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Mexico’s Mayan Riviera Has Something For Everyone

Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera have an exceptional variety of attractions and activities from the Mayan ruins at Tulum to the Playa del Carmen nightlife. You will love your Mexico vacation. Here is a listing of some of the popular attractions:

Beaches and sport activities

This area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of the beaches have been manicured and have fine white sand. The water is a turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Just off the coast is the world’s fifth-longest barrier reef. The reef, home to hundreds of species of marine life, is perfect for snorkeling. Scuba dive and snorkel in the magnificent Caribbean waters. Scuba lessons for beginners and diving tours for the pros are available. Most resorts offer scuba and snorkel tours and/or lessons. Most of the ecological parks have great areas for snorkeling. For more information visit sealifedivers.com

Cozumel – Only 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen by ferry, this diver’s haven is well worth the trip across the ocean. Considered among the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, Cozumel offers magnificent coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks sites to explore. There are over 30 kilometres of coral reef, including the world’s second largest reef called the Gama Reef.

Golf Courses

Playacar Golf Club – This is an 18 hole, par 72-championship golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. This course is carved through the lush Mayan jungle where it challenges any golfer to come and enjoy it. Also features a putting green.

Puerto Aventuras – Marina, Tennis and Golf Club. Features a par 36, 9 hole course designed by Thomas Leeman. Maximum length 3,236 yards. Also features a putting green. Rental clubs and carts are available. Located on the Cancun to Chetumal highway at Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Aventuras also has swimming with dolphins. You can relax and watch the dolphin show while having lunch at the marina and restaurant. For more information visit dolphindiscovery.com

Mayan Jungle

Take a trip out of the ordinary and explore the wild exotic jungles of the Mexican Riviera. The ATV Explorer Jungle Tour is the original Playa del Carmen jungle tour. Ride an ATV through jungle paths, swim in a clear 60 foot deep cenote, explore caves, and climb ancient Mayan ruins on this 2 hour tour.

Located right next to Playa del Carmen and Playacar, just an hour south of Cancun. For more information visit atvexplorer.com

Mayan Ruins

Tulum – The smallest Mayan ruin site among the big three, Tulum only needs a day. These ruins overlook the ocean and are right on a beautiful beach. This is a perfect spot for a picnic, a short swim and sun bathing. Don’t forget your camera!

Coba – Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and prepare for an hour and a half drive into the jungle before reaching these ruins. Well worth the drive as there are beautiful temples and pyramids to see.

Chichen Itza – This is the most famous and grandiose pyramid of them all. Bring plenty of film and enjoy the beautifully kept grounds and the new restoration work on the pyramid. A must see Mayan ruin for culture enthusiasts. There are also restaurants, a small museum, and tourist shops on the site. Plan for a day excursion.

Eco-Parks

Xcaret – An eco-Mayan theme park for the whole family. A must see if you visit the Mayan Riviera. Prepare to spend your entire day at Xcaret as there are a million and one things to do and see. You can swim with the dolphins, snorkel, tour underground rivers, do sea trekking, visit a butterfly park, a Mayan village, and much more. The is also an excellent light and sound show in the evening. For more information: http://www.xcaret.net

Xel-Ha – Xel Ha is an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkellers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. There is an amazing cave system, cenotes, lagoon, and great snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish. For more information visit XelHa.com

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest parks, covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle or about 20 percent of the state of Quintana Roo’s land. This virgin wilderness is home and sanctuary to wide number of species of tropical flora and fauna, of which, the jaguar found here is counted as one of the many protected species. Offers eco-trekking through mangroves, lagoons and rivers. Get a close-up look of the wildlife in the reserve in their natural habitat.

Aktun Chen – Witness spectacular geological formations and swim in crystal clear fresh water in the underground caves. Spider monkeys and a serpentarium (snakes) can be seen. For more information: http://www.aktunchen.com

Xaman-Ha Aviary – Located in Playacar, this exotic bird sanctuary is a wonderful natural habitat for some 60 species of tropical birds that populate the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Scarlet macaws, flamingos, herons and may other beautiful feathered creatures can be found here.

Jardin Botanico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera – Beautiful botanical gardens sprawling with exotic species of tropical fauna in the lush Mayan rainforest. The gardens sit on 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove. A groomed loop trail provides easy walking to various collections of plants, all beautifully displayed in their natural environment. A scenic lookout tower is a bit of a challenge to climb but rewards the brave with a panoramic view from the mangrove to the sea, and out over the jungle.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen Shopping – Play del Carmen is a must for the best shopping in this area. The pedestrian street 5th Avenida in the heart of Playa del Carmen is lined with boutiques filled with goods from all over Mexico and the world. With handicrafts such as fine silver jewellery to hammocks there are shops that cater to every budget.

The stores that cater to tourists typically carry items such as carved wood and stone, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and sculptures. However, there are also high-end galleries featuring artworks from San Cristobal and Oaxaca for the serious Mexican art shopper.

If you’d prefer to venture off the main strip, there are interesting treasures to be found in the small plaza between 6th and 8th Ave.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com

California Vacations – What You Haven’t Seen

It is understandable why California attracts a lot of people. It is warm and sunny most part of the year, Los Angeles is full of movie stars, and rollerblading babes can be found all over the place in Venice Beach. Even if it is exaggerated, this part of the California mystique is real and not very hard to find.

But California has other things too, that are not scripted, sanitized, and broadcast to the mesmerized masses of the world.

The glitter and glamour are only the surface of an incredibly diverse state that would be a productive and powerful nation in the event of ever getting separated from the Union.

California has it all: redwood forests, an incredibly verdant Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada, deserts, a lot of well-known cities, and hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline.

Despite the crime, pollution, traffic, and earthquakes, which have made California famous as well, people here are still the golden children of the United States.

America’s spoiled rich kid that is either loved or loathed by everyone. (In Oregon, for example, they sell lots of license-plate rims stating “I hate California.”)

To be perfectly sincere, people here don’t really care. Californians are aware of the fact that they live in one of the most interesting places in the world, and they’re proud of their state.

Nobody can guarantee you that you’ll meet Arnold Schwarzenegger or learn how to surf here, but with a little time, a little money, and an adventurous spirit, you will be guided by us and offered one of the most fulfilling vacations of your life.

The four of us do nothing but travel, but we chose to live in California because this place has so much to offer.

Find Airport Parking at LAX here.

Top 5 Things to Do in Las Vegas You Should Not Miss

Under ten dollar trip to travel along the Strip

Surprise! Just hop into one of the double Decker buses that keep going up and down the Strip all through the day. These buses, known as Deuces, cost you only eight dollars an all day hop in/out tour. You also have the option of a two-hour ride for six dollars, or a pass valid for three days when spending $20. You’ll find it enjoyable to travel with the locals in such a bus.

Water Shows at the Strip

The Bellagio Fountains certainly make the most excellent of free attractions that one can find in Las Vegas. You simply can’t miss it! Facing the Bellagio hotel on the Strip, these fountains are installed in the middle of an artificial lake. You are bound to get mesmerized by this memorable show of dancing jets of water, reaching amazing heights with classic as well as modern musical tunes and colorful lights in the backdrop. These fountains are played every 30 minutes, beginning at three in the afternoon, and every fifteen minutes starting at eight in the evening till midnight. If you are in a mood to watch a paid show in Vegas, your first choice should be Cirque du Soleil. This sophisticated show comprises of over seventy swimmers, contortionists, clowns plus aerialists, who perform acrobatic feats on a stage in the pool filled with 1.5 million gallons of water.

Dinning at Steve Wynn’s man-made marvel

The exteriors of the Wynn Lake of Dreams give the impression of a tiny hill covered with trees, but the interiors of this resort, designed by Steve Wynn, contain a gateway having Alpine looks, complete with one forty feet waterfall plus a mountain spread over 150 feet, and having plants from the golf course of Desert Inn, used in a novel way. Have an enjoyable dinner at one of the terraces of Lakeside or SW Steakhouse, or cocktails at Parasol Down to see the lake coming alive in dazzling colors produced by more than 4,000 lights, music and holographic images that combine together to give you a multimedia experience.

Look into an offbeat museum

Atomic Testing Museum at Nevada is unique, allowing you to peep in the nuclear weapons testing site. Or go to the Mob Museum to get detailed views on how organized crime was executed in Sin City; for a visual tour of the history of Vegas, go to the Neon Museum in northern end of the Strip. If you are an enthusiast of old-fashioned arcade games, you need to visit the exceptionally stunning Pinball Hall of Fame. You can play some of its highly admirable 150 outfitted pinball machines.

explore las vegas High Roller front seat — A front seat view from The High Roller Las Vegas, Stratosphere

Stratosphere – The Tallest Structure in Nevada

You have two main attractions of going along the northern most end of Las Vegas Boulevard, till the Sahara Avenue. One of these is the Bonanza Gifts, which asserts to be the biggest gift store in this world and provides an enjoyable tacky journey back to the time of Route 66. For experiencing an especially different ride, you should go further north up the Boulevard till you reach the Stratosphere, Nevada’s highest building, where from you can hear all kinds of screams coming out. At its base, it has four thrill rides, including: Big Shot, Insanity, the SkyJump Ride, and X-Scream – all equally terrifying.

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Explore New York, NY – Our Top 10 Things To See

#1 – THE ORCHID SHOW

If you’re a big fan of the blossoming orchids in NY, you can get a great show down in the Bronx’s Botanical Gardens. Here you will find personal tours that will take you through the pallet of all the Spring foliage, as well as the in-depth education about New York’s great plant life.

#2 – THE HIGH LINE

For another side of the natural beauty found in New York, you can discover one of the most unique urban parks in the country at the High Line, where an old elevated rail line is transformed into a walking tour of leisure, NY cuisine, and protected gardens with a fantastic view from above.

#3 – MANHATTAN VINTAGE CLOTHING SHOW

New York style is undeniable, this is especially true for the vintage scene, where high fashion often still draws from for inspiration or even outright reviving old pieces. At the Manhattan Vintage Clothing show, you’ll find vendors demonstrating their craftsmanship and curating of all the classic NY looks.

#4 – NYC HOT SAUCE EXPO

When the temperature rises, follow it up with some of the best spicy sauces on display at the yearly hot sauce expo in NYC. You can taste every variety of sauce, derived from the hottest peppers and vegetables. If you’re a glutton for punishment, you can even compete in the hottest eating contests, maybe set a Guinness Record?

#5 – PIER ANTIQUE SHOW

The richest history of New York is often found in its historic artifacts and art pieces that can give you a glimpse of what life was like throughout each era. At NY’s biggest antique art show, you’ll find a wide range of objects and paintings that span in age from a few decades to century-old items.

#6 – EASTER PARADE AND BONNET FESTIVAL

Outside the big White House event, there’s no bigger Easter party than the one on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. This is the perfect family entertainment that always brings laughs and smiles to hundreds every year.

#7 – NEW YORK ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR

After you’ve had the opportunity to browse the infamous New York Library and the small book shops that have books stacked to the ceilings, there’s a book fair that specializes in the rare and obscure that you can find during the Spring. These aren’t the steals you find in small shops or yard sales, though, so be ready to pay a pretty penny for the rare copies.

#8 – BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

This is the best place to go if you’re a fan of the Spring cherry blossoms, you’ll find plenty of trees of different shades of pinks, bright white magnolias, and vibrant tulips of various colors.

#9 – RIDE THE CYCLONE

Take a stroll down the infamous boardwalk at Coney Island, where you’ll have your pick of iconic New York shops and restaurants with amazing seafood. Don’t forget to ride the famous Cyclone rollercoaster before you gorge yourself, though.

Explore New York ride the cyclone front seat — A front seat view from Ride the Cyclone. This is your view when you explore New York

#10 – CENTRAL PARK

Every season is a good season for Central Park, but, without a doubt, it really opens up the most during the Spring. Plan a classic picnic or just have a stroll around the various people-watching areas of leisure.

Looking for a hassle free way to enjoy the city with your large group? Take a Party Bus to visit some, or all of our 10 favorite things to due during Spring. We recommend https://www.partybus.com/new-york/ny/united-states to find legitimate New York party bus companies. They’re a directory of worldwide transportation companies.

Explore San Jose – Self-Guided Tour of San Jose, California

When I was a kid growing up in central California, downtown San Jose was a place to avoid. A number of years ago Mayor Tom McHenry started a project to revitalize downtown that has given birth to a wonderfully new or refurbished neighborhood. San Jose is the largest of the cities in the Bay Area that bears the name of its sometimes rival to the north San Francisco. San Jose has both a greater number of people and a much greater land area than San Francisco.

One of the most recent additions to downtown is the new city hall with a clear dome that invokes an image of transparency in government like that (on a smaller scale) of the Reichstag in Berlin.

Many visitors to downtown start as visitors to a convention at the San Jose Convention Center named after former mayor Tom McHenry. This modern facility helps draw visitors to the downtown neighborhood.

The HP Pavilion also gave locals and visitors alike a reason to return to downtown. The HP Pavilion is located just on the other side of highway 87 from the rest of the downtown area but it is an easy walk from one to the other. In addition to being the home to the San Jose Sharks the Pavilion is also a popular concert venue.

You don’t have to be a fan of hockey to enjoy the energy of the teal-clad San Jose Shark fans. In preparation for a Sharks game practice this move. Place both arms out straight in front of you, one above the other, palms facing each other. Move your arms apart and together and you are ready to “chomp” the other team.

Another popular sports team is the single A farm team for the San Francisco Giants, the San Jose Giants that play at municipal stadium just south of the downtown area. If you have not had the chance to watch a minor league baseball game picture the movie “Bull Durham” with billboards for local businesses on the fence. This being Silicon Valley some of these local businesses are advertising databases instead of steaks. Go to watch kids race the mascot around the bases or contestants trying to knock out the headlights of a truck with a fastball to win a prize.

Since San Jose gets 300 sunny days a year a great place to catch a meal is at a sideway café at San Pedro square but many other restaurants are also in downtown. For a budget meal try a burrito at La Victoria or a kabob at Askew. For a fancier meal one of my favorite classic local restaurants is Paulos.

A great hands-on museum for young kids is the Children’s Discovery Museum on Woz Way (named after Apple founder and big kid Steve Wozniak). Older kids and adults will also enjoy the Tech museum downtown which celebrates the science and innovation that created the marvel that is Silicon Valley. The Tech also has an IMAX theatre.

My favorite venue for live theatre in downtown is the San Jose Rep which puts on around 6 plays a year in a spectacularly intimate theatre. There are no bad seats at the Rep. If comedy is more to your liking then check out the comic styling of Comedy Sports.

The downtown neighborhood is reachable by car or via both CalTrain, Amtrack and bus.

Chris Christensen is the host of the popular Amateur Traveler travel podcast. He also blogs about travel to San Jose and San Jose Tours http://sanjosetours.us

The press has had this to say about the Amateur Traveler:

Men’s Journal says: “One of the 4 best adventure travel podcasts”

The Chicago Sun Times included the show in their list of 10 “Best travel sites”

Best Life Magazine named the Amateur Traveler one of the 10 best podcasts on the internet.

Nominated for a People’s Choice Podcast Award in 2007, 2008.

Popular Vote Winner for a Lonely Planet Blog Award 2009 in the Podcasting category.

Named by tripbase.com as one of the 10 best looking/most accessible travel blogs on the internet