spa – Gripped by Travel

Over the past few years Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. It’s not difficult to see why. It seems to have it all. Rainforests, beaches and volcanoes are just the start. Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast” and most tourists will base themselves on the coast. With its many soft sandy beaches and swaying palms you might be forgiven for thinking that you were in paradise. With 800 miles of coastline adjoining the Pacific and the Caribbean you are sure to find one that suits you.

Sandy Beach – Pacific Coast – Costa Rica

Home to over 20 National Parks, Costa Rica has really developed itself as an Ecotourism destination. The Corcovado National is internationally renowned for its biodiversity and visitors can expect a wide range of wildlife including all four Costa Rican monkey species. Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped and reversed deforestation.

We like volcanoes here at Travellogs, especially when they are connected with thermal spas. There are 6 active and over 60 dormant volcanoes in Costa Rica. You could do worse than stay somewhere like the “Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa and Resort. The hotel consists of just 54 rooms with great views of the volcano and a less than 5 minute walk from the Eco Termales Fortuna thermal pools.

EcoTermales Fortuna – Costa Rica

Amongst those volcanoes is Arenal Volcano, about 56 miles northwest of the capital city of San Jose. The volcano is 5,358 ft (1633 m) high. After being dormant for many years it erupted in 1968 destroying a nearby town. It continued to erupt until 2010 since when it has been dormant again. It is one of the countries’ most popular tourist destinations and is very popular with hikers.

In those many National Parks you will find over over 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, colourful butterflies, humpback whales, iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths.

According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is ranked as the Number 1 happiest country in the world. It states “Strong social networks, investment in health and education and a deep connection to nature may help explain why Costa Ricans are happier and live longer than the residents of most rich nations. A national commitment to environmental protection and use of renewable energy also keeps Costa Rica’s Ecological Footprint small.”

Iceland is on the UK government’s green list and might seem like a strange destination for a summer break. Many people view Iceland as a winter destination with the northern lights and various cold related activities to pursue. However, in the summer you will be able to benefit from the long almost endless days. The average day starts at 3am and ends at midnight. Plenty of time to get more done.

The summer will also give you better access to the Highlands which can be impossible to access in the winter due to the icy conditions. You will be almost wandering into the unknown so double check the weather before you set off in your 4×4. Even if you are not heading for the Highlands, then why not hit the Ring Road, which Icelandic style will take you round the country rather than round a city. The roads are well maintained and in the summer, they will be snow free! Travelling the Ring Road will give you access to parts of the country might not otherwise see.

Summer is a prime time for hiking and Iceland provides routes for both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Every region of the country has something different to offer, whether its waterfall, beaches or volcanoes that take your fancy. For serious hikers look out for the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, the Fimmvörðuháls hike between Skógar and Þórsmörk and Hornstrandir in the Westfjords.

If you are not that brave you will find a number of escorted tours that will take you to see the best of the Iceland and this can be just what is needed to give you the confidence to head out on your own. Iceland is sometimes known as the land of Fire and Ice. You can take an escorted trip out to one of the glaciers where you can glacier hike, snow mobile or ice climb is you have the nerve and energy. On the fire side, after a hard day exploring why not visit one or more geothermal baths and natural hot springs. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular but there are so many other interesting pools to discover.