Here are a few things for you that will help you determine what to do on your Mayan Riviera vacation…

The Mayan Riviera, is 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? Could it possibly be the low costs and the fantastic atmosphere related to 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 currency exchange rate. This can make traveling to the Mayan Riviera a more cost-effective option than visiting Southern Europe over a two-week stay.

Then you have the Mayan Riviera Ancient Sites you can visit. 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 on the super white sand beaches! Other sites you may want to visit are Coba, Chichen Itza, and, Xel Ha. It is easy to visit all of these sites in just one day.

You will discover some of the best Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling and Water Sports available anywhere. Where does one even start to describe the beaches on the Mayan Riviera: Beautiful white sand beaches with clear warm blue ocean water. Warm breezes and your favorite cocktail served to you on your own sun bed. Now that is what I call a holiday! The Mayan Riviera is blessed with the stunningly beautiful Caribbean Sea with all its opportunities for water sports, diving, and snorkeling. The island of Cozumel is a real magnate for diving enthusiasts, offering deeper water closer to the shore than the mainland resorts.

There are so many activities available and Theme Parks for you to visit. For example, if golf is your thing, you are well catered to here, with courses in or near all of the major resorts. For the kids try Xel Ha or Xcaret – Eco-Theme parks that they will love. Shopping is fabulous as well with many bargains to be had including local crafts. Other possibilities include kayaking, sailing, and horseback riding.

In conclusion I would say that 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 – so what are you waiting for? Go check it out now!

Leave me your comments below and if you have had any experiences of your own in the Mayan Riviera I would appreciate it if you could share that as well…

The town of Alice Springs is located in the middle of the Australian continent and is the unofficial but undisputed capital of Australia’s vast outback. This unique town is rich in history and natural features, and is the perfect base from which to explore Australia’s Red Centre which includes world famous features such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Alice Springs is nestled in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Roughly equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin, it lies almost at the geographical centre of Australia, approximately 1500 kilometers from any major Australian city in any direction. The highest mountain in the Northern Territory of Australia, Mount Zeil, rises to 1,525 meters out of the West MacDonnell Ranges about 200 kilometers west of Alice Springs. The town has a growing population of around 28,000 and is today a thriving regional center where an amazing variety of tours, accommodation and activities for every taste and budget are available.

The history of Alice Springs began in 1871 with the construction of a telegraph repeater station, one of several such stations built between Adelaide and Darwin as part of the historic Overland Telegraph. Originally known as Stuart, this name was never really popular and in 1933 the town’s name was officially changed to Alice Springs. Development was initially slow, with the original dirt road to Adelaide not being replaced until 1987. Until then, travelers including train travelers on the historic Ghan railway followed the same route north as that followed by early Scottish explorer John MacDouall Stuart, north from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs via the outback towns of Oodnadatta and Finke. Today, the Stuart Highway which runs from Adelaide to Darwin is a first class highway suitable for any vehicle.

Development in Alice Springs accelerated greatly in the 1980′s, and the town today is a modern, moderate sized municipality with a wealth of resources and facilities compared to similar sized Australian towns. The Ghan Railway played a significant role in the town’s development, first arriving in 1929. The railway line was recently extended north to Darwin, with the resulting route across the center of the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin now representing one of the world’s great train journeys.

A variety of historic buildings can be found in the center of Alice Springs, including the original hospital in Adelaide House, the John Flynn Museum and Church, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. The original Telegraph Station is located in a reserve a short distance outside Alice Springs to the north. On the eastern side of the normally dry Todd River, which runs through the center of town, is the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, an arid zone botanical garden located right in the heart of town.

Alice Springs is located in a predominantly dry region, with glorious cloudless blue skies from April to September. Rainfall is unreliable and intermittent, but can normally be expected during the warmer summer months from October to March. During summer, temperatures of 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are common, while in winter (June to August) overnight temperatures often fall below freezing point. Winter days are typically bright and sunny, making this the most popular time of year for visitors.

Information about the Arrernte people of Alice Springs can be found at the Strehlow Research Centre, where many fascinating artifacts are displayed. The Araluen Arts Centre maintains a large collection of paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Alice Springs area, including renowned the watercolor painter Albert Namatjira. Many other activities are available in and around Alice Springs, including hot air ballooning, horse and camel riding, cycling, and excursions to nearby natural attractions in the MacDonnell Ranges. Alice Springs also hosts a variety of events and festivals in the cooler months between May and September.

Alice Springs is well serviced with accommodation suited to all tastes and budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, and has several good restaurants. Alice Springs is easily accessible by air or bus from all Australian capital cities. To travel in style to Alice Springs, consider the luxurious Ghan train which departs from Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Cars can be carried on the Ghan so that your own transport is available when you arrive in Alice Springs.

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Australia Vacation – A Walk on the Wild Side!

Travel is great isn’t it? Now, for vacation ideas, I highly recommend Australia! Here are a few tips and facts to help you on your way to this vacation paradise for your Australia vacation – Get away to enjoy romance and adventure in the land down under!

Money

You should not carry too much cash on you when you travel here.  That said, you are not going to be able to use a credit card or write a check when you are visiting Australia.  A sensible way to make sure that you have enough money is to get travelers checks.  This is a way that you will be able to get what you need and then some and also have the added security of knowing that you are covered if they are lost or stolen. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit.  There are exchange shops where you can cash in and get the local currency that you will need.

Climate

The climate is moderate there and is not as hot as some people might think.  The temperature will depend on what time of the year you are going to be there.  Usually you will find nice temperatures and a great weather pattern.  You will want to bring lightweight clothing for your trip and a couple of sweaters or sweat shirts just in case.

Customs

Laws prohibit any drugs, firearms, or any other foreign objects.  They have these laws to protect the wildlife and citizens of their country.  Unlike some foreign countries, there is no limit on the amount of Australian cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia.

Tipping

Unlike the United States, tipping is not expected and service charges are not automatically added to hotel and restaurants.  For any special services, a tip of ten percent is good.  Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but will appreciate anything that is offered to them. Feel free to tip when you feel you’ve had great service.

Information centers

You will find local tourist information and free advice in most places in Australia.  Look for the signs that have an “I” on them.  This will guide you to get the information that you need. Have a great vacation

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When determining the best time to visit Mexico for a vacation, you should keep in mind what type of weather you are hoping for, what kinds of activities or festivals you would like to participate in, and what kind of prices you are willing to pay. It may be that cost is a factor and you just want to lay around a pool all day sipping margaritas. Another vacationer may want to avoid the rainy season and fish, while yet another may want to time their vacation in order to join in on the festivities of Carnival.

As far as weather goes, the best time to visit Mexico depends on where your chosen vacation spot will be. August and September get the most rain throughout Mexico and they also coincide with hurricane season which affects both the east and west coasts. The weather during this time of year can be very hot, humid and sticky. Central Mexico is situated on a high plain, which provides cool nights even during the summer. The southern coastal areas are always warm and can be very hot in the summer. And if you are thinking of vacationing in Baja California, be aware that it is a desert that just happens to be next to the ocean. It will be hot and dry most of the year regardless of the neighboring surfs.

The winter months in most of Mexico can be quite pleasant. Most of the coastal beach cities and resorts will have daytime temperatures ranging in the 70′s and 80′s. Winter in some of the higher elevations in the middle of the country can have daytime highs anywhere from 50 degrees to anywhere in the 70′s range and nighttime lows at or below freezing.

There are literally thousands of festivals and observances all over Mexico and if there is a particular one you wish to attend, there are many websites available to get information about them. Some of the festivities are observed nationwide and can be celebrated everywhere from Cabo San Lucas to Cancun.

Carnival (or Carnaval) is celebrated five days before Ash Wednesday, usually in the first week of February. During this time parades, parties, and dancing in the streets are present everywhere and can provide great fun. Another holiday that is celebrated nationwide is Mexico’s day of independence. Cinco de Mayo is observed on May 5 every year as a celebration of the Mexican army’s defeat of the French in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla and is a great source of national pride for all of Mexico. And, of course, Christmas festivities are everywhere in this predominantly Christian country with mini-fiestas beginning in mid-December to celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to Christmas Day.

The best time to visit Mexico for you might be when the off-season rates for lodging drop in price. August through September is cheaper in areas most affected by the rainy season. In the same way, summertime sees lower prices in many locations because of the high heat and humidity.

Before you decide on when to take a trip to Mexico, first decide what you would like to see and where you would like to go. After all, the best time to visit mainly depends on what your personal preferences may be.

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