Portia J. Lino's Blog


blog archive

2007 | 2006
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Apr 23, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

Fishing is taken seriously here in Panama. In fact, Panama means ‘abundance of fish” in its native Indian language and with the country owning more than 250 world fishing records, it more than lives up to its name.



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Apr 16, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

Joya de Ceren, in El Salvador, was a small Mayan farming village. While it’s not “grand” in the same scale as the Tikal Ruins in Guatemala, it offers a compelling view of how everyday Mayans lived their lives.

In 600 A.D., a volcano buried the whole village. Since no bodies were found, it was believed the people made it out in time. It was discovered in 1976 and excavation has since continued.



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Mar 14, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

The Following Airlines Offer Daily Flights to Costa Rica:

American: Flights from Los Angeles, Miami, JFK in New York, and Dallas-Fort Worth

America West: Flights from Phoenix

Continental Airlines: Flights from Houston and Newark

Delta: Flights from Atlanta

United: Washington, D.C., L.A., and biweekly flights from Chicago O'Hare

US Airways: Flights from Charlotte



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Mar 7, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

In Costa Rica, there is an amplitude of wildlife including 850 species of birds and 220 species of reptiles, and 5% of the world’s biodiversity is housed here in this “rich coast.” More amazingly, there are 12 different climate zones and close to 27 weather patterns.



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Mar 2, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

Did You Know That?

Barbados is the first country where rum was distilled.

In 1751, George Washington left the United States for the first time - to visit his sick brother in the Barbados.



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Feb 26, 2007

Posted by Portia J. Lino

Book by March 18, 2007, and fly to Montego Bay from Fort Lauderdal or Miami, FL, for $204 round trip. Fly from other cities at reduced rates as well.

Restrictions apply, including:

  • Book your ticket by March 18, 2007
  • Travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday
  • Travel by June 27, 2007
  • Minimum 2-day stay, maximum 21-day stayBook from Expedia and get up to 30% off Montego Bay hotels.Click HERE for this DEAL


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    Feb 21, 2007

    Posted by Portia J. Lino

    Did You Know That...

    The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only U.S. territory that has left-side driving (like they do in England)? To no suprise to anyone, its neighbor, the British Virgin Islands also has left-side driving.



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    Feb 14, 2007

    Posted by Portia J. Lino

    Although we hate to think about it before our next biggest overseas trip, the truth is, things happen...bad things. That's why it makes sense to register your next trip to a foreign country with the State Department. Here's more information from the State Department website:

    "Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security."

    Register Your Trip With The State Department Today



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    Feb 4, 2007

    Posted by Portia J. Lino

    Book by Wednesday, February 7, and get 50% off of this brand-new all-inclusive resort in Cancun! The $79 price includes food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, taxes and tips.

    Must travel by March 30, 2007.

    Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas.



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    Jan 16, 2007

    Posted by Portia J. Lino

    The new passport regulations require that all travelers going to the Caribbean show a valid U.S. passport, instead of a driver's license and birth certificate as required before. Since it costs money to apply for a passport, the Nassau Paradise Resort will pay $97 for adults and $82 for children for up to 4 members of the family.

    Some rules apply:

  • Apply for a new U.S. Passport between December 20, 2006 and March 24, 2007
  • Visit Nassau Paradise Island from January 17 through March 31, 2007
  • Stay a minimum of 2 nights at any of their 19 member hotels
  • To find out more information, go to theNassau Paradise Resort website.



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    Jan 9, 2007

    Posted by Portia J. Lino

    Residents in the tiny Caribbean island living near the volcano were ordered to evacuate their homes, given that the same volcano killed 19 people in 1997.

    View the picture.



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