For the first time in 100 years, the island of West Caicos Reserve, The Protected Island will become an official destination in the Caribbean.
The island was previously uninhabited, and is home to a 500 acre wildlife preserve, untouched white sand beaches, and brilliant azure waters. Pink Flamingos have used this pristine island as a breeding ground, and the island is rumored to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus' ship the Pinta.
You can only reach the island by boat, helicopter or small plane. To keep the project environmental friendly, the transportation on the island will be electric vehicles or bicycles.
Experienced divers who frequent Turks & Caicos have been transported to the West Caicos Reserve for years, and have made the ranking of the island among the world's best diving sites.
Ritz Carlton Boutique Resort is the first planned lodging for West Caicos Reserve, and is part of an environmental stewardship program. Molasses Reef will be the centerpiece of the project with 125 oceanview suites, two restaurants and a premier spa. Private plunge pools are also on the drawing board for this upscale boutique resort. Ritz Carlton is also planning branded villas, secluded single family homes, custom homes, cottages and marina townhomes. This new project is expected to be completed sometime in 2007.
New West Caicos Reserve residents will be involved in efforts to preserve the natural habitat since 90% of the islands habitat will remain undisturbed. Over the last decade, the current residents of Turks & Caicos have given their suggestions as to how the island, which is right off their coastline, will be utilized and preserved.
So, you might want to put West Caicos Reserve on your travel calendar for 2007. Ritz Carlton is planning an elaborate marketing plan starting in mid 2006.
|
Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant, and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean Online Agency. Travel 2 the Caribbean provides online booking services, and travel agent services to clients and website visitors. Linda lives in the Midwest USA, and has traveled the islands of the Caribbean extensively. Tip! 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.
Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean |
Filed under Caribbean by 
If are planning a trip to Mexico, but you have a budget in mind, then you will be glad to know that visiting Mexico while on a budget is possible. There are many ways to save money through package deals, low-cost airfare, discount accommodations, dining out, and traveling within the country.
Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and fabulous cruises. Even while on a budget, these activities can all be enjoyed during your visit. So no matter what your financial situation is, you will be pleased to discover that planning a vacation to Mexico is affordable for just about anyone.
Saving on airfare is the first way to begin planning a vacation to Mexico while on a budget. There are many different packages available. With the help of the internet, finding a great deal is often simple and easy. Depending on your location, you may also be surprised to discover that your own local travel agent may have vacation packages that include airfare, as well as your accommodations.
Accommodations are a necessity when visiting Mexico. If you are staying with friends or family then you will automatically save money. However, if you need to make arrangements for your housing, then you may find that a package deal is most beneficial to those on a budget. There are other means of inexpensive housing, such as camping, but if you are looking for a hotel environment, then look for one with a package deal. A travel package can save you a considerable amount of money, so shop around and find the best deals that fit your needs.
Restaurants and eating out can be expensive, especially in trendy nightclubs and other famous resorts. However, if you are traveling to Mexico on a budget, you can spend wisely and eat delicious foods while remaining on your budget. You can take advantage of the many outdoor street markets and save. The food is great, delicious, and a true taste of Mexican culture; not to mention, it is also easy on your pocketbook.
Shopping in grocery stores is another way to save money while visiting Mexico. By eating the local produce, you will save money and have more to enjoy for your other vacation expenses. It is important to note that you should treat any fruit and produce that you buy as food that requires care. Make sure to peel and wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them and practice safe handling instructions for all food.
Transportation is another area where you can save money and remain within your targeted financial plan. Mexico buses are a very cheap way to travel. If you need information regarding bus schedules, times, and whether or not you will need a ticket, check with locals during your stay. However, as a safety precaution, you are encouraged not to ride in any taxis that haven't been prearranged through either the airport or your resort.
When it comes to transportation, you can also save money by taking a bus, rather than an airplane, into Mexico. Some major bus lines, such as Greyhound, will take you straight into Mexico. This is an affordable way to save money and plan your vacation as well.
Planning a Mexico vacation on a budget may seem difficult to do, but you may soon realize that there is a lot of assistance available. With careful planning, and sticking to your budget, you can enjoy a wonderful 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.
Filed under Mexico by
Choosing the right island can definitely make the difference in your vacation experience. Many travelers assume the islands of the Caribbean are all the same, with great beaches, plenty of sun and warm turquoise waters . . . and most islands offer plenty of the above. I say most because the islands of Dominica and Saba are not on any beach lovers list.
Aside from spending time at the beach, most vacationers enjoy a particular lifestyle or activities such as: Shopping, Gambling, Nightlife, Quiet and Secluded, Hiking, Golf, Photography and Nature, History and Archeology buffs, Snorkeling, Diving, Sailing, All Inclusives, Family Friendly Islands, and the list goes on.
Just remember when spending your hard earned money, choosing the right Caribbean island will ensure the "perfect" Caribbean vacation.
SHOPPING IN THE CARIBBEAN – You can shop on any island, but if you are looking for a "shop til you drop" experience, head to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Curacao (pronounced cure-uh-sow). Both islands have extensive stores, shops and designer boutiques that rival any U.S. or European city. Other islands that offer a variety of shopping are Barbados, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico and St Martin/St Maarten.
CARIBBEAN GAMBLING CASINOS – The largest gambling casinos in the Caribbean are found in Aruba, The Bahamas (Cable Beach & Paradise Island), Curacao, San Juan, St Croix, and St Maarten.
Barbados and Jamaica only have slot machines. Antigua, Belize, Bonaire, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Kitts, St Vincent and Turks & Caicos all have much smaller gaming operations.
CARIBBEAN NIGHTLIFE – Lots of fun when the Caribbean sun goes down can be found on Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Martin/St Martin, and St Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
QUIET AND SECLUSION – Travelers who are looking for a more peaceful, secluded vacation will find it on Parrot Cay which is located on Turks & Caicos, St Kitts, St Vincent & The Grenadines, and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
HIKING IN THE CARIBBEAN – Dominica – Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake; Dominican Republic – Pico Duarte Ascent (Caribbean's highest peak); Grenada – Mt. Qua Qua; Guadeloupe – La Soufriere Volcano; Jamaica – Blue Mountains; Puerto Rico – El Yunque National Forest; St. Kitts – Bloody Rivers Stream; Tobago – Little Tobago Cay; Trinidad – Asa Wright Nature Center; and the US Virgin Islands – 2/3 of the island of St John is a nature preserve.
GOLF – The best Caribbean golf courses are found on the islands of Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St Croix and St Thomas.
CARIBBEAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND NATURE – Dominica, Jamaica, St John, St Lucia are wonderful islands for photography and nature lovers. In fact Dominica is called the nature island of the Caribbean.
HISTORY & ARCHEOLOGY BUFFS will find the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico quite interesting.
SNORKELING – Antigua, Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Curacao's Marine Park, St Martin, The Grenadines, Tobago, St Thomas, Turks & Caicos, St Croix and St John all offer the best snorkeling in all the Caribbean islands.
DIVING – Caribbean diving enthusiasts prefer Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Saba, The Bahamas, St Croix, Turks & Caicos, and Virgin Gorda.
SAILING – the best sailing in the Caribbean can be found on Antigua, Barbados, St Martin, The Grenadines, US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
CARIBBEAN ALL INCLUSIVES – Both Jamaica and The Dominican Republic do not have an infrastructure that is set up for tourism. This is why both islands offer an abundance of all inclusive hotels and resorts. Jamaica is the largest of the Caribbean islands, and has many points of interest, however the roads are extremely bad. It should be noted that Jamaica is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, and travelers should be careful in choosing which part of Jamaica to visit. English is spoken in the resort areas, however once you get into the Dominican countryside, Spanish is required.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CARIBBEAN ISLANDS – Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St Lucia, Tobago and Turks & Caicos. Also, the Four Seasons on the island of Nevis offers a great kid program, and all the Hyatt Regency resorts throughout the Caribbean offer family friendly vacations.
Hopefully this will give travelers a guide to choosing a Caribbean island that will fit any lifestyle.
|
Linda Thompkins is a Caribbean Travel Consultant and owner of Travel 2 the Caribbean Online Agency. Travel 2 the Caribbean offers visitors and clients both online booking, and travel agent services. Linda lives in the Midwest USA, and has traveled the islands of the Caribbean extensively. Tip! Planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean can be romantic and adventurous at the same time especially if you choose a Caribbean villa rental. Honeymoon resorts take the guesswork out of where to stay, what to do and where to eat – you can choose a resort that covers all of that for you.
Visit Travel 2 the Caribbean |
Filed under Caribbean by
Travelers who are looking for a fantastic all-inclusive resort destination that is priced far below most tropical destinations in and around the Caribbean should look into Mexico's Riviera Maya. This area has fast become a very popular tropical vacation getaway for travelers from around the world. The Riviera Maya is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico and encompasses the stretch of coastline ranging from about 5 miles to 60 miles south of Cancun.
Don't be misled into thinking that because you fly into Cancun to get to the Riviera Maya that it is anything like Cancun and its spring break, party-like atmosphere…it is far from it. The Riviera Maya has been set aside by the Mexican government as a semi-protected area, and as such it cannot become the touristy, high-rise resort type of destination you find in the Cancun hotel zone. Resorts can only be built 3-stories or less in height and they have to be constructed to embrace the surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and topography. It is a much more family-friendly and romantic vacation destination.
Resorts in the Riviera Maya are primarily all-inclusive properties. Because of the remote locations of many of the properties there are very few offsite dining areas. All-inclusive resorts give the traveler the benefit of having everything paid for prior to their arrival. All meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), non-motorized watersports, and other amenities are included in package prices. The more upscale all-inclusive resorts of 4-star and higher quality typically have many different restaurant options ranging from buffet to world-class a la carte cuisine….all-included! Some of the more popular resort chains in the Riviera Maya include Iberostar Resorts, Palace Resorts, and Secrets Resorts & Spas. Resorts run anywhere from more family-related types of properties or resorts for the budget-minded to very upscale adults-only spa resorts.
One of the best reasons to choose the Mexico Riviera Maya for your next vacation is not just for the superb quality resorts and great value, but also for the fantastic tours and excursions that are available in around the Yucatan Peninsula region. This area is teeming with Mayan ruins and ancient architecture that are very popular with tourists. The most majestic of the local Mayan ruins are the pyramids of Chichen Itza. These incredibly preserved pyramids date back to 400AD and this awe-inspiring tour will leave with you many wonderful memories. There are many other Mayan ruins tours you can take as well. In addition to ruins you can also experience many eco-based tours that take you to game and marine preserves where you will find amazing wildlife and snorkeling that is nothing short of amazing. Another popular day-trip for those staying in the Riviera Maya region is the island of Cozumel. You can reach this quaint island by ferry from the town of Playa del Carmen located in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is a short 45 minute ferry ride and once there you will find duty-free shopping, great dining, and some of the world's best SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
If you have taken tropical vacations in the Caribbean or Hawaii and are looking for a new destination to go to the Riviera Maya is an excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you ready to come back to again and again.
|
About The Author Barry deCocq is a co-owner and managing director of Tropical Sands Vacations (http://www.tropicalSands.com), a discount Mexico and Caribbean travel brokerage specializing in all-inclusive resorts. Contact at info@tropicalsands.com. Tip! The caribbean family vacation is something that you and your loved one will remember forever.
Re-print rights: Need content? You may use this article on your website, or in your newsletter. Include the following sentence: "Article by Barry deCocq of www.tropicalsands.com", with an active link to our web site at http://www.tropicalsands.com |
Filed under Caribbean by
Each year, millions of individuals travel to Mexico. Many travel to Mexico for a vacation or a business trip. Whatever your reason for traveling to Mexico, there are a number of important things that you must consider. Perhaps, the most important is the laws in Mexico.
Whether you are driving to Mexico or flying there, you will need to have the proper forms of identification. Picture identification and proof of citizenship will be required. To prove citizenship, a birth certificate or passport can be used. Without the appropriate documents, you may be denied entry.
Before leaving for Mexico, it is advised that you make multiple copies of your identification documents. You are encouraged to leave a copy at home and carry another copy with you, in addition to the original documents. If you should have a problem with the Mexican authorities, these documents will come in handy.
Out of all of the people that to travel to Mexico, most will not encounter a problem with authorities. To prevent a problem from occurring, you are encouraged to know and understand some of the laws that are currently in place in Mexico. Knowing and abiding by these laws will not only keep you safe, but it will make your vacation enjoyable.
As with any country, Mexico has a large number of laws that are currently enforced. While it may be impossible for you to examine each and every one of these laws, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the most important ones. For instance, many individuals believe that checking in at the boarder is all they have to when they arrive in Mexico.
If you are like most of the other individuals who visit Mexico, you are there on a vacation. Arriving in Mexico by car is different than arriving there on an airplane. If you plan on driving yourself around Mexico, you will need to register your vehicle. This can be done by obtaining a vehicle import permit. Car owners that do not have the proper approval can be fined or lose their vehicle.
If you are traveling to Mexico for a business trip, you will be required to fill out a business form. In Mexico, you are not allowed to conduct business in the area, without first making your intentions known. Business travelers are required to fill out a conduct of business form. If you are self-employed or work for a small company, you will often be responsible for this paperwork. If you work for a larger, international company, the paperwork may already be taken care of.
Once in Mexico, you are encouraged to use alcohol with caution. Mexican authorities often arrest individuals that illegal purchase alcohol, cause a public disruption, or drink in areas where alcohol is not permitted. In the United States, illegal drinking activities are taken serious, but it is nothing compared to Mexico. All punishments will vary, but you easily spend a number of months or years in jail. That is why all tourists are encouraged to use their best judgment when alcohol is involved.
While in Mexico, it is likely that you will take risks. For that is what Mexico is all about. There is a difference between taking risks and breaking the laws. It is always important to keep in mind that the laws in Mexico vary from the laws in the United States and other countries. In addition the laws, the way they are enforced and the punishment for breaking them vary.
If you are vacationing in Mexico and you find yourself in a predicament with the Mexican authorities, you are urged to contact your nearest embassy. If you are from the United States, you will need to be in contact with the United States Embassy. By contacting your nearest embassy office, you can seek assistance on what to do next.
As previously mentioned, the best way to stay out of trouble in Mexico is not to cause it. When partying or participating in other activities, be sure you know what you are doing. When in doubt, it is best to avoid any activities that may land you jail. If you are interested in learning more about Mexican laws, you can easily do the research online.
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.
Filed under Mexico by
Recent Comments