Suzan Crane looks at the heavy-hitting international music groups headlining in Costa Rica. Originally published in Landings, Nature Air’s in-flight magazine.

Surf, sand and scenery have long been Costa Rica’s stock in trade. But recently the small Central American nation has been rocked to its core as heavy-hitting international music groups thunder to its shores. This year alone, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Korn, POD, Megadeth and Aerosmith have staged concerts here, portending a cataclysmic live music revolution that will continue through 2010 with MxPx in August, Green Day in October and subsequent dates rumored for Bon Jovi and Pearl Jam. Inside talk hints at U2 and ACDC in 2011.
 Read more…

Suzan Crane reports on the imminent opening of the multi-million dollar Pela Vez Marina in Quepos, Costa Rica.

First there was talk. Lots of it. After years of false starts, the troops stormed in last year and cleared the Manuel Antonio beachfront of illegal vendors, petty thieves and general-interest hustlers, relocating them to an inconspicuous side street. The massive cleanup effort was just one step toward a more refined future for one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations.

 Read more…

Suzan Crane reports on Costa Rica’s countless street animal population and what’s being done to help them. Originally published in Landings, Nature Air’s in-flight magazine.

Homeless and abandoned animals carpet streets throughout the world but developing nations are particularly afflicted with the lack of resources and education that lead to the epidemic. According to the U.S. Humane Society, a female cat can have up to three litters of five kittens per year, potentially producing 420,000 cats in seven years total. In just six years, one female dog and her brood can deliver as many as 67,000 puppies.
 Read more…

What’s better than a superb ocean view? That same vista enjoyed from a relaxing beachfront spa. Suzan Crane and others select their top spa-resort choices. This excerpt is from Five Best Beach Spas.

At the foot of a rutted jungle road skirted by amazing ocean vistas awaits the relaxed luxury of Arenas Del Mar. Exemplifying nature/nurture harmony, this boutique beach resort nestles on 11 acres of wildlife-rich rain forest just steps from a jeweled sea. Adjacent to famed Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacifi c Coast, the ecoconscious hotel features 38 rooms with panoramic views, two pools, three restaurants and a spa. Built and operated in accordance with Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism, electric carts shuttle guests and solar panels heat balcony Jacuzzis.

 Read more…

What’s better than a superb ocean view? That same vista enjoyed from a relaxing beachfront spa. Suzan Crane and others select their top spa-resort choices.

DOWNLOAD

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale,  caused a catastrophic tsunami that left an estimated 300,000 dead or missing. Six months later, four girls who were touched by the tragedy remember that day. As told to Suzan Crane.

Originally published in ELLEgirl, June/July 2005. DOWNLOAD

Journeying beyond the touristy wrappings of the Far East, Suzan Crane treads the maze of China, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.

Originally published in Viva, September 2006. DOWNLOAD

Although Ibiza is famous for its clubbing scene and celebrity sightings, Suzan Crane discovers more than meets the eye.

Originally published in Viva, December 2006. DOWNLOAD

I fell in love many times over in Nepal – with the unbridled beauty of the country’s raging rivers, the majesty of its towering mountains, the shimmer of its glistening lakes and the richness of its verdant valleys; with the locals, so warm and generous of spirit; with the many friends I made during my time there. Despite the political turmoil, the constant checkpoints and the threat of Maoist insurgency, Nepal’s magic cast its mesmerising spell on me, and I did not want to leave.

Originally published in Viva. DOWNLOAD

I’ve always had a passion for big, aggressive motorcycles, but the thought of me piloting anything larger than a scooter triggers panic. Thus, over several years in India, my passion for big bikes had aroused in me envy for those who boundlessly roam the country unfettered by bus and train schedules, free to explore with gleeful abandon. Then one day a big biker named Troy – an expat American who proudly cites the thousands of kilometres he’s logged on his Enfield Machismo (yes, the Machismo!) – invited me to ride shotgun on a journey through Kashmir and Ladakh in India’s high Himalayas. Completing our posse was Gokarn from Turkey, his girlfriend Gili and Irishman Dominic.

Originally published in Viva, January 2007. DOWNLOAD