Costa Rica Land of Natural Wonders

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120 km separates the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea at the narrowest spot - Costa Rica still has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Its coasts have both sandy beaches and marshy swamps, while its interior is dotted with volcanoes, dense with rain forests and abundant with unusual flora.
When you are planning your Costa Rica vacation, make sure to visit destinations like Monteverde Cloud Forest, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park. In addition, you will enjoy in your Costa Rica vacation, a wide range of adventure travel activities, including scuba diving, hiking around the Arenal Volcano area, and exploring the dense tropical rainforests.
What to do? Where to do? Fly through the rain-forest canopy on a zip line? Go white-water rafting? Climb a volcano? Laze on a white-sand beach in guanacaste and manuel antonio national park on the pacific coast or Limon on the caribbean coast? Check out colorful marine life while snorkeling? Or try to hook one on a deep-sea fishing excursion?
Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quadrupled, and tourism has become a big part of the nation's

economy. Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism - travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants. The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area, a bird watcher paradise. Approximately 25% of the country's land has been set aside in protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation.
The country has excellent conditions for a number of adventure sports, among them surfing, river rafting, hiking and scuba diving, wind surfing and mountain bike.Those who prefer a less strenuous vacation can view more than 50 volcanoes (Poas volcano, Rincon de la Vieja volcano, Irazu volcano and Arenal volcano) take boat trips down jungle rivers and float through the treetops in the world's first Rain Forest Aerial Tram, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Tortuga Island, The Cafe Britt Coffee tour


Andy Bezara
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Costa Rica Travel Packages

Located in southern Central America, Costa Rica is surrounded by three different bodies of water including the Panama Canal on the southeast, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest and west and the Caribbean Ocean on the east. Because of Costa Rica's close proximity to several bodies of water, the country is an ideal stopping point for various cruise ships carrying throngs of adventurous vacationers. Depending on the area of Costa Rica you are in, the climate can differ dramatically. There are cool wet mountain ranges, rain forests, dry tropical forests, cloud forests, the very dry Pacific coast and the damp Caribbean coast. Because of Costa Rica's diverse climate, the country is home to 850 species of birds, 205 species of mammals, 9,000 species of flowering plants, 1,200 species of orchids and 376 species of reptiles and amphibians. For a country that only measures 51,060 square kilometers, this is a wide variety of natural wildlife. Costa Rica strives to maintain the land's natural beauty and wildlife by designating one sixth of the country to national parks and wildlife refuges. Costa Rica is also home to several active volcanoes. Arenal erupts daily every fifteen minutes or so. The locals welcome foreigners with open arms making Costa Rica one of the most desirable vacation and retirement spots in the world. It is for these and other reasons that a Costa Rica vacation cruise should be booked today. The memories will last a lifetime.
An Abundance of Outdoor Recreation: Costa Rica is big on water related activities. Wave riders travel from all over the world to test out their expertise in Costa Rica's waters. Both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts offer up some notorious surfing. On the Atlantic Coast, Puerto Viejo's Salsa Brava gets some great breaks during the winter months although this area is often crowded. On the Pacific side, Playa Hermosa is the most consistent place to catch some waves. If these areas are flat, no need to worry, snorkeling and kayaking are always an option. Wind surfers have nothing but praise for Lake Arenal. It is considered one of the world's best wind surfing spots and on good days you can cruise over 25 miles across the lake. There might not be anything more romantic when you're on vacation with the

one you love than enjoying a horseback ride. Whether its on the beach or through a National Park, the experience is sure to be memorable. Other popular outdoor activities to be enjoyed while in Costa Rica include hiking, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, bungee jumping, sailing, bird watching and ballooning. More adventurous activities include repelling down through the center of waterfalls, canopy tours through the tropical trees and white water rafting.
A Mecca for Nature Lovers: Nature lovers should take advantage of Costa Rica's numerous National Parks and refuges. Crocovado is both a rain forest and black sand beach. The Tabacon Hot Springs is nature's equivalent to the Jacuzzi. Unwind near cascading waterfalls in the various pools and hot springs. A trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest will almost guarantee a sighting of Costa Rica's most famous bird, the Quetzal. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located out of San Jose, the country's capital, and offers a guided canopy tour of the rain forest. Manuel Antonio Park is teeming with monkeys and other wildlife. The Tortuguera is Costa Rica's most famous protected nesting area. If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, don't worry, there is plenty else to do and see. The National Museum traces Costa Rica's colorful history and culture. The museum was founded in 1887 and is located in San Jose. Patrons of the arts should try and catch one of the numerous performance put on at the National Theater. The National Theater offers classical music and opera performances in addition to others. Sarchi is located outside of San Jose and is a great place to visit and admire the country's handicraft.
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Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A. We are an american and costa rican group. Aventuras Elegantes, AVEL, S.A., started operation in 1995 as a receptive tourism agency specialized in promoting Costa Rica as a tourist destination worldwide.
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Health Issues on a Tanzanian Safari

When on a walking safari, mountain climbing or walking round the camp, it is advisable to be aware of the following guidelines on health and safety in the African Bush.Altitude related Illness: These illnesses can kill you and every year tourists die from altitude related illnesses. Higher altitudes are colder even in Africa; there is less oxygen and to walk slowly is essential especially for hikes or climbs above 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. You should be breathing easily with no panting and no extreme physical excursion. Drink water regularly and eat a light diet with lots of carbohydrates. It is essential to keep warm.Hypothermia or exposure: this is life threatening condition with a lowering of body temperature and can occur with a temperature as high as 10 c [50 f]. Usually caused by cold wet clothing or simply poorly clothed for the conditions. The signs/symptoms include clumsiness, stumbling, apathy, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and eventually unconsciousness. Treatment for this is to immediate warm the patient in a warm dry environment - a sleeping bag is ideal with one or even two people inside the sleeping bag with the patient. Warm energy rich drinks help as does rest with a return to camp as quickly as possible. Acute Mountain sickness: This affects many people above 2,050 meters [or 10,000 ft] signs/symptoms include headache nausea fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, restless or no sleep. The treatment is to slow down, remain in camp, drink water, and rest your body. It is important to adjust to altitude slowly. In case of severe headaches, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties evacuate immediately for medical attention. This condition kills tourists every year in Tanzania!Hiking in hot or sunny weather often causes heat exhaustion the signs/symptoms are weakness/fatigue, headache, vertigo, thirst nausea/vomiting faintness high body temperature. The treatment is to lay flat in shade, remove clothing to cool the patient, soak the body with cold water, re-hydrate patient and monitor body temperatureHeat stroke is more serious with the signs/symptoms being delirium, coma, rapid pulse, rapid breathing; skin hot and dry, body temperature above 40c [104 f]. Treat as for heat exhaustion but this condition can be fatal so seek medical assistance quickly - evacuate if possible. Wildlife; try to avoid interaction; normally the wildlife will try to avoid you. Buffalo or elephant may attack if surprised or provoked. When hike in forest or dense bush clap often or call out if met by an aggressive animal; at all times follow the instructions of your armed guide. Never feed wild animals with baboons and monkeys being highly dangerous and

they can steel by force as they have learnt to get food from the tourists. Weather in Tanzania has a rainy season November through to May with sometimes a dryer season January to March dividing the season into short and long rains. It never rains all the time. The dry season June to October, the coldest month being July with high altitudes reaching temperatures bellow freezing. If you get lost remain where you are; your guide will look for you and find you quicker if are on the trail - this sometimes happens in fog or dense forest. A day pack should include instant body shelter, warm clothing and a water proof jacket, matches or lighter, a mirror or whistle for signaling, food and drink [esp. water] basic first aid, torch and a compass. Some areas have stinging nettles, no shorts in these areas with stings causing temporary but painful irritationsSafari ants are small shiny brown ants move rapid in columns across trails - they are common and carnivorous, they crawl up your trouser legs and start to chew. Tuck trouser into socks and watch where you step and especially where you stand. Acacia thorns "cat claws" of the wait-a-bit thorn tree rip skin and clothing - the thorn is long and straight and can pierce soft soled shoes and even car tires so take care and try not to wear sandals. Ticks may be found long grass, to remove a tick grasp head and jerk out of skin. Snakes will usually avoid humans; one exception is the puff adder. This snake is sluggish and slow to move. When moving around in the dark use a torch to avoid a most unwelcome encounter with the puff adder. Scorpions lurk in the dry country under rocks, behind bark and sometimes climb into boots, clothing or equipment left out at night. The sting from a scorpion can cause severe pain for several hours.In conclusion to protect yourself - dress right and drink right. Climbing in mountains or highland prepare for extremes. Watch your self day time temperatures can reach 35 c with little shade and may well be freezing at night at higher altitudes. Fine weather can turn into fog or rain quickly. Always carry a waterproof and dry clothing in a plastic bag to keep warm wool and synthetics are better than cotton or down - to keep cool cotton is the better option. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, skin protection also drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in carbohydrates for energy. Avoid alcohol at high altitudes.About the Author For more information on health issues and climbing or hiking see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk - Bethel Adventure supports community Initiatives and thereby uses tourism to change lives.

Hotel Lodging in Orlando Florida

Booking Hotel LodgingFinding hotel lodging doesn?t have to be the most difficult part of planning your vacation. With convenient lodging near every major attraction you can easily find excellent several at a good price. Consider making your reservations online and in advance to get the best reservation booking deals possible, this is especially important for holiday hotel lodging accommodations due to the increase in tourism during these periods. Making your reservations last minute can be costly in the end.
Hotel Lodging OnlineSome online resources for general hotel lodging bookings that can help make your planning easier include:www.hotels.com ? An excellent site for locating hotel lodging near attractions you want to visit.www.tripreservations.com ? TripReservations.com, offers great rates that are also guaranteed, making your vacation plans secure and easy.www.orbitz.com ? Use Orbitz to make your hotel lodging, car rental, and airline flight reservations all in one spot.For example Orbitz offers daily rates from $29 that are not only in three to four star hotel lodging, but also in locations that are right next to your attraction spots here in Orlando. If you prefer a small establishment that offers a taste of Orlando hospitality you might be interested in a Bed and Breakfast like: Magnolia Inn Bed and BreakfastHiggins House Meadow Marsh Victorian Bed & BreakfastPerri House
Those who are interested in a bit more privacy and some personal space in their accommodations may be interested in renting a villa. A villa is usually a small house or part of a larger property that offers the chance to experience unique luxuries, outdoor woodland settings, or any number of options. The choices are nearly unlimited as are the locations. Take a look at Villa Vacations for more information. Another type of hotel lodging similar to Villa?s are Time Share in which you actually are partial owner of a property or apartment. There are limitations to this kind of lodging as well as added benefits. Those who are interested can find out more about Time Share Resorts and rental properties by looking at some available in the Orlando Area:
Time Share Resorts in OrlandoTime Share Resorts
Lodging in Orlando FL OnlineSearching online is the best way to locate a lot of lodging in Orlando FL and attractions in a short period of time. Online searches will come in handy trying to find holiday lodging accommodations. Most sites will list rates as well as hotel lodging in Orlando FL features and a map of the area. Collecting as much information as you can and then sorting through your selections is the best method to find a good hotel lodging with the least amount of effort.
Before you begin to mount your online search for lodging in Orlando FL, you need to make a few decisions.1. What area do I want to stay in?2. Do I want low cost, moderate, or luxury accommodations?3. Do I want to visit Theme Parks or stay at a Resort?4. Stay duration and dates of travel.5. What are my preferences for lodging in Orlando FL?These are only a few suggestions and you will want to make your own list that may be sorted by priorities such as best or lowest price. Something to remember is that prices for lodging in Orlando FL tend to climb the closer you get to the attractions and major cities like Kissimmee, Orlando, and the Disney Area in Florida. Some prime examples of online search engines that can help you locate Lodging in the U.S. are:
www.discounthotels.cc ? With up to 65% discount off regular rates with contracted lodging in Orlando FL , your trip can be fun and cheap. This site lists hotel lodging, suites, villa?s, resorts, and ranches that they have special contracts with to arrange for the cheapest possible accommodations for your family. Select from over 20 locations for lodging in Orlando FL starting as low as $25 with some hotels offering the first night free! Group discounts, vacation packages, free tickets, and timeshare promotions are also given. Discount Hotels will beat any internet advertised price for the same hotel by $2.00 per night to assure you of the lowest cost for your lodging in Orlando FL.
www.Ase.net ? In addition to hotel lodging this site helps you explore locations for lodging in the U.S. as well as cities around the world. It is also one of the few sites that not only allows you to select the Language you wish to view the site in, but also the currency in which amounts are displayed. You can use their handy trip planner to fill out the preferences of your trip, accommodations for yourself or family. There is also a preference for spending allowing you to get reservations for the lowest cost.
www.lodgingdepot.com? With trip planning for many locations of lodging in Orlando FL. this site gives you easy access to all the reservations, accommodations and transportation you will need. Groups and Deals are two special sections that can help save you money and make your trip affordable when visiting attractions and theme parks and lodging in Orlando FL.
Planning a Vacation including Hotel LodgingLet?s plan a trip to visit the sunny state of Florida. Most people will visit a bookstore, or travel agency to get information on a city or location they already have in mind. In this case we have decided to use an online search to gather information about our locations. Armed with one of your favorite sites for travel information we begin by simply selecting a Florida city you wish to stay in or typing in a selection like Orlando,

Kissimmee, or Davenport. The search engine may gather from a preselected list of partner hotel lodging or organizations so it is always a good idea to use more than one site when conducting a search. The website will return with results of hotel lodging, attractions and events, and often additional travel arrangements depending on the information it gathered from you before the search. Some sites will allow you to choose the arrival and departure dates as well as preferences for hotel lodging such as hotels, villas and resorts. In the end you will be able to browse through the results to seek out the best rates for hotel lodging in your selected area and timeframe.
Finding Hotel Lodging in Orlando FLSo you have decided to take a vacation and use lodging in Orlando FL. You may have already selected a city or you may be considering a few areas. Some of the best information can be found at travel agencies, book stores, and online. Some hotels will send you packages of travel and local information if requested. Some common hotel lodging to be found all over the U.S. are listed below. You can contact them to request maps, travel information, attractions that are near by and more. These chains are hoping that by providing this information you will choose to stay at one of their locations so it is a good idea to also request lodging and seasonal rates from each location you are interested in. Best Western International ? 800-528-1234 www.bestwestern.comDoral Hotels ? 800-223-6725 Econo Lodges ? 800-424-6423 www.hotelchoice.comHilton Hotels ? 800-445-8667 www.hilton.comHoliday Inn ? 800-462-4329 www.holiday-inn.comHoward Johnson's ? 800-446-4656 www.hojo.comHyatt Hotels ? 800-233-1234 www.hyatt.comInter-Continental ? 800-327-0200 www.interconti.comLa Quinta Motor Inns ? 800-257-5473Marriott Hotels ? 800-228-9290 www.marriott.comOmni International Hotels ? 800-241-5500 Quality Inns ? 800-424-6423 www.hotelchoice.comRadisson Hotels ? 800-333-3333 www.radisson.comRamada Inns ? 800-228-2828 www.ramada.comRed Carpet Inns International ? 800-251-1962 Red Roof Inns ? 800-843-7663 www.redroof.comRodeway Inns ? 800-424-6423 www.hotelchoice.comSheraton Hotels ? 800-325-3535 www.sheraton.comStouffer Hotels ? 800-872-6338 Super 8 Motels ? 800-843-1991 www.super8motels.comTravelodge International ? 800-255-3050 www.travelodge.comWestin Hotels ? 800-228-3000 www.westin.com
Once you have determined your location you will want to find out more about that city. Every city has unique offerings and spots that you will want to visit and experience. Much information can be found online about particular cities and about lodging in the U.S. , however, it is a good idea to call in advance to hotel lodging, and travel agencies in the area and ask about attractions that are very good or small spots that may have slipped past online resources. Some online travel engines are listed below that you can use to find more information on thousands of cities within the U.S.www.citiesunlimited.comwww.resortsandlodges.comwww.suite101.com
Tips for Hotel Lodging in U.S.AThe following tips can be helpful in planning a trip for yourself and family to a destination in the U.S. Remember that not only can information be found online but once you arrive in the U.S. most airports provide local hotel lodging locations and information Additionally it is common for hotels to provide local attraction and event information as well as maps. Simply ask for maps and information in the lobby and you will be directed to or be given them. Use the Orlando Travel TIPS below to assist you in your Orlando FL vacation.
Orlando Travel Tip 1: Using search engines and several different tools online can save you hours of telephone calls to travel agencies, money for the calls, and the cost of the travel agent. Orlando Travel Tip 2: A currency converter is also featured on this site to help keep costs low and understandable when you are traveling from overseas to the U.S.and exchanging foreign currency. This is an important tool when planning a vacation to a foreign country.Orlando Travel Tip 3: If you have access to a printer, it is very smart to print out all reservations and hotel lodging as well as any tickets or rentals made online. These reservation numbers and the proof of purchase can often come in very handy once you arrive at your accommodation, villa, or resort.Orlando Travel Tip 4: If you are searching for low cost, inexpensive hotel lodging that is also clean and comfortable, you might try looking for one of the larger national budget hotel chains. Motel Six, Comfort Inns, Econolodge, Red Roof Inns, Best Western and Days Inn all offer clean comfortable and inexpensive accommodations at cheap prices. Of course the prices may vary by location and season but can be approximately $40 to $75 per night. Double occupancy usually costs about $5 per night more. In large metropolitan areas and near attractions, the locations are usually priced higher than the just slightly further away. The search engine allows you to sort your results by price, value, quality (in terms of Stars for hotels), or alphabetically. We will sort by price and then check mark all the selections we are most interested in to compare and print out.
Whatever you choose you are sure to enjoy and remember your Orlando FL vacation. Let Island Hideaway help you make the arrangements for your stay and great family vacation. We are listed in The Travel website today

The Spiced Islands of Zanzibar

The spice islands of Zanzibar refer to an archipelago of fifty or so islands with Unquia and Pemba being the largest. The main island is more commonly referred to simply as Zanzibar and to all intents and purposes Unquia is Zanzibar. Stone Town is the capital, the port and entrance to this spiced island. Entering this small port by ferry from Dar es Salaam is certainly an unforgettable experience, never failing to make the most worn-out traveler eager to explore this ancient port.As you step onto the wharf the smell of cloves is carried on the breeze to greet you; immediately you are aware Stone Town is out of the ordinary. Arab dhows white-sails shaped like the crescent moon, sail gently out of the harbor and pass along the miles of palm fringed beaches. Stone Town transports you into the past. The whole atmosphere is of medieval times, veiled women, their hands and feet hennaed with elaborate patterns, haggle in the markets and small shops which cluster the peripheries of the town. Take time exploring the interweaving narrow streets, taking care not to become disorientated, passing intricately-carved wooden doors heavy with brass studs and beneath ornate balconies; allow the imagination to transport you back in time to the dark days of the lucrative slave trade and spice industry. Visit the immense House of Wonders and then the heartrending ruins of the Old Slave Market, which is dominated by the old church of Christ Anglican Cathedral, its altar on the site of the old whipping block.Spice tours are a specialty of Zanzibar and best taken from Stone Town. On the Spice tour you will learn about fifty different spices and fruit that grow on the island, from cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, to jackfruit and sugarcane. The spices together with the Indian and Arabic influences have produced a unique 'Swahili' cuisine. Zanzibar is a seafood lover's paradise. The freshest catch from game fish to giant lobster and crayfish are on offer. Dinner at the nightly fish market in the Forodhani Gardens on Stone Town's waterfront where a collection of stalls serve up freshly cooked seafood is not to be missed. It is a giant seafood barbeque where you can eat out in the open and mix and chat with the locals.The rest of the island is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs, warm clear blue waters and idyllic islands. The reefs are excellent for snorkeling and diving and further out fantastic deep sea fishing is offered. There are

many resorts on Zanzibar from budget beach huts to five-star resorts. Many see the beaches around Zanzibar as split into the North and the East. This is a false dichotomy and there are excellent beaches on many areas of the Island. Tour operators have their favorite parts of the island and although many say one side is superior to the other this is not true. Breezes Resort is on the east side of Zanzibar and is a wonderful romantic resort, especially suited to honeymooners. Matembe Bungalows in on the north-east side of the island is as first rate lodge perched on low cliffs and is close to the best diving areas. Some claim the beach here is the most beautiful and it is the most isolated beach. I normally settle in Nungwe Village on the northern most tip of the island - it is famed for its tradition of boat building and one of the most popular locations. The secret is in finding the right resort on the right beach for your particular needs; a resort for the family or maybe close to the best diving, or maybe a resort enjoying a vibrant night life; it all depends on what you prefer. Religious and cultural traditions make the matter of dress code an important consideration. Men and women should dress appropriately when away from the beach, covering shoulders, women with sleeves preferably to the elbow and legs covered to below the knees. Try to wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing when in public. Zanzibar people are very warm, open and hospitable. It is considered polite and respectful to ask for permission before taking photographs or filming local people. You may see tourists dressed inappropriately in Stone Town and this can and does cause offence. On the coast beachwear is fine, in the resort, however in the villages it is better to dress more modestly. When offering or accepting things, try and remember to offer and receive with your right hand. This is the hand which should also be used for eating.Having said this Zanziabrian's are warm hospitable people. Enjoy this island and remember to venture out of your resort to do some exploring and make the most of your time on this very exotic island.About the Author For further information on Zanzibar and Tanzania see http://betheladventure.co.uk using tourism to fund community initiatives focused on the education of the young and the medical care for the whole family. Ensure your safari is using profits to help the community.

Mexico

Mexico is popular with travelers from all over the world. The visitors of Mexico go there for many reasons: sunshine, blue seas swarming with fish and coral, crystal-white beaches, mountains and volcanoes, jungles full of striking wildlife, collectible folk art and the wonderful remains of ancient cultures.
Mexico is known for its tourist destinations. Its fantastic location and year-round mild climate, gorgeous white beaches are ideal for water sports. The site of the Caribbean Ocean makes this place a desired vacationing spot for all.
History of Mexico
Mexico has reminders of its past in just about every city you visit, due to Mexico's vast history. Sometime during the last ice age nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers from Asia first crossed the Bering Strait and entered the Western Hemisphere. The various civilizations of Mesoamerica are distinguished from others elsewhere in the New World by a variety of common cultural developments including hieroglyphic writing, commerce and trade, an extensive knowledge of astronomy, a highly accurate calendar system, and fascinating religious beliefs featuring a complex pantheon, a ritualistic ball game, and human and animal sacrifices.
Cities of Mexico
Cancun has a first rate tourist road and rail network. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality. Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. It's excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring state of Yucatan.


Cabo San Lucas at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate ships waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. It has quickly become the main point of Los Cabos: million-dollar condos have sprung up, palm trees have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San Jos?nd everywhere is kept immaculate.
The island of Cozumel Mexico has shops with a nice selection of goods including fine jewelry stores. There are so many great reasons to visit Cozumel that once you visit once, you might just get hooked. Compared to other tropical vacation spots, Cozumel is very inexpensive. The unusually short 2-hour flight from Houston, Miami, or Dallas/Fort Worth means you can be lying on a lounge chair sipping a beverage by noon!
Puerto Vallarta is smaller, quieter and younger than Acapulco. In its own way, it is actually every bit as commercial - perhaps more so, since here tourism is virtually the only source of income - but appearances count for much, and Puerto Vallarta, while doing all it can to catch up with Acapulco, appears far less developed and retains a more Mexican feel.
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. It is a celebration of the Nativity. The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December to spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends.
For more information, go to: http://www.MexicoInfoCenter.com About the Author None

Brazil Travel

If you are thinking about going to Brazil, I think you are a very smart person. Brazil is an exciting country with plenty to see and do and a very warm people who love to receive and share with whomever is receptive enough to make friends with them.
I would start by Rio of course. Rio is a very big city and just like any other city around the world, you have to be careful. Rio has many wonderful places that are sure to take the breath away. Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, The Vista Chinesa, Tijuca Forest and so on and so forth. The beaches in Rio are an experience for the newcomer. In Ipanema beach, every day when the sun goes down, everyone watches in silence and finally clap in awe of the beauty of the scenery. The best place to go to the beach in Rio depends on what kind of person you are.
If you are young and want to mingle and see interesting brazilian youth exuding their charm and unbelievably beautiful bodies, go to Posto 9 in Ipanema, where they play footvolley all day, the boys and girls are golden and there's everything you could possibly want on a beach day for you to enjoy. Vendors walking by selling everything from popsicles to hammocks and sun glasses to shrimp cabobs. The service is nice. Now, if you are a family and you are looking to really just enjoy the sun and beach on a weekday (weekdays are much better at the beach in Rio), then I suggest you try the Barra da Tijuca beach. It is so vast it never really seems to be that full (except on Sundays when the so called 'suburbanos' are there). But even then it's nice.
Personally, I like the Botanical Gardens on Sundays. It's quiet and nice and you can see a lot of very cool things, feed the fish and pelicans on the pond and rest under a Pau Brasil tree. The beach is way too full to be nice on the weekends. Or to take a nice hike up the many hidden waterfalls that make you forget entirely that you are right in one of the biggest cities in the world. It feels more like a tropical jungle.
If you have plenty of time to really get to know Brazil, like 3 or 4 weeks, I suggest getting a Brazil pass, it's a ticket that costs around $500 US and that it allows you to travel by air to 5 major

brazilian cities. My suggestion goes as follows: Start with Rio because it's the major hub but don't spend too much time there. Just enjoy the beauty of it for a few days, take a few of the escorted jeep tours around the forests of Rio, visit Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, go to the beach and then move on. Next stop, Salvador. This is one of the coolest places you are going to be at in the world. It's a mixture of New Orleans, Kenya, Jamaica and Paradise beaches, all with the Brazilian "tempero" a seasoning that only in Brazil you will find.
In Salvador, you will see Capoeira rodas, music in the streets and art and life everwhere. It's a must. Since you are already in Bahia, o Morro de Sao Paulo is not too far and neither is Trancoso, these are classical beaches where you need not worry about shoes. It's all sandy and it doesn't cost much to stay there either. You will experience a level of warmth and service that might make you want to forget the States and move there. Visit both and then move on.
So, with 4 more air tickets to spend, I'd do the following: Go to the Amazon and take a jungle tour in Manaus. There is no reason not to see the most beautiful rainforest in Brazil and the world and it will enrich your life just to have been there and be able to tell the stories.
Next, a stop in Minas to visit the old town of Ouro Preto which seems like the entire town was sculpted by an artist and it's fun and sweet. Not very dangerous either. Relax here and take the time to enjoy the best brazilian cuisine you will find in the entire country of Brazil.
After this, on your way back to Rio, go visit Buzios and make sure you get souvenirs there and go walk on rua das Pedras. It's classy and supposedly Brigitte Bardot (the French actress) used to walk around topless there.
That's it for today. Please be sure to visit Brasil101.com for more Brazilian Travel, Tourism in Brazil, Brazilian Business and of Course, Brazilian Soccer info. http://www.brasil101.comAbout the Author Marcio has been taking groups and tours to Brazil since 1997. He knows Brazil and can help you make the most of Your Brazil Vacation Packages