Beaches Guide

What are some good places (affordable) to go in Mexico on the beach?

My family and I would like to go to Mexico somewhere on the beach and have it be affordable. We have been to the Mayan Riviera before but we stayed in a pricey resort then… I would just like to know about some of affordable nice beach destinations in Mexico. Thanks.

You should try Puerto vallarta.

If you eat where the locals eat, you’ll save a whole lot. we went in April of 07′, 3 people, all three meals, one nice dinner for 2 people $100.00 U.S, we went to Yelapa for one day. we bought souvernirs, invited the whole family out to eat twice, 10-12 people.

our whole trip without the flight and hotel:

$800.00 U.S. Dollars, if we had not gone to the nice dinner, we would have saved $100.00

If you ask about public transportation, 5 pesos, you can get to Boca de Tomatlan, and from there take a "Panga", a boat ride to Yelapa, Caletas or any of those nice places for a fraction of the cost.

we stayed at Hotel Rosita, is like staying at a Day’s inn, in the states, we got the two weeks for around $250.00, booked flight and hotel toguether at Travelocity.com

If you go try the "Burritas", yep, it’s spelled right. Shrip!!!

Enjoy.

Have you ever purchased property by working with a group called "International Living?"?

This group advertises that cheap property can be purchased on beaches in Central and South America. They also write articles about other great places around the world where people can live cheaply. I am wondering how legitimate they are.

This sounds like time-shares. Personally I would never buy property in a foreign country let alone with a group of people. Unless you have money to throw away. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, most likely it is. And if living cheaply is what you’re looking for, there are many places right here in the good USA where you can do that. Or if living in a third-world country is appealing to you, that too we offer—Try Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Los Angeles and New york city.

I need to find a quiet Caribbean beach/island for a holiday I’m planning with my sister, with no Americans!

Any ideas? Of course we are looking for a beautiful beach with clear water, a VERY small resort, and something that doesn’t cost 300 quid per night. Anyone know of any places to go that are "off the beaten path" or any "diamond in the rough" sort of spots? Cheers!

The places to head for are the French Antilles, Martinique and Guadeloupe, which the Americans avoid because of the language. If you want to be off the beaten track, try the smaller island of La Marie Galante. http://www.lagalette.net/
Martinique and Guadeloupe both have gites — inexpensive country cottages — available. http://www.martinique.org/services/accomodations.htm

http://www.cieux.com/guadeloupe/gdlpgites.html

are thong bikini’s illegal to wear on any beaches in the USA?

no there not, but only on a 99 year old gramma

Surf’s Up on the North Shore of Oahu

Offering famous winter waves and summertime bliss along its banks, the North Shore of Oahu is the perfect place to escape from it all and enjoy some of the finest beaches on the Hawaiian Islands. Although widely known for its excellent surfing, you can do more than simply hang ten along the shore of this Pacific jewel.

When wintertime rolls around, most individuals face the dilemma of cold, bitter weather that seems to put a damper on all their favorite activities. Along the North Shore, however, things are just heating up as the top surfers in the country flock to the sanctuaries of surfing: Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach. Producing waves in excess of twenty feet from November to January, and hosting the Hawaiian Triple Crown in December, these surf breaks are consistently some of the most spectacular, and dangerous, in the world.

Although the Banzai Pipeline is only suitable for experts in the winter, visitors can soak up the sight of the treacherous waves and the talented riders who dare to tackle its surf. As the wave moves from the deep expanse of the Pacific towards the shallow coral reef, a giant tube forms that is both breathtaking and jaw-dropping for shoreline spectators and surfers alike. Be sure to arrive early to reserve a prime spot on the beach, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera.

From October to April, Waimea Bay presents massive, dramatic waves that can reach up to 30 feet and even pose a threat to expert surfers. The sight of a 30 foot waves crashing into the shore with unrestrained force is always one of the most memorable experiences of any trip and the ultimate way to discover why this is considered one of the world’s top surfing destinations. If you are visiting in January, check the schedule for the Eddie Aikua Memorial contest, which is always entertaining since it requires the waves be at least 20 feet. At the last of the Triple Crown beaches, Sunset Beach, watching King Kong surfers is always a delight as the thunderous peaks crest anywhere from 15 to 30 feet and impose their will on those not up for the challenge.

If the surf buzz along the shore is not exactly your cup of tea, the summer months are also a great time to experience Oahu’s North Shore or set out on a family adventure. Sunset Beach is perfect for families since the waves are relatively calm and the conditions are ideal for swimming. People-watching is also prime here since you will find a wide mix of beach bums. If you visit Waimea Bay in the winter and then in the summer, you may thing that you stepped onto the wrong beach since the waves dissipate and the water becomes calm and glassy. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all excellent off of its shores and the soft white sand is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

During your summer getaway along the North Shore, be sure to stop by Pu’u ‘o Mahuka Heiau, a well-preserved ancient temple whose name translates into Hills of Escape. Possibly the sight of a human sacrifice, hikers will find exceptional views of the coast and a quiet, serene setting at this national landmark. The 1800-acre Waimea Falls Park is another must-see for its stunning Waimea Falls that have a noticeable reddish tint due to the iron found inside the volcanic soil that flows into the falls from Waimea River. If you get lucky, you may get to watch the professional cliff divers climb the rock wall along falls and dive from up to 60 feet into the cold, clear water below.

No matter what activities you have on your agenda for your stay in this recreational wonderland, a vacation rental makes it easy to enjoy everything you love about this fabulous destination. North Shore vacation rentals offer all of the amenities of home in a stunning setting that is just steps away from the soft sands and gorgeous waters off Oahu. To experience the exciting Hawaiian getaway you always imagined, book your North Shore Hawaii vacation rental today!

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/surfs-up-on-the-north-shore-of-oahu-104327.html

Our Tulum Escapade

One of the most exciting but relaxing vacations we had been was in Tulum. Tulum is located 60km away from Playa del Carmen and 131 km from Cancun Intl. Airport. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the Riviera Maya Mexico.

Tulum is a natural sanctuary which hosts a multifarious array of natural wonders and exotic locations, making it the ideal destination for family vacations, where beaches, nature and peace are in perfect harmony with the archaeology.

It is enveloped in a mantle of thick rainforests, with unspoiled beaches, a dramatic an unbelievable turquoise sea. The coral shelf which extends far out into the sea is flourishing with varied marine life.

I never been to Tulum before, nor step into its white fine powdery sand. Tulum offers the perfect combination of total relaxation, harmony and privacy, however you can fill your day with so many exciting and rich activities you will never be bored… You set foot on the white sand and forget about the city life that you’ve left behind. You can satisfy yourself with a quiet morning stroll just at the break of dawn, or dance under the moonlight serenaded by the splashing waves.

Tulum has a tropical climate with plenty of warmth and sunshine.

History and culture lovers will enjoy with archaeological sites in Tulum, with its ancient Mayan ruins on a hill along the coast, next to beautiful sandy beaches and the glimmering Caribbean waters. The archeological area includes El Castillo (The Castle) is the largest of the buildings, and it overlooks the coast on the cliff edge, Templo del Dios Descendente - (Temple of the Descending God) depicts a diving figure, and is the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including Cobá and the Templo de los Frescos – Temple of Frescoes dates back to the mid 1400s, and is a two-story building with colorful murals on the inner wall. It is thought to have been one of the last structures built by the Maya before the arrival of Hernan Cortez.

Just 15 minutes’ away from Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a paradise and sanctuary to an amazing variety of fauna and flora. This UNESCO Natural heritage site has diverse ecosystems harbor hundreds of species of plants and animals.

Tulum area has three main parts, that are all located a bit apart from each other: the archaeological site of the ancient Tulum, the modern Tulum town (also called Tulum Pueblo), and the Tulum hotel zone along the Caribbean beaches south of the archaeological site.

Tulum is bursting with scenic and natural wonders. There is something in Tulum for everyone in the family, and small children will enjoy the pleasant thrills which nature has in store for them. It has its own magic. It’s the kind of magic that will make me come back.

EllaV
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/our-tulum-escapade-743186.html

Hot Winter Travel Destinations for Canadians

Ask Canadians where they are heading for a winter break and you are most likely to hear Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Caribbean cruises. These tourist spots are quite hot among Canadians, because of their sun-soaked beaches and mildly warm climate. Industry experts agree that tourism demands for all these locations are hitting their all-time high because of the lavish accommodation, sight-seeing arrangements, and the variety of travel packages, which these destinations offer.

Mexican Coastal Resorts

In Mexico, Mayan Riviera, Cozumel on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun, and Los Cabos on Baja Peninsula are the most popular tourist destinations. Particularly, the Yucatan has witnessed a spectacular rise in resort and hotel development because of its amazing beaches and Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum. The Mayan Riviera is also popular as the top destination for Canadian travelers. Climbing up the popularity charts are also Puerto Vallarta and a revitalized Acapulco on the Pacific coast. In Puerto Vallarta, the destination that is gaining rapid popularity is Nuevo Vallarta, which is located at north of the old town.

Growing Golf in Cuba

Cuba was devoid of any golf culture until the famous Varadero Golf was built. After it was set up, the island has just not looked back in terms of the sport’s popularity. Today, Cuba is the most sought after golf destination and is a vital attraction for the local as well as international sports lovers. Currently, the much famous Varadero Golf Club does over 32,000 rounds annually. It intends to add nine more holes to its existing facility, according to the management. A European has been given the responsibility to design the new golf site that is likely to have five holes on ocean, instead of the existing two.

Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive Packages

The growing popularity of The Dominican Republic as a tourist spot is reflected in a spectacular rise in its hotel rooms to nearly 40,000. The destination is among the favorite tourist spot for the Canadians, because of its all-inclusive vacations. In such packages, one up-front payment covers facilities including airfare, accommodation, unlimited alcohol, food, and resort activities like tennis and windsurfing. So much so that the popularity of the Dominion Republic’s all-inclusive packages have reached Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Canadian tourists heading to the Dominion Republic pay as low as $999 per person for an all-inclusive trip to a hotel/resort situated at just 10 minutes away from Puerto Plata.

Caribbean Cruises

Even the biggest tropical storms move at snail’s pace when compared with the cruise ships, which is the biggest reason for the growing popularity of the Caribbean cruises. The nice weather of the Caribbean serves like an icing on the hot cake. Even a hurricane in the cruise’s path seems like a vacuum cleaner that sucks the moisture out of the air, leaving behind bright sunny days for the tourists. Moreover, with the political uncertainties across the globe, the Canadians prefer holiday trips close to home, which is another reason contributing towards the increasing popularity of Caribbean cruises.

Jo
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hot-winter-travel-destinations-for-canadians-112441.html

Off The Beaten Path In Curacao

Curacao may be one of the most underappreciated islands in the Caribbean. As many cruise ships make brief stops at Curacao’s ports, visitors only get to spend a few hours on the island. Hence, Curacao may seem like any other Caribbean destination on the surface – beautiful weather, pristine beaches and plenty of shopping and dining. However, Curacao possesses a truly unique small-town ambiance and a diverse cultural heritage unknown anywhere else in the world. With a wealth of activities available to visitors, Curacao is a great destination for families and couples alike. If you are looking for a truly unique Caribbean vacation, visit some of these sites off the beaten path on one of the Caribbean’s most unique islands.

Christoffel Park, Curacao’s premier natural attraction, is composed of three former Caribbean plantations. Visitors can explore the park in a number of ways, from hiking and biking trails to horseback tours and jeep excursions. Along the way, you will see giant cacti, several species of exotic flowers and divi divi trees while protected wildlife roams amongst the vegetation. In addition to iguanas, rabbits and rare birds, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive whitetail Curacao deer – a species thought to have come from the coasts of South America in the 14th and 15th centuries. The park offers guided deer watching expeditions each afternoon from 4pm to 6:30pm. As only eight people are allowed in each deer-watching group, space is extremely limited and reservations are required.

When in Curacao, you should also try to take advantage of Christoffel Park’s other activities. With options as diverse as cave excursions, full moon walking tours and presentations on the area’s flora and fauna, the park has something for every inquiring mind. Christoffel Park tours can be arranged through your hotel or travel agent and everything from mountain bikes to off-road vehicles are available for rent.

One of the most unique attractions anywhere in the Caribbean is the Curacao Seaquarium. Constructed in 1984, this beachfront complex is renowned for its open-water system that continuously pumps fresh seawater into its aquaria. If you are traveling with young children, the touch tanks and feeding shows offer great opportunities for safe and informative interaction with sea creatures. The Curacao Seaquarium also allows visitors to snorkel and dive with sea turtles, tropical fish and other exotic animals. You might even have the chance to hand feed a shark or stingray. Even if you don’t want to get wet, the Underwater Observatory Boat will allow you to watch divers interact with these exotic creatures. After you’ve had your share of fun in the water, check out the on-site museum and theatre for some added education on Caribbean Sea life. The beach outside the Curacao Seaquarium is also great place to relax with your family, highlighted by kid-friendly water sports options and pleasant shops and restaurants.

Though it may sound strange, Curacao is home to one of the largest ostrich farms outside of Africa. At the Curacao Ostrich Farm, children can interact with both day-old chicks and adult birds. Between 8am and 5pm you can take a tour of the farm, hold ostrich eggs, pet the newborns, watch over 600 birds wander about the grounds and learn about the lives of these fascinating birds. The gift shop is full of distinctive souvenirs, from local products to African artwork. There is even a nice café on site to enjoy a sunlit Caribbean lunch.

If you are looking to escape the crowds while on your Caribbean vacation, Curacao may be the island for you. With activities as diverse as those detailed here, you certainly won’t regret your journey off the beaten path in Curacao.

Justin Burch
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/off-the-beaten-path-in-curacao-103494.html

good snorkeling right off the beach Mexico or caribian ?

i’m looking for a all inclusive resort with good snorkeling right off the beach. Mexico or caribian ,cuba excluded.

Of the beaches ive visited, the best one 4 snorkeling is Huatulco Bays …. just wonderful lots of things 2 see and calm warm waters

Best Central American/Caribbean country to visit?

I am thinking about saving up for next year to go some place in Central America or the Caribbean. Here is what I’m looking for.
-Someplace that is pretty cheap to fly to from the Midwest
-Safe enough so you wont get killed on the street
-Something that is kid friendly.
-A country that has nice people and beaches.

Any suggestions? I was looking at Costa Rica and Jamaica but I dont really have a clue cause I have not been to anywhere down there.
So any safe places in the Caribbean or Central America that is cheap to fly to AND safe? Thank you.

If you’re from U.S., you should consider Apple Vacations for a complete vacation which includes airfare.

http://www.applevacations.com/showDestination.do?command=showDestination&destinationCode=BGI (direct link to Barbados with Apple Vacations)

You want safe, kid friendly, nice locals and beautiful beaches then try Barbados.

I do know that Almond Beach Village located in St. Peter is an all-inclusive playground for adults and children like no other – offer Kids’ Club as well.

http://www.almondresorts.com/