Love a Little Extra Paradise: The Outer Islands of the Cook Islands
If you are planning a visit to the Cook Islands and you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider one of the outer islands.
If you are planning a visit to the Cook Islands and you are looking for something off the beaten path, consider one of the outer islands.
Many destinations in the world offer white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and an island lifestyle, but there is nothing quite like the Cook Islands. Located in the heart of Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands is made up of or archipelago of 15 inhabited islands, spread over 849,424 square miles, located between French Polynesia (Tahiti) and Tonga. Settled by Polynesians, the islands have a population of less than 15,000, and are rich in culture, history, scenery and experiences.
The stunning Cook Islands lie some 4,700 miles south west of Los Angeles, a mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands. Consisting of 15 islands, scattered across the Pacific, the Cook Islands offers an unspoiled playground for those wanting to escape the daily grind of city living.
The Sinai Peninsula of Egypt is truly a fascinating place. During our time in the area, we spent a few days near Mt. Sinai and a few more relaxing on the coast of the Red Sea. First, our journey took us from Cairo on a fairly long bus ride to the town of Katreen, near the base of Mt. Sinai and St. Katherine's Monastery. We slept at a small Bedouin camp and met some other travelers who had hiked to the top of the mountain the night before, starting at 2:00 in the morning. Supposedly this was the best time to hike in order to avoid the heat and also see the sunset from the top of the mountain.