Photo by Robert Landau
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The Contrarian Traveler
Hot Spots for Summer Savings
By Peter Greenberg, July & August 2008
Daunted by the Euro? Try these low-cost, low-tourist locales
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1. Fernando de Noronha Imagine a magical archipelago more than 200 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil: 21 small islands free of high-rise hotels or resorts. Trust me—it’s as good as it sounds (www.fernandodenoronha.com.br).
DON’T MISS: Some of the best scuba diving in Brazil. The islands have more spinner dolphins and turtles than people.
2. Nicaragua It’s the largest nation in Central America but also the least densely populated. Fortunately, the secret isn’t out yet—only about 60,000 Americans visit Nicaragua each year for ecotourism, volcano walks, nature parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
DON’T MISS: The stunning coastlines. Head from León to the coastal town of Las Penitas and enjoy the pristine Pacific beaches, then sail to the beautiful Isla Juan Venado Wildlife Reserve.
3. Tasmania If you like the outdoors, you’ll love Tasmania’s unspoiled beaches, adventure tourism (everything from biking to rafting to rock climbing), and 19 diverse and wild national parks (www.discovertasmania.com/us).
DON’T MISS: A visit to King Island. It lies off the northwestern coast of Tasmania, and I go there for (surprise!) cheese: Brie, Cheddar, and creamy blue. Visit the King Island Dairy’s fromagerie to have a bite and see how the cheeses are made (www.kidairy.com.au).
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4. Estonia This tiny country has a rich history mixed with Russian, Danish, Swedish, and Finnish influences. Estonia is still off the tourist radar, so you won’t fight crowds as you stroll through quaint fishing villages, even in summer. Eating remains an adventure. Blood sausage? Cold marinated eel? Headcheese? Look for all three on your menus (www.visitestonia.com).
DON’T MISS: In the capital city of Tallinn, duck into the narrow lane called Katrina Kaik (St. Catherine’s Passage). It’s loaded with art shops and studios, where you can watch ceramicists, weavers, and bookmakers at work—and then buy the finished products at affordable prices.
5. Greenland How’s this for sparsely populated: the world’s largest island has only two traffic lights. With nearly 24 hours of sunlight each day in summer (and, yes, it takes some getting used to), there’s not a bad view in sight—you’ll see miles of glistening glaciers and fjords (www.greenland.com).
DON’T MISS: A muskox safari. Venture into Kangerlussuaq on a Jeep or bus tour; you’ll get an up-close view of these massive, long-horned creatures.
Find Peter Greenberg Q&As and videos on AARP.org
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