offer, within the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas like Great Sand Dunes National Park. Explore the western side of the state, stopping for plenty of adventures along the way.ADVERTISING Trending Now Start and End in DenverWith plenty of direct flights available, plan to fly in and out of Colorado's capital, Denver. Full of historic architecture, art, and amazing food, Denver is the ideal place to begin this loop road trip. Explore the preserved ghost mining town of St. Elmo to discover buildings and homes from the 1800s at an elevation of just under 10,000 feet. After driving through the mountains, head back to the city to check into your boutique accommodations for the evening.Catbird Hotel3770 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205Catbird Hotel is truly gifted when it comes to making a small space special. Although they have small rooms to work with, they get the most out of the space by elevating the bed and creating storage underneath. Even the windows act as a view into the city life during the day. At night, a projection screen comes down over the window for guests to watch TV and movies. There’s even a little kitchenette area if there’s something guests want to cook for themselves. It’s really the perfect little overnight stay. Catbird Hotel in Denver, Colorado. (photo by Jessica Kelly) Check-in at The Ramble Hotel1280 25th St, Denver, CO 80205Another excellent hotel option in Denver is The Ramble Hotel. This property has a ton of charm and is in a great location just down the street from the Denver Market. It even holds one of the most iconic cocktail bars, Death & Co, right in the lobby. I had the most incredible cocktail there called the Jade Wave, made with Novo Fogo Cachaca, Arette Blanco Tequila, Matcha, Calpico, Lime, Nori, and Absinthe. It had a very mild briny flavor which was incredible, so different from anything I’ve ever tried before.The Source Hotel and Market Hall Before Dinner3330 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216Be sure to stop at the Source Hotel and Market. They have a lot of different vendors selling everything from food to retail crafts. Visitors can browse through some of the boutique shops before heading to dinner at Safta, an Israeli restaurant that blew me away with its delicious food. Try the pomegranate lamb shanks and their spreads with extra naan.Stop by Whole Sol Blend Bar (3605 Walnut St. Denver, CO 80205) in the morning for some organic goodies like a smoothie bowl and a latte, or maybe a fresh cold-pressed green juice to start the morning right. If you’re looking for a not-so-healthy breakfast, head over to Snooze (1701 Wynkoop St. Suite 150, Denver, CO 80202) for some pancake flights and sausage which may not be organic, but it is delicious.Denver Central Market2669 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205With a variety of vendors selling fresh oysters on the half shell, baked goods, tacos, cocktails, pizza, and all different foods, the Denver Central Market perfect place to meet up with friends, especially if you’re all craving something different. It’s also the prime spot to start if you want to take one of the Denver Graffiti Tours of RiNo. Jana is an incredible guide and the new owner of Graffiti Tours. She’s packed full of knowledge about all these stunning murals that cover the buildings within the RiNo neighborhood.Don’t forget to stop at Meow Wolf Denver (1338 1st St. Denver, CO 80204) if you love immersive, funky art. The experience has a creative touch to it, leading to a really unique kind of gallery to experience. They pull in local artists, as well as the usual Meow Wolf artists to create different rooms that transport visitors to another world. Denver Central Market. (Photo courtesy of Deb Schell) Discover NathropWhile in Colorado, visiting a hot spring has to be a priority and Mount Princeton Hot Spring (15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236) is one of the best. They have heated pools with the hot mineral water filtering in, or guests can climb down a few large rocks to get into the actual mineral hot springs along the river. It’s truly special to experience and Mount Princeton has incredible views of the mountains in the distance to enjoy while kicking back.Visitors can stay on the property in one of their luxury cabins, some of which are right across from the entrance to the springs at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort (15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236). For a special experience, consider booking a private night swim in the springs.Mary Murphy Steakhouse15870 Co Rd 162, Nathrop, CO 81236Mary Murphy’s has amazing apps like Peach Glazed Tiger Shrimp with a peach BBQ sauce, tomato confit, bacon chip, and pistachio or the Rare Beef Tataki with ponzu, charred scallion cream, Orange Supreme, radish, and Bavette. The Rack of Elk was cooked beautifully with a sweet juniper rub, huckleberry jus, some crispy fingerling potatoes, and cippolini.Before arriving at the next destination, be sure to visit some of the neighboring small towns like Salida to get breakfast and a coffee at Bunny and Clyde's Corner Cafe and Market (203 W 1st St. Salida, CO 81211) or Crestone, known for spiritual and religious beliefs coming together in one small town. Don’t forget to explore the roadside attractions like the UFO Watchtower (CO-17, Center, CO 81125) or the Colorado Gators Reptile Park (9162 Ln 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146).Explore Del Norte and AlamosaDel Norte has so much charm and character. Everyone seems to know each other well and supports each other's local businesses. The Mellow Moon Lodge (1160 Grand Ave Del Norte, CO 81132) has transformed the building into a hip and trendy, modern boutique experience, and yes, they were working on this before the hit series Schitt’s Creek came out. It's the perfect spot to crash for the night with comfortable accommodations, colorful touches, and welcoming staff.The Historic Windsor Hotel Dining Room605 Grand Avenue Del Norte, CO 81132While in town, don’t forget to visit the Windsor Hotel for the most incredible dinner. They have the best pork chops, among other amazing options, appetizers to share, and Aperol spritzers. Nearby is 1874 Distilling (645 Grand Ave, Del Norte, CO 81132) where they use local vegetables and fruits to create cocktail concoctions and bring some fun craft spirits to the area.While staying in Del Norte, don’t forget to drive out to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Every year around springtime, the snow starts to melt, running down the mountains to the dunes. This creates a seasonal natural river, making a beach environment in the dunes where locals can come to float and relax. Boards and sleds are available to rent to use on the dunes. Be sure to always have socks on hand because the sand can become very hot in the afternoon. Also, many people don’t consider the elevation here, but it’s the high desert. Have plenty of water with you to stay hydrated. Sunset view of sand waves at the top of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Colorado. (photo via SeanXu/iStock/Getty Images Plus) After sandboarding, swing by Calvillo's Mexican Restaurant (400 Main Street, Alamosa CO 81101) for a bite. If you’re looking to try the famous green chili sauce the SLV and nearby New Mexico are known for, head to Nino's Del Sol (326 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101) for an order with their fresh tortillas for dunking. San Luis Valley Brewing Company (631 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101) even has a green chile beer, which was surprisingly delicious. Don’t leave Del Norte without grabbing fresh bread or a baked good from Raisin Rye Bakery (675 Grand Ave, Del Norte, CO 81132).Check Out Cañon CityThe Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212) area is absolutely beautiful, with steep canyons and plenty of bighorn sheep scooting around. Guests can stay right on the property at Royal Gorge Cabins (45054 West U.S. Highway 50, Canon City, CO 81212), which really are not cabins at all, but more like beautiful houses with amazing mountain views. In Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, visitors can really test their fear of heights by riding the gondola across the gorge, experiencing Colorado's number one Bucket List Zip Line, venturing across America’s highest suspension bridge, and experiencing the World’s Scariest Skycoaster that sends riders soaring over the deep gorge.After a day of thrilling adventures at the gorge, calm the nerves before heading to bed with a lovely meal at Le Petit Chablis (512 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, CO 81212). This lovely French cafe has incredible escargots de Bourgogne swimming in garlic parsley butter in the shell, flavorful French onion soup and a New Zealand rack of lamb with garlic sauce, among other dishes.Uncover Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs Downtown Colorado Springs set against the Rocky Mountains. (photo courtesy of pilgrims49 / iStock / Getty Images Plus) The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway (515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829) was truly an experience, taking guests up to the tip of Pikes Peak Summit. On top of the mountain, there’s a new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, featuring a little café, a gift shop, bathrooms, and some information about Pikes Peak. Visitors can spot bighorn sheep on the mountains and take in incredible views. Just be prepared for the change in elevation (14,115 feet at the summit). The train heads up the mountain at a fairly quick speed, getting all the way to the top in about an hour. Have plenty of water and take a minute to acclimate once at the top.After Pikes Peak, check in at the Garden of the Gods Club and Resort (3320 Mesa Road Colorado Springs, CO 80904), where guests are immediately greeted by the stunning views of the park in the backdrop of the hotel's floor-to-ceiling bay windows. Most of the rooms have a private view of the park, as well, making the experience that much more special. There’s nothing like throwing open the blinds and seeing the sun beam onto the structures in the morning, creating a bright orange hue on the rock formations. Absolutely stunning.Enjoy the in-house gym and infinity pool with incredible views. Book an appointment at STRATA, the in-house spa, for a treatment like the cleansing Mystic Inka Ritual with Haley. This was essentially a full body exfoliation and skin treatment, leaving the skin feeling amazing and so smooth. Take a moment to learn about their incredible Women’s Wellness Lifestyle program where they work individually with women on their personal health and wellness goals. Have dinner on-site at their in-house restaurant, Kissing Camels or Grand View on-site for a convenient and tasty option with incredible views of the mountains and the Garden of the Gods.Nearby, Academy Riding Stables (4 El Paso Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80904) offers horseback riding through the Garden of the Gods. They’ll pair guests with a gentle horse that’s great with strangers and take the group out for a one or two-hour tour, riding through the park.Explore Downtown Colorado SpringsDiscover some local boutiques and shops along Old Colorado City and throughout Downtown Colorado Springs before grabbing an evening cocktail at The Rabbit Hole (101 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903). The concept is so unique. The building used to be the city morgue and just looks like a randomly placed door in the middle of the sidewalk that leads underground into an Alice in Wonderland-themed bar.Stop into Crystal Park Cantina (178 Crystal Park Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829) for delicious Mexican food like their crispy fish tacos and freshly made guacamole with crispy chips. For a quick, but satisfying, bite, this is a great stop.Before heading back to Denver to fly out, stop at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park to try the Pterodactyl. It’s similar to a canyon swing that drops riders, freefalling into the 200-foot deep Williams Canyon at 100 mph before swinging back and forth in the canyon. It’s so thrilling, better than coffee in the morning. Just give it a try, I’m sure you won’t regret it. Just note that the wind cannot be more than 10 mph and the weather has to cooperate for the Pterodactyl to be running. If there is a chance of bad weather, call and confirm first. Adblock test (Why?)

The Mexican state of Morelos is divided into 36 municipalities, and its capital is Cuernavaca.The famous German naturalist, humanist, and explorer Alexander von Humboldt baptized Cuernavaca as the city of eternal spring. The nickname was so fitting that every time it was mentioned, people and even foreigners know that it is the capital of the state of Morelos.ADVERTISINGMORE Destination & Tourism However, the city was initially called Cuauhnáhuac, which means “next to the tree” in the Nahuatl language. However, the Spanish speakers couldn’t pronounce it accurately, so they eventually transformed the name into Cuernavaca.Cuernavaca is about 50 miles away from Mexico City. It is among the favorite weekend destinations for Mexican capital inhabitants due to its all-year temperate climate, its vegetation, and many water parks. The city has grown such that urbanization has spread to the neighboring municipalities.It is well known that Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conqueror, considered Cuernavaca a heavenly place, full of flowers, and commissioned to build in this city a palace that survives to the present day. The city has thus become an important historical destination full of colonial and pre-Hispanic treasures.The charming Historical Center of “Cuerna,” as the city is affectionately short named, has the charm of a province with its colonial buildings, fountains, parks, and ravines. In its downtown, visitors will find the Cathedral, Cortés Palace, which comprises the Cuauhnahuac Museum, Borda Garden, the Government Palace, the Jardín Juarez, Chapultepec ecological park, the Amanalco ravine, the Chapel del Calvario, and the Robert Brady Museum, among other attractions. Happy tourists couple holding map (Photo via burakkarademir / iStock / Getty Images Plus) All visitors should stop at the Plaza de Armas to breathe in its festive atmosphere and colonial charm. There, the most notable building is the Palacio de Cortés, built by the aforementioned Spanish conqueror in 1526, imitating the style of the Alcázar de Colón de Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the country in New Spain style. Here, Cortés settled his residence after living for a period in Mexico City.A few minutes from the Historical Center, you can visit the Teopanzolco Archaeological Zone in the Vista Hermosa neighborhood, which in Náhuatl means “place of the old temple.” This settlement initially would have been inhabited by Tlahuicas and later by Mexicas. The main pyramid is dedicated to Aztec gods Tláloc and Huitzilopochtli.Some tourists take advantage of the short distance and visit the nearby town of Tepoztlán located in the Cerro del Tepozteco (Tepozteco Hill). Besides admiring its landscapes, visitors can experience an ancient ritual for relaxation and detoxification at a temazcal. It's advisable to visit the Pyramid of Tepozteco and walk along the downtown area to see the Temple and former Convent of the Natividad. Adblock test (Why?)

Jamaica won three awards during the twenty-ninth annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas 2022 awards ceremony held on August 31, 2022 at the Sandals Montego Bay.The destination was awarded the title of the Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022, along with two awards it has been dominating for over 10 years each.ADVERTISING Trending Now For the sixteenth year in a row, the destination was rated the Caribbean’s Leading Destination of the year and for the fourteenth year in a row, it was named the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board of the year.The World Travel Awards, a premier travel and tourist industry awards event since 1993, was created to reward and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry. Winners are decided by travel and tourism professionals as well as travelers.Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, accepted the awards during the ceremony.“Our beautiful destination has been a leader in the recovery of the global tourism industry due in large part to our destination assurance program that allowed us to confidently welcome visitors back to our shores,” said Minister Bartlett. “On behalf of everyone at the Jamaica Tourist Board and all our partners, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the travel professionals and consumers who voted and contributed to our success.”For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

New Zealand is a land of natural beauty, interesting cultures and varying landscapes, but one of the greatest draws to the small nation for thousands of travelers across the world for the past twenty years has a more cinematic history: the beloved film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit series.And the interest hasn’t waned. The new prequel series created by Amazon TV, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,’ launches globally on September 2, 2022 and follows in the first two movie series’ footsteps with thirty-eight filming locations across New Zealand.ADVERTISINGEmploying 1,200 local New Zealanders, the new series not only benefits the country by creating jobs but also by promoting the country’s stunning natural beauty and reconnecting fans with the world of Middle-earth. “I just think that it's a real showreel of New Zealand's locations,” said Kevin Spring, the show’s Location Scout/Supervising Location Manager. “I’m just jaw-dropped, smacked in love with New Zealand locations. You look at where we've been and it's just an incredible showcase of the country. You can understand how shows like this bring the tourists in.”[embedded content]Tourism New Zealand’s latest global campaign, “If You Seek,” focuses on promoting aspects of the country’s transformational travel offerings, including Hobbiton, the movie set that became one of the country’s biggest attractions. According to visitor data, 69 percent of travelers or travelers interested in visiting New Zealand cite interest in visiting a film set or location there.“New Zealand has had a strong connection to Middle-earth since Sir Peter Jackson featured our amazing locations in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films,” said Rene de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand CE. “Many international visitors still cite the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as a reason for choosing New Zealand as a holiday destination, and we love that they’re able to come here and experience Middle-earth for themselves. The first season of the new Amazon series Rings of Power continues New Zealand’s association as the home of Middle-earth, and we look forward to seeing more visitors come to experience the otherworldly landscapes that we are known for.”The new series doesn’t just showcase the locations featured in the prior two film series, but features new-to-Middle-earth locations in Fiordland National Park, Mount Cook National Park, the Blue Lakes, St. Bathans and more. Behind the scenes of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" in New Zealand. (photo via Ben Rothstein) I think it's all about locations, really,” said Pip Gillings, Unit Production Manager. “It's locations, it's the crew. It's just being established as the home of Middle-earth. We have much to offer geographically, in a very small space where you can be in a tropical forest and into Fiordland within an hour and a half flight. There are not many places in the world where you can do that.”New Zealand has welcomed two decades of interest in its varying landscapes, diverse geography and beloved filming locations due to the two movie series; it hopes to continue the trend of generating interest in and welcoming Tolkien fans with the new series.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

There are less than three months to go until the world's greatest global sporting event – soccer’s quadrennial World Cup – kicks off in Doha, Qatar.It’s the first time the month-long spectacle will be held in the Middle East, and Qatar and the surrounding Gulf nations are gearing up for the opening match on November 20 between the host country and Ecuador.ADVERTISING Trending Now Already, the Associated Press is reporting that Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates is seeing an increase in air traffic thanks in part to the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions but also in part due to the World Cup. Media officials, executives from soccer’s worldwide governing body of FIFA, and workers are beginning to arrive for the event."We’ve actually seen a huge amount of demand at Dubai World Center, the official name of the airport for slot filings for airlines wanting to operate a shuttle service,” Paul Griffiths, director of the Dubai International Airport, told the AP. “I think the city has a lot to offer and a lot to gain from the World Cup.”So how does the city of Dubai in the UAE figure into another country's World Cup? Easy – lodging. Qatar is a tiny nation that technically borders the UAE save for a strip of land in Saudi Arabia between Qatar and the UAE, but some teams are using Dubai as a home base for the extravaganza given its massive amount of hotel accommodations and short flight time to Doha.It's certainly not unusual. When the United States hosted its first World Cup in 1994, there were nearly a dozen venues spread out across the country – from what was then known as Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a suburb of New York, all the way to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where the championship match was played. Plane at Dubai Airport. (photo via Nadezhda1906 / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus) As for the hosts, Qatar Tourism announced last week it has launched a new stopover holiday campaign featuring former worldwide soccer superstar David Beckham. The campaign reveals Beckham’s action-packed adventure around the country over the course of 48 hours, showing how Qatar can be a great stopover break for all visitors.In a statement, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said in a statement: “It has been a pleasure to welcome David to Qatar, where he has immersed himself in the culture and experienced first-hand the warm hospitality of the people. I encourage the millions who transit through Qatar every year to follow in David’s footsteps and create their own exciting adventure and memories. We have something for everyone at incredible value, whether it’s sun sea sand, rich heritage and culture, surprising nature, or a modern and fun city break.”“Qatar has surprised me with a wide range of great experiences you can have in just 48 hours,” Beckham said. “The people are warm and welcoming, and it is a great place to spend a few days.”For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

The Caribbean is undoubtedly one of the favorite places for travelers who choose the beach as their vacation plan. The temperature, white sand, and transparent sea make it an ideal place.One particular place that keeps ascending the rankings of travelers from all over the region is the Dominican Republic.ADVERTISINGMORE Destination & Tourism According to data provided by Despegar, the travel company in Latin America, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile are the countries that most often chose this destination for vacations in 2022, followed by Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. There is a growing interest in this site by Latin American travelers. And this is reflected in the growth of searches by 67 percent in 2022 versus 2021."The great advantage of the Dominican Republic is that it has a variety of all-inclusive hotels. Today it is a smart option because it is a good way to guarantee prices in the local currency," said Alejandro Caligaris, Country Manager of Despegar Mexico.In addition, by choosing all-inclusive accommodations, travelers know what the amount is and do not depend on variations in foreign currencies.These are the top five destinations to visit in the Dominican Republic:Punta CanaPunta Cana is the most visited destination in the country and, in addition, it is among the three most chosen in the entire Caribbean. While it is perfect for enjoying the beach and luxe resorts, it has unique natural reserves such as "Ojos Indígenas" and even a cenote. Punta Cana is the most visited destination in the country and, in addition, it is among the three most chosen in the entire Caribbean. Santo DomingoSanto Domingo is the country's capital and is mainly chosen by tourists to visit the colonial area of the city. The streets are full of history, adorned with buildings from the early 1500s. A curious fact is that there is the house of the famous designer Oscar de la Renta, which today remains intact, and it is possible to stay there. The place is known as "Casa del Diseñador" (Designer's House).Puerto PlataPuerto Plata is a complete destination. It has golden sand beaches, but also mountains and turquoise rivers. It is also an excellent place for lovers of adventure activities. A remarkable fact is that it has the only cable car in the Caribbean that allows panoramic views of more than 100 kilometers of the Dominican Atlantic coast.BayahibeBayahibe is the perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving to see the wonders of the underwater world or other sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is also ideal for night diving, a different and unforgettable experience. Minitas Beach in the Dominican Republic (Photo via Casa de Campo) La RomanaLa Romana has a massive "Casa de Campo" resort complex of 2,800 hectares with ten restaurants, 12 swimming pools, a Tuscan-style village, three golf courses, all-inclusive hotels, a private airstrip, and much more. Another designer Oscar de la Renta's, homes are located there.For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. Adblock test (Why?)

Latin America is a region that has the aroma of coffee in its mountains. Its vast forests and a wide variety of microclimates have allowed many countries to position themselves among the most important coffee industries on the planet.The two most emblematic are Colombia and Brazil, however, others produce the aromatic with high-quality standards, although in smaller quantities.ADVERTISING Trending Now Over time, routes have been created for tourists to visit the various production farms in the region, here are some very popular locations in remote villages in the highlands, which offer a great adventure for coffee lovers around the world.ColombiaThis iconic coffee country distributes its production area in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío, which are part of 62 municipalities, from where premium coffee is produced and distributed worldwide. In half an hour the traveler can tour important sites of the Colombian coffee route that are also very pleasant for the visitor because of their colorful villages and the natural beauty that surrounds them. The region boasts incredible canyons, a forest full of banana plantations along the Quindio River, as well, as waterfalls and natural pools.The city of Manizales, located at the foot of the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano, in addition to having abundant coffee farms, has fantastic places where visitors can find thermal waters in the middle of lush nature. For those interested in seeing how coffee beans are harvested, it is advisable to visit the area between March and May (first harvest), as well as October to December (second harvest).In Manizales, there is the Hacienda Venecia, where the famous TV soap opera Café con Aroma de Mujer (Coffee With Woman's Aroma) was made, and where visitors can stay to admire the wonderful nature from their balconies and enjoy colonial-style interiors.In addition, visitors can tour the coffee area and attend workshops to learn about the secrets of coffee. In addition to enjoying the aromatic, travelers to the Colombian coffee route can enjoy adventure experiences like rappeling, paragliding, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and canopy, among others. The quality of coffee from Colombia and Brazil is recognized in the main markets of the world. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/yktr). BrazilThe region of Massif de Batirité is one of the most representative of the Brazilian coffee route. In this place full of history in the production of java, visitors know closely the tradition of this crop in the region that continues to be made with agro-ecological techniques. The municipalities of Aratuba, Mulungu, Baturité, Pacoti, and Guaramiranga, offer great attractions for tourists including visits to coffee plantations, the process of harvesting, roasting and grinding the beans, as well as visits by farms in the area.A place that no coffee lover should miss is Ceará, a town located in the mountain range where visitors can enjoy great gastronomy, crafts, and an abundant nature full of flowers and tropical fruits. Here, the so-called shade coffee is produced, which has the advantage of protecting the environment because no trees are cut down for production and much less water is used for irrigation. All this has been achieved thanks to the implementation of a program called Green Coffee Route, a sustainable production option that is mainly developed in the municipalities of Mulungu and Aratuba.Another important farm with shade coffee plantations is Granja Caridad where visitors can walk around the facilities and learn the techniques for coffee production, in addition to purchasing the product in the shop of the Monastery Café.In addition to this place, tourists have the opportunity to visit the historic plantations of Sitio Aguas Finas surrounded by a nature full of flora and fauna. This site produces the exclusive Guará coffee. Other important places in the area that no one should miss are Sitio de San Roque and Sitio de San Luis, two symbolic spots of the history of coffee production in this large South American country. Costa Rica has large areas producing gourmet coffee. (Photo via Collette). Costa RicaCosta Rica includes in its wide repertoire of sites to explore nature, those dedicated to coffee culture. Guanacaste is the area where the aromatic is cultivated and has many tours to know the production techniques, among which can be mentioned Diria Coffee Tour, Tio Leo Coffee Tour, and Don Juan Coffee Tour, among many others.The most popular areas in which visitors enjoy beautiful estates are Valle Occidental and Valle Central, where there are estates to visit such as Don Evelio Coffee Tour, Turrialtico Lodge, Hacienda Monte Claro, and Naturalba, among many others. In Costa Rica there are eight coffee-producing regions with different characteristics due to the particularities of each place however, all their products are rated as high quality.Tours prepared for tourists include visits to crops, drying and roasting plants, as well as talks to explain coffee growing and processing techniques, as well as product testing, coffee brewing courses, and selling gourmet quality organic coffee.MexicoThe different microclimates of Mexico allow the production of high-quality coffee and are distributed throughout three states of the country mainly: Chiapas, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. Chiapas, besides having beautiful landscapes, has one of the best coffee shops in the country because its climate is warm and humid, which is ideal for the production of aromatic coffee. The most famous farms in the region are La Chiripa, Irlanda y Hamburgo, and Agravia, among others. There, visitors participate in the production process and know the secrets that make Chiapas one of the best places in terms of coffee culture. Hiking, horseback riding, and visits to fabulous waterfalls are also possible.Veracruz, meanwhile, is also privileged in terms of climate, which has allowed it to produce highly recognized coffees in the world. The most important regions are Córdoba, Coatepec, Huayacocotla, Misantla, Huatusco and Zongolica, to mention just a few. In this state, the traveler can enjoy gourmet venues in the middle of a rainforest that is ideal for lovers of nature, coffee, and tranquility. In Coatepec there are several farms that can be visited and where you can buy local products and support the local economy. There are also very accessible accommodations to enjoy a few days in contact with nature and the warmth of its inhabitants. Latin America has different varieties of high-altitude coffee that are exported worldwide. (Photo via Collette). The coffee route in the state of Oaxaca is located in a beautiful mountainous area where crops are organic and completely free of chemicals. The regions where it is cultivated and that can be visited by tourism are: Miahuatlán, San Mateo Río Hondo, San Miguel Suchixtepec, Candelaria Loxicha, Santa Maria Huatulco and Pluma Hidalgo.On the so-called Pluma Coffee Route, visitors can live with the population and know their language, tradition, and culture, which includes community work and respect for nature. This route consists of eight communities located in the Sierra Sur, full of mountains, valleys, and grasslands. The traveler can find fabulous lodging sites in cottages and coffee farms, regional gastronomy, and activities related to the production and cultivation of coffee in the region, considered gourmet for its high quality. Adblock test (Why?)

The rhythm of Jamaica is reflected in its rolling green hills, even in the waves of its waters that vary in shades of blue. The scenery is nothing short of captivating.No matter how you explore Jamaican nature, it's an experience you won't regret.ADVERTISINGMORE Destination & Tourism Breathe in the fresh mountain air, play in the waves, smell therapeutic flowers and admire exotic creatures.WatersFresh water runs through the country in varying magnitudes, terrains, and aesthetics. The glorious waterfalls created by years of molded rocky walls are a sight to behold and usually attract swimmers of all levels who come to enjoy a rejuvenating dip.You can see crocodiles up close peeking out of the surface of the water on the Black River Safari in the south, ascend Dunn's River Falls to the north, take a leisurely raft ride down the Rio Grande to the east, and explore a score of natural pools in Mayfield Falls to the west.At Little Dunn's River and Laughing Waters, you can watch a river flow into the Caribbean Sea and spend a delightful day at the beach.GardensIf you're fascinated by plants, Jamaican botanical gardens showcase a variety of eye-catching plants that celebrate their rich horticultural heritage. Year-round sunlight and fertile soil give rise to a wealth of plant life almost everywhere. Royal Botanical Gardens and Cinchona Botanic Gardens in St Andrew's; Hope Zoo in Kingston; Castleton Gardens in Santa Maria; Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery & Garden in Montego Bay are good examples of nature in full splendor. In Jamaica the scenery is nothing short of captivating. (Photo courtesy of VisitJamaica.com and GMS) MountainsA hike through the Blue Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site or the rugged Cockpit Country will provide the best opportunities to spot endemic species of various types. Hiking in Jamaica is easy to access almost anywhere; venture through the hills and valleys to see a different side of the island. The mountains are covered with collections of green trees and flowers that are extravagant bird favorite sites. Aqua Bay at the Tryall Club in Jamaica. (photo via Villas of Distinction) For more information go to VisitJamaica.com Adblock test (Why?)