This is only possible in Japan: an artificial beach (length 300 meters!) with swell, surf board rental and roof. If the beautiful sand, the warm water and the always nice wheather is an argument, than maybe the artificial volcano with smoke and fire. The artificial beach is called Ocean Dome and is on Kyushu Island, 1.500 kilometers south of Tokyo.

[Technorati Tags: surf - artificial beach - Japan ]

Camilla stayed with us for one week in December and said she enjoyed most the relaxing atmosphere at the camp and the fellow surfers she met there. Also, an applause to Simon, the Cook: great food served!

Camilla from South Africa but also liked the way Europeans tried to speak English: “There was a guy called Stefan saying ‘I will go down for you’ I liked that! ;D”

As a beginner, the coolest thing about surfing was to be able to stand on it and have some white water surfing. But she really felt comfortable with us, thanking for the great time and experience: “This place is well looked after!”

After one week of escape of civilization, she returned back home to the southern tip of Africa.

[Technorati Tags: surf - news - Costa Rica ]

I read a nice post about the mostly by tourism untouched Carribean coast of Central America - from Belize to Panama. The Carribean - synonym for mass tourism - can be still a lovely place. Forget Cancun, forget the Dominican and Jamaican Resorts, check the true side of the Carribean.

At Condé Nest you will find a great online guide (”the coast of utopia“) with lot of tips, hints and ideas what to do and what not.

[Technorati Tags: travel - news - Costa Rica ]

A user-generated content site for travelers, by travelers. Keep track of your travels, share your trip photos, reviews, and blogs with friends and family, as well as research destinations before you book a trip.

Similar to wayn.com or epic trip.

Link: Driftr

[Technorati Tags: surf - news - Costa Rica ]

Hi Everywhere! is kind of a social network / platform for local guides who offer their help and knowledge to people new in a country. It’s for free and simple to use:

1. Post your travel plan to the site
2. A local guide books your request
3. You both met
4. You both write and post pics on the site!

Check it out, it’s great! You will learn far more about a city and their people with a local guide than on your own.
Link: Hi Everywhere!
[Technorati Tags: travel guide - network - Costa Rica ]