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Thursday, June 24th, 2010 | Author: cattleto

Just the mention of holiday making the first place that is most likely to come to mind is Mexico. It is one place synonymous with festivities and holiday making, thanks to the hospitable Mexicans and the warm and enchanting weather. Mexico is sandwiched between the United States and Central America, thereby sharing the best of both worlds so to speak. Despite the fact that people love to visit this wonderland of a place, it has received very negative criticism because of the many crimes associated with the destination. However, most people still see Mexico is the perfect tourist destination if not for anything else for the aesthetic beauty and hospitality.

Mexico as a country celebrates a number of different main holidays which fall under three major categories – statutory holidays, civic holidays, and festivities. As is with most countries, statutory holidays are celebrated countrywide with every public servant and students allowed to take a paid day off. Civic holidays on the other hand are just like statutory holidays but employees are not essentially entitled to a day off from their duties. As for festivities, it is any holiday that is celebrated not only in Mexico but everywhere else in the world such as Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentine’s Day, New Year, Christmas Day, and many more.

When you say that Mexico celebrates very many holidays, it would be seen as an understatement because the holidays are quite different and celebrated on different days of the year, each holiday having its own unique and significant meaning. Ano Nuevo is one good example of a holiday in Mexico which is celebrated on the first day of every New Year. Dia de Indepencia is the other notable holiday in Mexico celebrated in memory of the day Mexico started its first Independence War.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated not only in Mexico but in other countries where Mexican residents reside. This holiday falls under the civic holiday category and is one of the most famous of all holidays. All Souls Day is also a noteworthy holiday falling under the festivities category and celebrated in honor of all the people who have passed on.

The above mentioned holidays are few of the many celebrated in Mexico and beyond. This only means that there is a celebration for everyone, be it the children, men, women, mothers, fathers, etc. the events therefore leave something for everyone to be happy and rejoice about. Certainly where there is a celebration there must be delicious and delectable food cooked, natty items and souvenirs being sold and passed around and generally an all-around gathering of happy people.

In addition to the many holidays in Mexico that can woo you into taking a vacation there, rest assured there are enough high quality yet affordable accommodations and hotels which the entire family can relax and stay there for as long as possible. Tourist attractions also abound in Mexico, be it museums, parks, landmarks, historical sites, or even the fantastic and picturesque beach line. All this and many more give you a reason to consider Mexico as your holiday destination when planning for your upcoming getaway.

Why not experience the next Mexican Holiday at our villa for rent in Akumal, Mexico?

Monday, April 26th, 2010 | Author: cattleto

Diving is a very popular water sport today, with more and more people traveling the world over in search of the best reefs. Here is a list of the leading diving destinations worldwide.

Costa Del Sol, Spain
There are great diving opportunities along the entire coastline stretching downwards to Gibraltar to over 160km. The dive sites can be accessed from Fuebgirola and Benalmadena. The Costa tropical is one of the favorite dive sites for many in this destination, home to moonfish, dolphins, and scorpion fish.

Maldives
This destination is home to many wonderful dive sites; House Reef, Reethi Beach, Bat Fish, and Eagle Rays just to mention but a few. Most islands further offer great snorkeling opportunities. Diving in the Maldives is not for beginners, lest you get scared by the turtles swimming along next to you.

Thailand
Phuket in Thailand has arguably the best diving experiences, particularly in the Andaman Sea. If you wish to swim next to Manta Rays, Racha Noi South Point is the best place to visit. Shark point on the other hand offers you an opportunity to see Leopard Sharks and hidden scorpion fish hiding behind the corals.

Costa Rica
As you dive in these soothing waters in Central America, you get an opportunity to see rare fish species such as spade fish, cow-nose rays, and seahorse. There are organized day and night trips that you can take to explore the wonderful sights. With the sea hares and tube worms coming from the corals, Costa Rican waters come to life at night.

Dominican Republic- Punta Cana
Where else can you get the opportunity to experience the soothing Caribbean waters? Punta Cana is home to amazing corals, sponges, and shipwrecks, as well as many caves waiting for you to explore them. Diving at Punta Cana offers you an opportunity to dive with Nurse Sharks and Eagle Rays. The best time to visit Punta Cana is April through to September.

Hurghada, Egypt
This is a red sea beach resort known for offering diving lessons for beginners or those wishing to hone their diving skills. It boasts over 30 diving sites off the coast.

Marsa Alam, Egypt
Equally have spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities with numerous tropical fish and marine species; sharks and sometimes even Dolphins. The place is less crowed than its counterparts, thus providing a great opportunity for exploring what it has on offer. Elphinstone reef is arguably the best dive site in this destination, spreading over 180m long and 20m wide. You get to explore purple and pink lions, and might even come across the rare Lion Fish.

Sri Lanka
There are also great diving opportunities in Sri Lanka, and many shipwrecks waiting for your exploration, the most popular one being Cargo Wreck, together with cleaner shrimps and thousands of fish. The ruin is always intact save for the propeller that shows you just how enormous the wreck is. You will be amazed by the many Lion Fish and Snappers rushing past you without even noticing your presence.

Akumal
The world’s second longest barrier reef is located in the crystal clear waters just yards off the coast at Akumal, Mexico.  There are several PADI certified dive shops in Akumal where you can book dive trips, get certified or rent equipment.  The diving is world class and only a short trip from the US.  You can rent our villa in Akumal and snorkel or dive on the reef just in front of the house.

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 | Author: cattleto

Different climatic conditions will more often than not determine a holiday maker’s decision to visit a particular tourist destination but not so in the sultry Mexican Caribbean. When other ‘best’ tourist destinations are experiencing the cold weather, the Caribbean becomes all the more attractive and irresistible even during the winter. Even though there are some specific places in the Caribbean that tend to overcrowd, some little research will show you other pristine destinations in the Caribbean that are less crowded. Take for example Akumal, it boasts the same set of panoramas with fewer people milling around.

Akumal is located a few miles, circa 100km south of Cancun and among other things, it guarantees total satisfaction, thanks to the numerous activities you can enjoy and the great opportunities provided to you for relaxation and unwinding. It is on the Caribbean coast, located in a place known as the Mayan Riviera. Even though Akumal used to be very remote a few years back, the place still enjoys some level of serenity and quietness than most of the other tourist destinations in Mexico. As such, you get to relish a breathtaking beach ideal for sailing, swimming, and surfing in the quietest atmosphere without having to worry about fighting for an ideal spot in your beach chair or having to argue with underage drinkers.

The name Akumal means ‘a place of turtles’, and true to its name, the place is full of sea turtles. Actually, there is a not-for-profit NGO that specializes in marine research, preservation and protection of sea turtle thus if you have a soft spot for these amazing beach dwellers, you can take a break away from the beaches and water activities and visit the centre to learn a thing or two about turtles.

The coral reef gardens, famously referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Caribbean’, and which adorn the scenario are another main attraction that attracts divers from all walks of life. The Akumal reef forms part of the famous Mesoamerican Reef and covers a 450 miles stretch along the Yucatan Peninsula down to the Honduras. The reefs are home to a high miscellany of marine life made up of fishes, reptiles, and mammals, all which you can sample at the Akumal Mexico’s bays.
But when all is said and done, to ensure you immerse yourself totally into the laid-back and relaxing lifestyle that Akumal boasts of, ensure you rent a vacation property. Such a unique getaway truly deserves a unique accommodation, exactly how a condo, beach house, or villa can be classified in this part of the world. Rather than rent a normal hotel that will feel familiar, you should rent a true gem that will feel as unique as an Akumal vacation, and one that will compliment your needs and tastes.

You will be very surprised to find that even though the properties which are drop dead gorgeous may seem expensive, they are pocket-friendly and bargain friendly, especially if you do your homework early enough. Doing proper homework and research early enough will give you an unimaginable bargain for a charming vacation property with lots of stellar amenities and space that will propel your holiday into a stratosphere and make it a memorable one.

And it’s usually best to rent directly from the owners instead from some rental agency.

http://vacationsurfer.net/

Saturday, March 06th, 2010 | Author: cattleto

MEXICO – THE BEST PLACE FOR A HOLIDAY

Mexico is one of the most desired tourism places to visit in the world among most people. This city is huge and has many tourist spots that are fantastic tourist spots and also very popular as tourist destinations in the world. Mexico is one place that suits for any kind of visit, be it with your family, with your friends, alone or even a romantic honeymoon. The place has many wonderful landmarks and many beaches which drive a number of tourists from all over the world.

HOLIDAY AT MEXICO

Mexico also has a billion dollar industry which is dedicated strictly to please the visitors and tourists with full dedication in making them have a great time in the city. However the experience of a tour is best experienced if you have a pre packaged tour from a good tourist company. These tourism companies in Mexico would be surely dedicated and to make sure that the visitors have a great time on vacation in the city and go home with a complete satisfaction and memorable time and also with lots of wonderful images and videos of the amazing sights in the city.

VACATION

Every year, millions and billions of people turn over to this place from all over the world for holidays, making this place so special and famous. This is why it is obvious to say that Mexico is a stunning country where anyone would and should go to in their life to experience the ultimate tourism experience. This place is a very rich and diverse country, so you will sure have a lot in stake to see even on the end of your trip if you go to the place with few days in hand. For this reason, to have the best time in Mexico, visit the pace with lots of time in hand. You will surely love the place and the experience of being to such a fascinating city.

PLACES TO GO

Mexico is the best in providing friendly atmosphere and offers the best culture inherited from ancient times. The city also offers a great variety of food, a number of cultures that one would love to witness and also architectures and impressive and influencing traditions that are so unique that it would be a remarkable experience for someone who would visit the place for the first time.

Mexico has a number of places to visit but what makes it harder is choosing what all places to visit when you are in short of time or when you would expect to see the best part of the city. So here is a list of the best places that one must visit when they are in Mexico to see the most fascinating side of Mexico.

Along the coast of Sea of Cortez: in this part, you can find a number of beautiful beaches, ports and villages where it would be best to spend the holiday with the best moments.

La Paz: La Paz is typically the true Mexico. It gives you an old world charisma with a primitive lifestyle of the place making it a place with preserved culture of Mexico. This place is stunning in its beauty.

Isla Partida: This place is a wonderful island and one of the most beautiful places in Mexico which cannot be missed at any cost. Many water sports and adventures can be experienced and also scuba diving is allowed to explore the blue deep water and have a thrilling experience.

Puerto Vallarta: Said to be the liveliest and most sophisticated towns of Mexico which is encircled by wooden hills and a stunning bay on either sides of the place.

Acapulco: This is a party pace in Mexico. The most vibrant places of the city can be found in this place and the beaches give an exuberant effect to the party place with their golden sand and the posh cafes and pubs to chill and enjoy your time

Manzanillo: This part of the city is a very busy port town. The place is best to spend time along the beach in the sun and also to have a great time in nightclubs and restaurants to witness the energetic nightlife.

Mazatlan: Mazatlan is a destination that is one of its kinds in the world. It is also a historic town and the beach here is very popular. The town has marvelous cobbled streets and alleys that lead to the historic buildings. There are also small hotels that serve the best food in Mexico and the town also has museums that preserve the ancient culture of Mexico and displaying the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

COSTS

People using dollars, euro and pounds will have a lot to spend in Mexico. And I mean, they will have a lot money in exchange since peso’s exchange rate against US dollar remains almost stable in all times thus making almost anyone think of Mexico as an affordable traveling destination for a holiday. Living expenses here in Mexico can be as low as just $75 to $125 for each person a day which is quite less compared to other tourism spots. People traveling with strict Budgets can manage to stay in hostels managing accommodation as well as meals for a day for as low as $40.

HOW TO GET THERE

Passport:

Tourists from US and Canadian will be allowed to enter Mexico without a passport provided they have a SSN card or any photo identification such as a driver’s license along with a proof of citizenship.

However like other tourists and other travel routines, it is always better to travel with a passport since almost every place is used to the passport facility and protocols. This will reduce chances of delay.

Sea:

People willing to visit Mexico over water can travel via a cruise ship. The Caribbean cruise is for this purpose and travels from South Eastern US or you can also catch the Mexican Riviera cruise that leaves from California, both of which may cost around $1000 US per person.

By land:

To reach the place by land, by your own vehicle, the documents required are listed below. These are strictly mandatory and a temporary vehicle import permit is also to be issued before you leave to Mexico. These permits can be issued at any of the offices when you are about to cross borders near posts that are a few kilometers into Mexico. The fee will come to around US$29.70.

Original documents of the tourist card obtained at the border, registration certificate for the vehicle, a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card, a proof of citizenship such as passport or voter’s card and a driver’s license are all mandatory.

Akumal information.

Akumal Villa Features