If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are a number of important factors that you should first consider and prepare for. These factors are considered safety precautions. Traveling to Mexico is fun, but it can be also dangerous, especially if you don't know what to do or how to protect yourself.
When visiting Mexico it is important to register with the United States Travel Registry to ensure that the government knows that you are leaving the country. This is the first step to staying safe while in Mexico. In the event that you become the victim of a crime, you will receive immediate government assistance. When using the internet to register with the United States Travel Registry, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary of your plans on your computer.
You should also make sure that you leave information regarding your travel plans with a close friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor. You are encouraged to make copies of your airline tickets, as well as your passport. You want to take a copy with you and leave another copy at home. This will help verify your location if something should go awry. You should also designate someone you know as your emergency contact.
Use common sense in the hotels, on busses, or walking in the streets of Mexico. Don't take taxicabs that you have just waved down on the streets. Many crimes are being reported of people who haven't previously arranged for taxis. You should also never carry large amounts of cash, flashy jewelry, or extra credit cards with you. When you are a tourist, shady people will already notice you and single you out. Be on the lookout for and avoid these individuals at all costs.
If you think that you know all there is to Mexico you are most often wrong. Public drinking is often shown in films as the norm, however this is a crime and you can be arrested for being intoxicated in public. You should also use caution when drinking in nightclubs or bars during the evening hours. People who wish to victimize tourists often drug them.
You should always use caution, no matter where you are. Despite being cautionary at all times, you should also use caution when traveling by bus and other forms of public transportation. You should always stay alert during nighttime travel and while traveling during busy bus hours. It is becoming more common for tourists to be mugged while riding on the busses in Mexico. The busses where these crimes are taking place are often the cheapest forms of travel. You may want to ride first class and have someone that you know and trust with you.
If you need help while in Mexico you should contact the United States Embassy. There is also a twenty-four hour hotline for the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. There is also a Mexican version of 911; it is 060 for Mexico City, and 066 for other areas of Mexico. This will put you in contact with Mexican officials immediately. There is also a Mexican Red Cross that will help if you are injured and need medical help. The Red Cross is free of charge and they will provide basic medical attention.
The above mentioned precautionary measures and important phone number are just a few of the many that you should know. Despite what you believe, staying safe while on vacation in Mexico shouldn't begin as soon as you arrive. You should start taking precautionary measures before you leave for your vacation.
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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Many experienced travelers consider St. Kitts to be a well kept secret, this small tropical island boasts some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. With a wealth of virtually untouched dive and snorkel sites, there are unique opportunities for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels.
The western side of the island features placid waters, visibility in the range of 60-100 feet and reefs that are known throughout diving communities as some of the most immaculately preserved in the world. Adding to the allure, most of the finest dive locations are an easy boat trip from the shore.
As a travel tip, it is recommended to enlist a tour guide for your diving and snorkeling adventures. There are several dive operators on St. Kitts, all with the supplies you'll need to snorkel or scuba dive, but don't forget to bring your underwater camera.
Though this article will only scratch the surface of what St. Kitts has to offer, it will bring into focus some of the most ideal dive sites in Caribbean.
Our first stop is Sandy Point Bay, a favorite site of Caribbean snorkelers and scuba divers alike. A unique reef with finger-shaped coral formations, the reef is rumored to rest atop a sunken battleship, as this area of the Caribbean Sea was site of numerous sea battles. Divers still find anchors, plates and bottles dating to the 1700s within the swim-through canyons and undercut shelves.
Black Coral Reef is the place for snorkelers and divers to spot the most elusive of coral at depths of 40-70 feet. Ask your divemaster or tour guide to point out the black coral, as it is rather difficult to recognize underwater. Also for the explorer, Blood Bay Reef and the small caves in its vicinity are home to several varieties of coral, purple sea anemones, yellow sea fans and rust-colored bristle worms.
Coconut Tree Reef is one of the largest reefs in the area and offers a unique challenge for both novice and expert divers, as the reef begins at a depth of 40 feet and plunges below 200 feet. As with most sites surrounding St. Kitts, the reef is in excellent condition and teeming with spotted drums, queen triggerfish and large filefish.
Also off the western coast of St. Kitts, rests the Monkey Reef, an intriguing flat formation of both soft and hard coral. Visibility here is superb and the edge of the reef is home to lobster, passive nurse sharks and lizard fish.
For experienced scuba divers, Nags Head is a dramatic, plunging reef in strong waters where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. Here, the waves are home to stingrays, sea turtles, squirrel fish, sea urchins and several species of large reef fish.
In the channel that separates St. Kitts and its sister island Nevis, divers and snorkelers can find the Grid Iron undersea shelf that rises within 25 feet of the surface. It contains a multitude of shallow water corals, sea fans, sponges and large numbers of angelfish.
According to records, more than 400 ships sank off the coast of St. Kitts between 1493 and 1825, yet only about a dozen have been identified to date. There is perhaps no finer testament to the fact that there remain plenty of sites to explore and secrets to uncover on St. Kitts.
Among the known ships, The River Taw Wreck, a 144 foot long vessel, sank in the waters surrounding St. Kitts only 10 years ago. Both the ship and the developing coral reef are in pristine condition, resting at a depth of 50 feet. This is another great site to photograph a seemingly endless variety of tropical fish and sea creatures. The Beached Tug Boat and Brassball wrecks offer excellent opportunities for both novice scuba divers and snorkelers. As each wreck lies in only 20-25 feet of water, the underwater visibility at these sights is unmatched. Lastly, the M.V. Talata freighter wreck may be a more technical dive than the aforementioned wrecks, but the opportunity to swim with an unparalleled assortment of reef fish is certainly worth the effort.
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This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Caribbean for the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino. |
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The U.S.V.I. includes four uniquely different islands; St. Croix (the largest), St. Thomas (the busiest), St. John (small, quiet and scenic).
The mix of American and Caribbean influence makes the United States Virgin Islands "America in the Caribbean".
The local population consists of citizens from other Caribbean islands, Americans, Europeans and Hispanics. While English is the main language, you will also hear the dialects of Spanish, French-Patois and Creole.
The musical beat of the islands are a mix of calypso, reggae, steel drums, R&B and hip hop. The local bands sing songs on political and social issues, accompanied to the beat of washboard and gourd instruments.
St. Thomas is the major cruise port of the Caribbean, and the ultimate duty free shopping destination. This is the most popular tourist destination in the Virgin Islands, and offers lots of dining choices, a variety of accommodations including hotels, resorts and fine villas.
St. Thomas is legendary for its hundreds of duty free shops that line the streets of Charlotte Amalie, the capital city. In between the three main strips are side streets and alleys filled with dozens and dozens of shops where you can literally "shop til you drop". U.S. citizens are allowed $1200 in duty free shopping, and you can send gifts home to yourself, family or friends with no duty or tax.
St. Thomas is an extremely hilly island with little flat land. From a distance the hillsides are covered with bright, colorful flowers. Venturing into the hillside you find yourself surrounded by a subtropical forest of palms, mangrove swamps, and mango, papaya, breadfruit and coconut trees.
Two of the best hilltop views on the island are found at Drake's Seat, which offers a panoramic view of the nearby islands, and another favorite viewing spot is St. Peter Mountain. Since there is little flat land on the island, just about every turn offers another fantastic view. And, the Skyride to Paradise Point, a modern aerial cable car, is your ride to the best sightseeing in the Virgin Islands. The trip is 7 minutes one-way and takes you 700 feet above sea level.
After sightseeing, stop for lunch in Frenchtown. This unique town is located about a half-mile from Charlotte Amalie. This area is popular with locals and tourists alike, and is home to many great restaurants and bars. Frenchtown is home to the descendants of immigrants from the French island of St. Barthelemy.
Aside from beautiful beaches, awesome views from the hills, first class shopping, and fine dining, the climate in St. Thomas is always a constant. The temperature never drops below 70 degrees, and never gets warmer than 95 degrees. Here you'll find perpetual sunshine, cooling trade winds and rain showers that last only a few minutes.
Charlotte Amalie boasts a beautiful natural harbor, and there are many protected bays, which make this a perfect destination for beach lovers. St. Thomas offers some of the finest beaches which include Morningstar Beach, Coki Beach, Bluebeard's Beach, Hull Bay, Limetree Beach, Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach and Vessup Bay. Two of my favorite beaches are Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach. Magens Bay is protected by reefs, and offers great swimming, while Sapphire Beach offers wonderful views of St. John and the surrounding islands.
Moving on to the largest island, St Croix, you will find the pace a bit slower than St. Thomas. Two major towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted offer their own distinctive style with Danish history and architecture. Both towns offer quaint, little shops where you can find deals on perfumes, china, crystal and jewelry. Shopping on St Croix is not as extensive as in the St Thomas shopping district, but it is less crowded and you can find many unique items to purchase.
St. Croix also has a fine array of hotels, resorts, villas, fine dining and expansive beaches. Sandy Point, the largest beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a protected reserve. The waters are shallow and calm, and this is a nesting spot for sea turtles. There are many other fine beaches with protected coves, which make this island a hit with families and honeymooners.
Another favorite spot for visitors to St. Croix is a trip to the National Park at Buck Island. This island is home to Turtle Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic. Buck Island is a world class diving site, with a unique underway trail. Full and half day trips are available.
St John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands offers limited accommodations, restaurants and nightlife. What St. John does offer is peace and quiet in the perfect Caribbean tropical paradise.
Life is very laid back, and the locals are extremely friendly, always willing to engage in conversation and provide directions and information. If you're looking for an active nightlife, this may not be the ideal destination. There are about four small bars on the island, and after dinner the favorite island activity is heading to bed.
Two thirds of St. John is a 7,000 acre U.S. National Park. The geography of the island is a rocky coastline, overlooking crescent shaped bays, and white sand beaches. Every beach is pristine with turquoise waters, secluded emerald cays, and panoramic views. Trunk Bay is the most popular beach, and hands down one of the best in the world. If you think that's an exaggeration, "Google" "Trunk Bay", and see for yourself.
For the more adventuresome, there are miles of hiking trails, and St. John offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. The turquoise waters are teaming with hundreds of rainbow colored fish and coral.
While shopping on St John is limited compared to the two other islands, shoppers will find distinctive quality items, and unique local crafts not found in St Thomas or St Croix.
Cruz Bay is the main town, with gift shops, well stocked grocery stores, dive centers and jeep rental services. There are only two luxury hotels on the island, along with expensive villas. For the budget conscious, there are more offering in the eco-resort and campgrounds in the National Park.
Island hopping is quite popular for visitors to the Virgin Islands. Traveling between St. Thomas and St John can be easily done by a 20 minute ferry ride. The distance between St Thomas and St Croix is far greater, and travel can be arranged by private boat charter or seaplane. The British Virgin Islands can be reached from St. Thomas by ferry or small plane. And, the island of Puerto Rico is only 50 miles away.
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Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean online agency. Travel 2 the Caribbean has been sending travelers to the Caribbean for over eight years. |
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If you are planning a romantic cruise, wedding, or family vacation to Mexico, you will want to make sure that your trip isn't overshadowed by torrential rains, storms, or even a hurricane. To plan your vacation, you should follow the local news for both current events and the weather. Planning your trip, according to the weather, will ensure that you will have a wonderful vacation that includes sun filled days. Below is an overview of some of the average temperatures and weather for the top Mexico vacation destinations.
The average climate for Acapulco is between 80-82' Fahrenheit. The highs run from 87-90 degrees and the lows are between 70-75'. The hottest months are from May to September, with the coolest months being from December to April. Rainfall can range from very little to a large amount. From December to May there is very little rainfall. However, from May to September, rainfall can reach oven 10 inches. The month of the heaviest rainfall is September; this is also the time of year when the hurricane risk is high. If you do not want to experience heavy rainfalls, you are urged to vacation during the months December to May. These months will ensure that your vacation will be a relatively dry one.
Cancun is a beautiful island to visit and its average temperature ranges from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. A bit cooler than Acapulco, Cancun's coldest months are between December and May and the temperatures run from 74'-82'. The warmer temperatures occur from May to November and temperatures rise from the low 80's up to roughly 90 degrees. Rainfall is more abundant year round, but is not as much rain as seen in Acapulco. From December to May, rainfall averages between 1 ½ inches to 4 ½ inches. The summer months may see as much as 9 inches of rainfall. Cancun will experience less dry months than Acapulco, but you won't experience as many torrential rainstorms either.
Cozumel has a very steady climate with lows ranging in the high 60's and the highs ranging between 82-87 degrees The warmest month of the year is August and coldest is in Decemeber. From December until March, you may experience cool weather in Cozumel.
Many say that Los Cabos feels like the desert with dry heat. Humidity is rare and so are torrential rainstorms and downpours. However, the ocean will deliver a cool and refreshing breeze. The warmest month of the year is July, when temperatures can reach 100'. The coolest months are from January to May where the temperatures average between 51-66'. The average lows during the hot summer months are between 73-75'.
Mazatlan is known for being one of the largest beaches that Mexico has to offer. The weather is typically warm and beautiful, however during the summer months it can become very hot and humid. The warmest month is August, where temperatures can reach a high of 90'. The coolest temperatures are between the months of December to May, and the averages temperature is round 60'.
Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains. This tropical climate is host to a heavy rain season from June to October. The high temperatures during these months range from the high 80's – mid 90's. The temperature is very steady year round; however, Puerto Vallarta is known for its large amount of nighttime rains.
While it may be difficult to keep track of the varying weather conditions in Mexico, it is advised that you do. Unfortunately, many vacationers believe that Mexico is warm and sunny all year long. This is simply not true. By knowing what the weather will be like, you can easily plan and prepare for you vacation 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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Mexico is often viewed as a popular vacation destination for young adults and couples. While it is true that Mexico has a large nubmer of attractions that are designed for adults, it is also a great place to vacation as a family. If you and your family are currently searching for your next family vacation destination, you will want to take Mexico into consideration.
As with all other vacation destinations, you will have to find activities and facilities that are geared towards families. In Mexico, you are sure to find a nubmer of these places. To get you started on your search, you are encouraged to keep on reading. Below is an overview of five popular Mexico locations that offer services, activities, and facilities for all of your family members, no matter how young or old they are.
(1) Acapulco, Mexico is home to some of Mexico's most famous beaches. Beach resorts line the coast. Vacationing here will allow you to participate in many beach activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to surfing, sunbathing, boating, and swimming. While Acapulco is most well-known for their beaches, there are a wide range of other nearby activities that you and your family may enjoy.
Golf lovers will enjoy playing rounds of golf in or around the Acapulco area. If golf is not an activity that your family enjoys, you may enjoy taking water tours. You and your family could enjoy guided tours that take you along Mexico's islands and lagoons. Your children may also find the nearby water and amusement parks exciting.
(2) Mazatlan is a large costal city located on Mexico's west coast. Beach lovers can find an unlimited nubmer of activities in and around the Mazatlan area. Popular beach activities include, but are not limited to surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and boating.
While visiting Mazatlan, children of all ages will love the seawater adventures. At a nubmer of locations in this costal city, you and your family can learn about the creatures found underwater with fun activities. Water shows, similar to those found at Sea World, may create an experience that you children will never forget.
(3) Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. It is not located along the beach, but it is an ideal vacation destination for those traveling to Mexico with their families. If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of Mexico, rather than just relaxing at the beach, Guadalajara is the place to be.
Guadalajara is most well-known for its culture and historic attractions. You and your family may enjoy an area tradition known as Charro. Mexican men, dressed as horse riders, will put on rodeo shows for tourists. While sightseeing or shopping in Guadalajara, you will enjoy the many fountains and parks that can be found around the way. If you select Guadalajara as your next vacation destination, you and your family will not be disappointed.
(4) Puerto Vallarta is located along the Mexican Riviera. This area has a large nubmer of well-known beach resorts. While Puerto Vallarta is known for its romantic environment, you and your family may enjoy visiting the area. It has been said that Puerto Vallarta is ideal for vacationers visiting Mexico for the first time.
In addition to beach activities, Puerto Vallarta offers activities for the whole family. A popular attraction for many families is the Rio Cuale Island. This island offer a ship that is similar to the one used by Christopher Columbus. What could be better than a beach getaway with a touch of education?
(5) If you thought that Puerto Vallarta was an ideal vacation place due to value of incorporating education into your family's Mexico vacation, you will love Mexico City. While Mexico City has adapted to tourists, it is most known for it historical culture. In many areas of the world, it is hard for a city to keeps its culture while still attracting tourist.
What you and your family may find most intriguing in Mexico City is the unlimited nubmer of museums. Mexico City is home to a nubmer of traditional museums, interactive museums, and museums that are designed especially for children. Whether you want to shop, learn, or sightsee, Mexico City is the place to be.
The above mentioned Mexico cities are just a few of the many that you can visit. For additional tourist information you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or request free Mexico vacation guides.
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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