Beach Holiday Guide

With the beautiful Gulf Coast on one site and the Pacific Ocean on the other, with both ancient Aztec temples and gleaming modern buildings, Mexico is much more than just the United States’ neighbor to the south.

Today’s Mexico is still a land of deserts and mountainous plateaus; the smoking volcano of Teotihuac?n near Mexico City is echoed by nearby pyramids all the way down to the tropical wonderland of the Yucat?n Peninsula. But it’s also one of the most modern cities in the world. The poverty level in Mexico has been slashed by over a third during the last few years, and their burgeoning trades with other countries are quickly modernizing the country. It may not be long before its equal in stature with the United States.

If you choose to go on a Mexico vacation, you’re certain to find all the comforts you’re used to at home. You don’t have to worry about “drinking the water” today. Though the cities are crowded and traffic can not just foreign, but alien, culture has been exchanged between the U.S. and Mexico for so many years that you will find the people just different enough to be interesting. And while in some ways the U.S. seems tired of itself, Mexico is just the opposite: alive, young, vibrant, and filled with color.

Besides, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Baja California: The Land’s End

With Cabo San Lucas and Tijuana, one would think that Baja California was developed out. But it is, surprisingly, viewed by most Mexicans in the same way Americans view Alaska: as a remote frontier, untamed and beautiful. But Baja is alien in many ways. It has beautiful expanses of desert walled in by harsh mountain. Lush semi-tropical areas dot the coast, and between them are hundreds of miles of untouched, undeveloped beach and coastline. In Laguna San Ignacio, tourists can view rare California Gray Whales when they migrate here to give birth and start raising their young.

For those uninterested in ecotourism, many of Baja’s populated and more secluded beaches are perfect for baking one’s body to the perfect shade of brown, or to enjoy some of the excellent hotels in this area. Alternately, beach houses and vacation rentals are a great way to spend a quiet, secluded vacation in an undeniable tropical paradise.

Cancun: The Night Life

But your perfect Mexico vacation might be more along the lines of finding the perfect cantina to sit and listen to music while looking at the other beauties Mexico offers. Cancun is the perfect place. With its blue waters and white beaches during the day, it seems tame; but at night, it lights up with the energy and the vibrancy of a very new city; Cancun is only 25 years old, in contrast with the Mayan ruins just a little further inland on the Yucatan Peninsula. Whether you like looking at old stones or tanned bodies, Cancun has much to offer its visitors.

There’s much more to Mexico than its far northwest and far southeast. Thousands of miles lie between Cancun and Cabo, miles filled with adventure and fascination and glorious sights. But you’ll never see it if you don’t go.

Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Mexico and enjoy your stay!

Tags: Alien Culture, Ancient Aztec Temples, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, California Gray Whales, Deserts, Gray Whales, Holiday Homes, Hundreds Of Miles, Laguna San Ignacio, Mexicans, Mexico City, Mexico Vacation, Modern Buildings, Poverty Level, Pyramids, Stature, Tropical Areas, Tropical Wonderland, Undeveloped Beach

Mexico has beautiful beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. In this article, we look at two hot spots on the east coast Playa del Carmen and Cozumel

Playa del Carmen

With one of the prettiest beaches on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen was the hidden gem of Mexico for years and years. About 10 years ago, the word got out and now Playa del Carmen is exploding. If youre looking for solitude, this isnt the place with cruise ships and so on packing the place during high season. On the other hand, this is definitely the place if you like a lot of resort in your beach vacation.

Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer to visitors. Of course, the beaches are beautiful and I highly recommend you catch the sunrise, which is some of Mother Natures finest work. Staying up shouldnt be a problem since the nightlife in Playa del Carmen is plentiful.

During the day, you can loaf on the beach or head out for some diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Should you get tired of the beach, you can head inland for some surprisingly quality hiking.

Cozumel

An island off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. With smooth, crystal clear waters, Cozumel has the white beaches you see in the Corona beer commercials. On the island proper, one can loaf on the beach, pursue world class diving or just loaf on the beach. Dolphin petting and sitting in the hammocks of Xal-Hal are touristy, but fun things to do. Although Cozumel is on cruise ship circuit, it maintains the relaxed atmosphere found in smaller destinations in the Mexican Riviera.

Unfortunately, Cozumel was in the news through much of the last week of October 2005 because Hurricane Wilma pounded it. Given a few months, Cozumel will be on the mend and a great location since prices will undoubtedly be low to attract visitors.

If you are planning a visit to the Mexican Riviera area, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are definitely worth your consideration. Personally, I would pick Cozumel in a heart beat.

Tags: Beer Commercials, Caribbean Coast, Caribbean Paradise, Clear Waters, Corona Beer, Cozumel Beaches, Cozumel Cruise, Cozumel Island, Cozumel Mexico, Cruise Ship, Cruise Ships, Hidden Gem, Hurricane Wilma, Mexican Riviera, Mexico Beaches, Mother Natures, Playa Del Carmen, Relaxed Atmosphere, World Class Diving, Yucatan Peninsula

The Mayan Riviera, a stretch of coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula running from just outside Cancun in the North to the ancient Mayan site of Tulum in the South is rapidly growing in popularity. Why has this previously quiet area of the Yucatan Peninsula become a magnate for tourists?

Costs and Atmosphere on the Mayan Riviera

For visitors from North America, the Mayan Riviera is a more laid back alternative to Florida. It can also be cheaper to visit than either Florida or the Caribbean islands such as Barbados or Jamaica.

For visitors from continental Europe or the UK there is the added attraction of the current favorable exchange rate. This can make traveling to the Mayan Riviera a more cost-effective option than visiting Southern Europe over a two-week stay.

Mayan Riviera Ancient Sites

Few tropical destinations have the benefit of the fascinating ancient sites on the Mayan Riviera. At Tulum in the South the ruins are actually right on the coast, so you can admire them from your sun lounger! Other sites of note (all possible in a day) are Coba, Chichen Itza, and, Xel Ha.

Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling and Water Sports

Where does one even start to describe the beaches on the Mayan Riviera: Beautiful white sand beaches with warm ocean water. Warm breezes and your favorite cocktail served at your sun bed – now that’s what I call a holiday! The Mayan Riviera is blessed with the stunningly beautiful Caribbean Sea with all its opportunities for water sports and diving/snorkeling. The island of Cozumel is a real magnate for diving enthusiasts, offering deeper water closer to the shore than the mainland resorts.

Activities and Theme Parks

If golf is your thing, you are well catered for here, with courses in or neat all of the major resorts. For the kids try Xel Ha or Xcaret – Eco-Theme parks that they will love. Shopping is fabulous with many bargains to be had including local crafts. Other possibilities include kayaking, sailing, and horse riding.

Conclusion

The range of possibilities on a holiday/vacation to the Mayan Riviera is simply amazing. The climate and Caribbean Sea are beautiful, the people friendly, and the cost reasonable – what are you waiting for?

Tags: Added Attraction, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean Sea, Chichen Itza, Continental Europe, Deeper Water, Favorable Exchange Rate, Magnate, Mainland Resorts, Major Resorts, Mayan Riviera Mexico, Quiet Area, Sand Beaches, Southern Europe, Sun Bed, Sun Lounger, Tropical Destinations, Warm Breezes, Warm Ocean Water, Yucatan Peninsula

You’ve finally made that big decision on where you want to go for your next vacation! Mexico? Caribbean? Europe? Nope…you’ve decided to visit the number one rated vacation island in the world. Look out Maui, here we come!

Now that you have made that big decision to take a Maui vacation, it is time to decide where you are going to stay. Is there really a difference in the quality of resorts on Maui? Actually, there is a BIG difference between Maui resorts but it’s not necessarily the quality of the resorts. Actually, the decision on which Maui resort you pick should be based more on what type of experience you want to have during your Maui vacation!

You need to ask yourself several important questions regarding the type of Maui resort where you want to stay. They are…

Do you want to stay in a hotel or a condo. If you are planning on doing some cooking while you are on your Maui vacation, you will probably want to rent a condo.

Are you going to spend all your time away from the condo and you just, basically, want a place to sleep or do you plan to spend time relaxing at the resort and taking it easy?

Do you want the Maui resort to be right on the ocean or is a short walk to the beach okay?

Do you want the Maui resort to be in a specific location such as Napili, Kahana, Lahaina, Kihei or Wailea?

What kind of view do you want from your Maui resort condo? Do you want ocean front, ocean view, garden view or mountain view?

What is your budget?

Those are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before you go on your Maui vacation. Each one of those questions will have an effect how much you pay for your condo! There are other factors to be considered but that will give you somewhere to start.

Most people don’t understand that careful planning prior to their Maui vacation can save them quite a bit of money. Depending on the length of time you are planning on staying on Maui, you could save $1,000 or more!

Which Maui resort is the best place to stay? I have been asked that question thousands of times and my answer is always the same. Tell me what kind of experience you want from your Maui vacation and I will tell you which resort would be the best!

Remember, careful planning can ensure you bring back wonderful memories from your Maui vacation. Take the time and effort to plan in advance and you certainly won’t regret it!

Tags: Budget, Cooking, Kahana, Kihei, Length Of Time, Maui Condo, Maui Resort, Maui Resorts, Maui Vacation, Money, Mountain View, Ocean Front, Ocean View, Sleep, Vacation Caribbean, Vacation Europe, Vacation Island, Vacation Mexico, Vacation Resorts, Wailea

The Philippines has recently gained itself a bad reputation due to all the political on-goings in the country. Clashes between rebel forces and the government, rumors of coup, status of emergency declarations, and even suspected links to the al Quaeda no wonder some Western governments cannot help but release travel advisories against visiting this country.

Before you decide against a trip to Manila, you should bear in mind that the newspapers do not always give an accurate picture of a situation. Sensationalism is their business, and sensationalized news is what you usually get.

Manila is located in the northern island of Luzon. The terrorist stronghold is located in the southernmost part of the Philippines two big islands away in Mindanao. The status of emergency was indeed declared but civilians basically continued to live their normal lives even as it was in place.

It is very easy to get around in Manila. The jeepney is the Philippines most common form of transportation. It is actually based on the US Army jeep but is longer and fits about 16-20 people. You can also get on buses, the Metro Rail Transit, and hire cabs. Language is not a major problem as even the people on the streets can speak rudimentary English.

Manila is well-known for its nightlife. You can find bars open until 3 or 4 in the morning. The Makati and Malate areas are where you can find the hottest clubs and bars. Makati is a bit more expensive but safer as well.

Malls abound in the metro. You can find anything from designer brands to nondescript but very cheap brands. Food is not a problem. Filipino food, American fast food, Japanese food you can find anything there.

Filipinos are very hospitable by nature. You will be surprised at how friendly and helpful most of them are. Its actually a different form of racism they seem to treat Caucasians in a much better way.

Cost of living and traveling is so much lower than in western countries. So if you have dollars or euros, chances are you will have no problems availing services that meet your standards. Hotels and other accommodations are abundant and easy to find.

If it is the beach you want, then you can opt to go out of the city. The nearest beach can be reached in about 4 hours from the city. You can take a plane to other parts of the country if you want to see more.

Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, Manila is a good place to visit. It will be a rich cultural experience for you.

Tags: Al Quaeda, Army Jeep, Bad Reputation, Designer Brands, Emergency Declarations, Filipino Food, Hottest Clubs, Island Of Luzon, Japanese Food, Jeepney, Malate, Manila Philippines, Metro Rail, Mindanao, Rail Transit, Rebel Forces, Sensationalism, Travel Advisories, Us Army, Western Governments

Much of Asia is a tropical and travel delight given the beautiful scenery and cheap prices. A Malaysia wellness retreat is a tremendous experience everyone should try.

Malaysia Wellness Retreats

If you’re traveling in Asia, you might be looking for a great place to relax and rest from your vacation. A Malaysia wellness retreat might just be the thing you’re looking for. Many of the world’s greatest rejuvenation clinics are located in Malaysia or the countries surrounding, and these retreats all cater to the world traveler.

One such Malaysia wellness retreat is the Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort, located in Burau Bay, Malaysia. This retreat, open since 1987, has long been considered a tropical holiday paradise as well as a great rejuvenation destination. The Berjaya Lankawi Resort offers 388 rooms, which are housed in Malaysian-style chalets and suites, spread over 70 acres of land. The rejuvenation clinic itself is the first complete retreat situated on the island of Langkawi, and it offers a complete range of services to its guests.

Another Malaysia wellness retreat located on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia is The Datai. This destination, which is situated at the northwestern tip of Langkawi, has won many awards for its relaxation and rejuvenation services, including being named the seventh best retreat (in the top 25) as voted on by Conde Nast Traveler readers. It offers such exotic items as their body elixir, beauty rituals (these include Shirodhara, a mind and body treatment with hot oil drip), and facials and other beauty remedies using products from Decleor.

A third Malaysia wellness retreat is the Gem Wellness Island Resort. This resort is located on a private island (the only one in Malaysia), and there is only one rejuvenation clinic on the island. The private island of Marang is located in Terengganu, Malaysia, which has its own airport and is easily accessible. The spa at the Gem Resort is named Tusita, and it offers an array of different “therapies”, including traditional Malay treatments and oil therapies. There are even packages that include snorkeling and scuba experiences on the resort as well.

No matter which Malaysia wellness retreat you choose to visit, you’ll find the atmosphere relaxing, healing and exotic. Combine your treatments with water activities and traditional Malaysian events, and you’ll definitely have a trip to remember. Malaysia is often frequented by English speaking people, so you’ll have no problem communicating. That is, if you even feel like talking after enjoying your relaxing treatments here in paradise!

Tags: Beautiful Scenery, Beauty Remedies, Berjaya Langkawi Beach, Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort, Burau Bay, Conde Nast Traveler, Datai, Gem Resort, Holiday Paradise, Hot Oil, Marang, Northwestern Tip, Oil Drip, Private Island, Rejuvenation Clinic, Terengganu Malaysia, Tropical Holiday, Wellness Retreat, Wellness Retreats, World Traveler

If you are interested in adding new intriguing and exciting destinations to your travel itinerary, dont miss the opportunity to spend your holiday in South America. By choosing to travel to this magnificent continent, you will have the chance to discover remarkable cultures and civilizations with a great history behind them, driven by the temperamental but also very welcoming Latin spirit. Some of the most prominent and important countries in South America, representing true symbols for the South American continent, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Panama have a very well-developed potential for tourism, attracting overwhelmingly large numbers of tourists each year.

These magnificent countries have known great progress and development in the last few decades, despite their struggled historical past, dominated by political conflicts and interests. Nowadays, these splendid countries on the South American continent are among the most requested holiday destinations, enchanting visitors with a wide variety of tourist sites and resorts, both old and modern remarkable architectonic structures, large and imposing metropolitan areas, all revealing the ingenious, innovative and hard-working character of their inhabitants.

The remarkable economic achievements of these major countries in South America are direct proportional with their high potential for tourism. Thanks to their great history, culture, music, as well as the amazing beauty of their urban and rural establishments, and not to mention their accomplishments regarding the much-treasured Latin passion football, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama have become extremely popular worldwide. Their continuously increasing popularity has determined a pronounced development of their tourism, drawing millions of tourists towards their borders.

If you decide to travel to Brazil, you will be amazed by the staggering beauty of this great South American country. Among the most requested Brazil travel destinations are its capital, Brasilia, and major cities such as Sao Paulo, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Famous for its majestic carnivals, magnificent natural resorts, tropical climate and the exuberance of its inhabitants, Brazil is a highly requested holiday destination. Renowned as an important center for tourism of the South American continent, Brazil attracts overwhelmingly large numbers of visitors each year. Brazil has a well-developed and extended network of airports, air travel facilitating the visiting tourists access to major cities and various other locations between or beyond the borders of the country. Thanks to modern infrastructure and the variety of airports present here, flights to Brazil are the quick and comfortable way of traveling to this intriguing region of South America.

Similar to Brazil, Argentina is also a major center for tourism in South America. The most popular Argentina travel destinations are its capital – Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata the main tourist resort situated on the Atlantic Coast, La Plata, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Cordoba, Mendoza and San Juan. Combining the Latin mentality with European cultural influences, Argentina is a welcoming country for anyone who wishes to discover new interesting locations. Thanks to the well developed network of airports present here, the best way to travel around the country is by air. Apart from being very comfortable, Argentina flights have the benefit of being inexpensive as well. Travel to Argentina and you are guaranteed to have the time of your life!

Although they are much smaller in size than Brazil and Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama are also important tourist centers of the South American continent. Vacations in Colombia, Venezuela and Panama are exciting and intriguing experiences for both regular travelers and occasional visitors. The most requested Colombia travel destinations are Bogot, Cartagena, Cali, Villa de Leiva, San Augustin and San Andres. Among the most desired Venezuela travel destinations are Caracas, Puerto la Cruz, Isla Margarita, Isla El Grand Roque, Isla La Tortuga, Merida and Puerto Ayacucho. Popular Panama travel destinations are Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Isla Contadora, Guadalupe, Isla Bastimentos, Isla Taboga and Almirante.

Whether you decide to visit these countries for the beauty of their tropical landscapes, shores and beaches, for their ancient cultural resorts and the variety of historical tourist sites or simply to interact with the exuberating, welcoming locals, spending your vacations on the Latin American continent is definitely a remarkable and unforgettable experience!

Tags: Borders, Colombia Venezuela, Countries In South America, Culture Music, Cultures And Civilizations, Economic Achievements, Football Brazil, High Potential, History Culture, Holiday Destinations, Large Numbers, Latin Passion, Latin Spirit, Magnificent Travel Destinations, Metropolitan Areas, Political Conflicts, South American Continent, Staggering Beauty, Tourist Sites, Travel Itinerary

LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a thousand square
miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with congested
freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains.

LA is still considered a young city. In the mid-nineteenth century, it
was a community of white American immigrants, poor Chinese
laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a population of less
than fifty thousand. Definitely, a difference from what it is now. LA
is known for it shopping malls, palm trees, and swimming pools.
The celluloid self-image of Los Angeles is known all over the world.

The first-time visitor to Los Angeles may well find it to be thrilling
and threatening in equal proportions. It is a very fast-paced city
and it will pick you up and sweep you along whether you want it to
or not. While Los Angeles has many fine-art museums, California
cuisine and a few old-fashioned urban plazas, what people really
come here for is to experience the city that has come to epitomize
the American Dream. This is where teens come to try to become
actors and stars.

Recommendation for first time visitors is to visit places such as
Universal Studios, Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Venice Beach
Boardwalk, Watt’s Towers, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Walt
Disney Concert Hall, and let us not forget about the amusement
parks such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Disneyland.

With all the entertainment available in Los Angeles, you are sure
to see a Celebrity or two while you are out and about. There are
many things to do in LA, how about just hanging out at the beach
and relaxing or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Many things are within
driving distance from LA as well.

Check with your local travel agency for excellent packages to the
Los Angeles area.

Tags: American Immigrants, Art Museums, California Cuisine, Chinese Laborers, Desert Basin, Disney Concert Hall, Great Desert, Knott S Berry Farm, Local Travel Agency, Magic Mountain, Melrose Avenue, Mid Nineteenth Century, Paced City, Palm Trees, Rodeo Drive, S Berry Farm, Urban Plazas, Venice Beach, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Walt Disney Concert Hall

Its time to ad Mississippi back to our travel destination, for both business and pleasure. Katrina really put a wallop in the Mississippi economy so its time now to support the rebuilding effort along with the local economy.

If you are like me, you may find it hard to determine just where to go in Mississippi. Unlike New Orleans in Louisiana, or Orlando in Florida, Mississippi doesnt have a marquis destination. But, this is the good news!! It will be good for a change to travel to somewhere that is not mobbed with tourists our mouse ears.

Here are a few ideas:
Ocean Springs Elks Mardi Gras Parade, February
Parade begins on East Beach by the site of the former Ocean Springs Yacht Club and will go through downtown Ocean Springs and finish by the Ocean Springs High School.

Elvis Presley Festival, June
The Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Elvis Presley Festival
invite you to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Elvis Homecoming
to Tupelo, Mississippi at the 8th Annual Elvis Presley Festival!

The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, October
Pilots compete in “Hare & Hounds” and “The Barge Drop” as they fly over antebellum homes and the mighty Mississippi River.

The Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, May
The Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival has become a showcase of talent for some very well known artist over the past forty nine years.

Neshoba County Fair, July
Political, agricultural, and social exchanges of knowledge and ideas.

Vicksburg Riverfest, April
Schedule of great events include a kayak race from Lake Providence to Vicksburg, the Alcorn Jazzfest, a block of activities for young visitors, and the chance to see everyone you know and everyone you haven’t seen for a long time. And bands and music all day long.

That will get you started back to Mississippi, there is a ton of information available at the Mississippi tourism web site at www.state.ms.us.

Tags: Balloon Race, Business And Pleasure, Convention Visitors Bureau, Elvis Presley, Great Mississippi River, Jimmie Rodgers, Kayak Race, Lake Providence, Mardi Gras Parade, Mighty Mississippi River, Mississippi Economy, Mississippi River, Mississippi Tourism, Mouse Ears, Ocean Springs High School, Rebuilding Effort, Rodgers Memorial, Social Exchanges, Tupelo Mississippi, Vicksburg Riverfest

If youre a budget traveler or backpacking Europe, Lagos is a cheap slice of paradise. Casa Rosa is the place for general sustenance, while Joes Garage is a place to let go.

Casa Rosa

Casa Rosa claims to be the haven for backpackers in Lagos. The more you travel, the more you know such claims are rarely true. With Casa Rosa, however, I can confirm the claim is true. This hole in the wall served heaping mounds of the food of the day for really cheap prices. It was packed with backpackers, which made it a good place to meet people and exchange war stories.

I havent been to Portugal for four years, so I have to attach a caveat to recommending Casa Rosa. When I first visited Casa Rosa in the 1990s, it was owned by a couple of Brits, who were apparently trying to sell it. I dropped in twice in subsequent years and they were still there and still trying to sell it. Whether this ever occurred, I cant really say so keep in mind there may be a new owner or the place may not exist at all.

Joes Garage

In every town or city, there is one underground night spot you just have to visit. Of course, you first have to find out about it and then figure out where it is. People in the know typically heavily guard this information. For years, Joes Garage has been such a place in Lagos.

The recommend attire for Joes Garage is a bathing suit, t-shirt and flip flops. The place appears to have no ventilation whatsoever and is insanely hot. Turning a negative into a positive, the owners have a strong water policy. Water shoots out of the ceiling, mouths of statutes on the wall and water guns expertly aimed by bartenders. If you were glasses, just leave them at home.

Joes is open from around ten in the evening until the hour you stagger out. It is located on Rua Primiero de Mayo, but dont bother writing that down. The place has so little signage that you could be standing in front and completely miss it. The best way to find it is to follow the late night crowd as they begin filing out of the bars around midnight.

Lagos is an ideal spot for budget travelers. The town is has beaches, nightlife and is cheap. Enjoy!

Tags: Backpackers, Backpacking Europe, Bartenders, Bathing Suit, Brits, Budget Traveler, Casa Rosa, Caveat, Hole In The Wall, Lagos Portugal, Late Night, Mounds, Mouths, Night Crowd, Signage, Sustenance, T Shirt, Ventilation, Water Guns, Water Policy