One of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruise ships is St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. On the three Caribbean cruises that I took so far, two of them included a stopover in St. Thomas. On both occasions, there was a consensus among other passengers we met that St. Thomas was one of the nicer islands visited. Although the driving in St. Thomas is on the left hand side, it is still U.S. territory so this Caribbean island features many other conveniences of being American soil. These included easy telephone connections for calls back to the mainland, the use of U.S. currency and English as the main language. St. Thomas is also one of the cleanest of Caribbean islands and the locals do not aggressively hustle the tourists like they do on other islands. Many passengers stated that St. Thomas is a place they would like to come back to in the future.

During my first visit to St. Thomas, I took the Atlantis submarine excursion which took tourists down to see an actual ocean reef. It was a bit pricey but that was expected. Seeing an ocean reef with the marine life up close for the first time during this submarine ride actually influenced me to take up scuba diving. During my second trip to the island, we decided that we would spend some time snorkeling in the local waters since at that time, my partner wasn't a certified scuba diver yet. My advance research suggested that Coki Bay on the northeast side of St. Thomas was a nice place to snorkel. When our cruise ship docked at Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands, we hailed one of the many taxi cabs at the port. It was a $15 US fare to Coki Beach where Coki Bay is located. It took only about 15 minutes to get there. The scenery along the way was magnificent as we went up a hill and saw our cruise ship in the distant harbor below. The island itself is very lush with greenery everywhere.

At Coki Beach, my partner rented her snorkeling gear for $20 US (I brought my own). To my surprise, the rental attendant gave us each a hard biscuit to feed the fish while we were in the water. Once we got into the water, dozens of tropical fish immediately crowded around us. I guess they knew the drill quite well. We ripped off small pieces of the biscuits and the fish went for it, even if the food was just inches away from our face masks. The yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors and occasional parrotfish displayed no fear of us at all. At one point, my partner held out a larger piece of her biscuit and some of the fish darted in to nibble at it. After about an hour in the warm water, it was time to say goodbye to our new aquatic friends. This experience at Coki Bay with the fish was one of the factors which eventually influenced my partner to become a certified scuba diver herself.

Another $15 US cab ride took us back to the cruise ship port where we spend the rest of the day browsing the many duty free shops located there. A similar snorkeling trip arranged through the cruiseship would have cost us double the amount we paid. St. Thomas is definitely not an inexpensive island for either cruise ship passengers or resort tourists staying there but extra comfort and quality of the island are quite noticeable compared to many other Caribbean destinations. From my readings, the other main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands which are St. John and St. Croix, are more laid back and less commercialized than St. Thomas. I would like to visit them in addition to another return trip to St. Thomas in the future for a multi day scuba diving trip. For those thinking of going on a Caribbean cruise, I would definitely recommend one that has St. Thomas as one of its ports of call. It is one of the better islands on any Caribbean cruise itinerary.

Vacationing in Mexico is something that many individuals, families, and couples do. If you are interested in or you are planning on visiting Mexico, you may have to find ways to travel. Unless you are staying at a beach resort, spa resort, or golf resort, it is likely that you will want to get out and see everything that Mexico has to offer. If you plan on traveling while on vacation in Mexico, you have a number of different options.

Perhaps, the most preferred method of travel is driving. Most individuals fly into Mexico; however, some drive. If you drive into Mexico, it is likely that you would want to use you own car to travel. Driving in Mexico is not as hard as many people expect. The main thing that you need to be concerned with is the documents and insurance that is needed to drive in Mexico.

If you are planning on using your car to travel in or around Mexico, you will have to file for a vehicle import permit. These permits can be obtained before you leave for Mexico or your can obtain them as soon as you arrive. Vehicle import permits are important because without one you could be incarcerated, fined, or have your vehicle impounded.

In addition in acquiring a vehicle import permit, you will also need to have car insurance. Unfortunately, too many individuals believe that their current car insurance policy will cover their Mexico vacation. In most cases, this is not true. To obtain car insurance while in Mexico, you will have to find a Mexican auto insurance company or one that operates on an international level. When first scheduling your Mexico vacation, it is advised that you obtain auto insurance for your trip.

As previously mentioned, not all travelers enter Mexico by driving themselves. If you choose to fly into Mexico, you can still use road travel to get around. A large number of tourist make the decision to rent a car. In Mexico, car rentals are a cheap and fairly easy way to travel.

Similar to car rental policies in the Untied States, you must be at least twenty-five years old to rent a vehicle. Other requirements may include, but are not limited to, having a valid driver's license and a current auto insurance policy. As with driving your own vehicle, you may need to obtain auto insurance from a company in Mexico.

Traveling by train, in Mexico, can be an amazing experience. In addition to getting to your destination, you will find that a train ride is a great way to see all that Mexico has to offer. Traditional train rides can take you from one destination to another. In addition to traditional train rides, you will find that Mexico offers a number of train tours. Similar to boat tours, these tours are a great way for you to sightsee while traveling to another part of the country.

In addition to car rentals, driving yourself, or taking the train, you can also travel around Mexico by taking the bus. In many areas of Mexico, traveling by bus comes highly recommend. Buses depart from popular Mexico vacation destinations, often, on an hourly basis. Buses are available throughout Mexico, even in vacation destinations that are not as well-known or popular. No matter where you are located, it should be possible for you catch a bus.

Traveling by car, bus, or train is often viewed as the only ways to travel around Mexico. It may also be possible for you to travel by boat. The only downside to traveling by boat is that you are presented with a limited number of travel options. If you are interested in traveling from one coastal city to the next, boat travel may be a great way to get to your next destination.

Whichever method of travel you select, you should be able to get to your next stop. By selecting the proper method of travel, you may be able to see amazing historical sites along the way.

Lee Anders is a well respected freelance writer and travel authority. His informative articles can be found at many different web sites including this one.

While searching for St. Lucia Resorts, you will find there is no shortage of accommodations for travelers looking for traditional Caribbean living! The growth of all inclusive hotels and resorts on the island's north coast rivals most other Caribbean destinations, where you will find most of the sand beaches, alluring sunsets, sports action, nightlife, and entertainment!

A St. Lucia Resort experience would not be the same without a variety of accommodations, and the extensive selection of choices range from conventional caribbean hotels to beachfront luxurious all inclusive resorts, such as the Sandals hotels. One admired property is the Club St. Lucia by Splash, which is nestled among 65 lush tropical landscaped acres, divided into five themed villages, and is centered around a Seaside Cove filled with fun-filled activities, and vibrant nightly entertainment.

Another favorite is the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa, which is located on the islands southern shore. It's only 10 minutes from St. Lucia's Hewanorra airport, and guests can start enjoying their vacation within minutes of their arrival. This resort is situated on 85 acres bordered by a honey colored beach, and offers a wide range of amenities with outstanding value for couples, and families.

If bringing together paradise and the best inclusive resort experience is what you're looking for in a holiday, honeymoon, or wedding, then look no further! The most outstanding ultra all-inclusive caribbean accommodations by Sandals in St. Lucia offer a choice of three luxury vacation hotels.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort is built in a traditional British Colonial style, set on an isthmus with the Caribbean Sea located to the north, and the peaceful Rodney Bay on the south. Every guest room and suites feature a private balcony or patio and all the services imaginable. The Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia is a laid-back retreat, and seems to be a favorite for Europeans searching for a relaxing get-away.

Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia is known to be a relaxed haven for guests looking for a carefree escape! It boasts three gourmet dining choices including the stimulating Pier Restaurant. This property has 170 air-conditioned rooms and suites, with every amenity you can dream of, pampering your every need.

A part of the Signature Spa Collection is the spectacular Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort! This impressive couples-only retreat is situated on 155 acres with a dramatic half-mile crescent-shaped beach, and includes a large pool with a swim-up bar, impressive waterfall, and romantic bridges to take a stroll on under the midnight stars. This resort features the new villas on Sunset Bluff a luxurious enclave perched atop a coral bluff overlooking the Caribbean.

The allure of Mexico has an appeal that crosses countries and borders. Mexico is well-known for its fabulous resorts and luxurious beaches. From white sand beaches to the mountains, Mexico is host to a wide range of natural wonders and breathtaking sights. Mayan ruins, mountains, volcanoes, and a wide collection of tropical fish and sea life can be found in Mexico. Mexico is home to some of the world's top tourist attractions. Of these destinations, the top five Mexican tourist sites include Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cozumel.

Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourists attractions in Mexico. It is also considered Mexico's largest beach resort. It is home to some of the world's finest hotels, as well as many beautiful beaches. Acapulco offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving. Boats trips are regular features of a trip to Acapulco. Acapulco is also a great place for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways. Many all-inclusive packages offer fun filled activities for couples and families, but at a descent price.

Cancun is one of the world's most famous resort towns. According to the town's history, a computer selected its location when the Mexican government was looking for the perfect location to build its newest resort. Since then, Cancun has grown into a large community and one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. When looking for a vacation spot, many individuals automatically consider vacationing in Cancun. Cancun is most known for its nightlife; however, that is not all that Cancun is about. With nearby Mayan ruins, you can incorporate education into your vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is another popular Mexico tourist attraction. It is considered a tropical paradise. As with Cancun, there are a large number of local historical sites. The Sierra Madre Mountains are home to a number of guided tours. While on these tours, you can easily spot exotic wildlife. Fishing and scuba diving are perfect daytime activities to engage in. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, nightclubs, and discos. Another popular and great feature of Puerto Vallarta is the fine shopping experience. You will likely enjoy shopping at many high scale boutiques.

Mazatlan is famous as being one of the world's greatest fishing ports. The waters are known as being the perfect debt and temperature for fishing. Some of the other popular activities available in and around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing. It is also known for the malecón. The malecón is a long winding stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers roughly five miles of beach. Another great feature of Mazatlan is a celebration that is similar to Mardi Gras. It is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days. This event often involves fireworks, parades, dancing, and music.

Cozumel or the Coral Island is Mexico's most populated island. It is a popular attraction for who love to go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the beautiful coral reefs that can be found underwater. Cozumel is the ideal vacation destination for those who wish to see the ocean at its finest.
If you are interested in scheduling a vacation to Mexico, you will want to examine the top tourist sites mentioned above. With an unlimited number of activities and unique events, you are sure to find what you are looking for in Mexico.

Lee Anders is a well respected freelance writer and travel authority. His informative articles can be found at many different web sites including this one.

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International vacations have always been in great demand. With technology access available today it is easier than ever to plan a vacation to another country. Mexico has a lot of appeal to many since it borders the United States, making access more convenient. Planning your own Mexican vacation can be done at a much smaller price than overseas.

If you are considering a vacation out of the country to visit beautiful Mexico, preparing a plan will ensure a wonderful trip. To begin you need to figure out a budget for the amount of money you are willing to invest in a vacation. This will prevent overspending and show any limitations in your travel plans.

There are many places to visit in Mexico, from beautiful beaches to historical landmarks. Traditions are great in Mexico and the experience of some authentic areas of traditonal culture will enhance your understanding of the world today. Taking your time in planning is imperative. You should consider who will attend and try to involve all in the vacation planning.

If you would rather stay in an exclusive vacation resort, you should contact them for details of available packages. There are many resorts along the coast line and many will gladly book individual business as well as travel agents. Some resorts will also include airfare in the package as well as various tours and amenities. So if you are leaning towards a resort contact them as soon as possible.

Searching the internet you can find local hot spots, and historical landmarks. Some of these areas offer hotel packages, but you can also find great deals by doing your own research. You can also go to your local library to learn more about areas you would like to visit. The information is readily available to any person who cares to look for it.

When considering what to do for entertainment, check out the local culture. You may be surprised to find often there are a variety of things that are inexpensive or even free. Having a budget set aside for entertainment will also ensure that you will have enough funds to carry you through your entire vacation.

Whenever you travel to a foreign country it is wise to let your friends or family know your exact destination along with details of stops and places you plan to visit on the way. This is important so they may contact you in an emergency but also to know where to look for you should you have any difficulties. Make sure to leave a copy of your passport and important documents behind with a friend or relative incase you should misplace your originals while out of the country.

Planning a vacation to Mexico, or any foreign travel, will be very rewarding and leave lasting memories.