The Galapagos Islands, off the western coast of South America, are among the world's most popular adventure destinations. Ever since Charles Darwin investigated the islands and its animal inhabitants while sailing on the HMS Beagle nearly 180 years ago, amateur scientists and nature lovers have flocked there to see the rare species such as giant Galapagos turtles, blue-footed boobies (shown in the photograph), sea lions, seals, and flightless cormorants.
While most of the country was in winter's icy grip last weekend, I was in south Florida, a guest of the Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort in Aventura, at the north end of Miami. With golf, tennis, pools, spa, restaurants, and more, FTI is the sort of place where you can do a lot or a lot of nothing. You'll be happy either way.