As we get nearer to the New Year, we all start to think about where we want to go on those all important vacations. We want those destinations to be full of adventure and leave us a bounty of lifetime memories.

National Geographic has drawn up its list of Top 10  Destinations for 2012. Here is one of our favorites:

National Geographic has announced The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize's premier rainforest eco resort, as one of the top ten "Best Adventure Destinations for 2012". The recent announcement states, "Just when it seemed impossible to find untrammelled singletrack in Europe or snorkel uncharted waters in Australia, we're here to remind you that optimism pays off," and continues to say that events " can make a well-travelled planet feel full of new frontiers again.

The article, listed under the heading, Go Now, notes Chaa Creek's idyllic location between the important ancient Maya cities of Caracol and Tikal and describes the many adventures and activities available within Chaa Creek's 365 acre nature reserve. Chaa Creek hosts many diverse events to include the Maya Winter Solstice 2012 adventure vacation package with classes on folklore, music, medicinal plants, farming techniques, and cooking including traditional cacao preparation as well as canoe excursions to ceremonial caves, snorkelling the Belize Great Barrier Reef, Maya spa treatments and other Maya cultural adventures.

"To be recognised by National Geographic as one of the top ten destinations in the entire world, well, that pretty much says it all," Chaa Creek owner and GM Lucy Fleming said. "As lifelong travellers and having been in adventure travel for over three decades, naturally recognise National Geographic as the world's top travel authority. To be recognised by an organisation and publication we hold in such high esteem is truly an honour."

Mick Fleming and his wife, Lucy, started Chaa Creek in the late 1970s as a family farm. They just celebrated Chaa Creek's 30th anniversary as Belize's first eco resort in September 2011 along with their 135 staff members.

Situated along the banks of the Macal River Chaa Creek's private nature reserve contains over 70 Maya archaeological sites and the ancient Maya temple of Tunichilen. The reserve abounds in wildlife and over 300 species of birds, and offers guided nature walks, hiking, horseback and mountain bike riding along miles of jungle and grassland trails and canoeing along the Macal River.

Accommodations range from lovely thatched roof cottage rooms and luxury Jacuzzi villas set in tropical gardens to more rustic private bungalows at the Macal River Camp, and amenities include a renowned restaurant, jungle lounge, conference centre, spa, Hilltop Butterfly Farm, The Natural History Centre, Maya Medicinal Plant Trail, the Maya organic Farm, pool and stables.

"This recognition from National Geographic makes us realise how far we've come in 30 years," Ms Fleming said, "It's really the best icing you could wish for on your birthday cake Click Here for Original

 

I hope that each of you will get to take a truly memorable vacation in 2012, perhaps to Belize or maybe to some other great destijnation. Travel is about learning new things, gaining new insights into the world around us, and enriching our lives in so many ways. Leave a comment below on your 2012 vacation plans. Also, sign up for our newsletter  and get our book on how travel enriches our lives in so many ways.