Holiday in Mexico

Karen Waller asked:


The Mexican city of Acapulco has so much to offer its visitors, boasting sun, stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife, tourist attractions, a wealth of watersports, lots of delicious food and more!

Whatever type of holiday you’re looking for, Acapulco is a great destination to check out.

Whether you’re in search of a location for your wedding or honeymoon, you’re planning an activity holiday or you just fancy lying on a beach for the duration of your holiday, you don’t have to look any further than Acapulco.

Acapulco is the perfect destination to wed and for honeymoons too. Its beautiful scenery and weather make it an ideal romantic setting for a wedding or honeymoon.

But if you’re not planning on tying the knot, Acapulco has so much more to offer other holidaymakers. Sports lovers should take the opportunity to enjoy the variety of sporting activities and facilities available in here. You can play golf or tennis or take part in various watersports, such as waterskiing, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, yachting and parasailing.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday, there is no shortage of beaches on which you can unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. You will be spoilt for choice by the number of beaches here too. However, be aware of the currents and waves when you are on the beach and make sure that you keep an eye on your children at all times. Some of the beaches you might like to check out include Caleta Beach, Icacos Beach, Condesa Beach, Puerto Marques and Revolcadero Beach.

Acapulco has some great visitor attractions which are worth a visit during your holiday. One must-see sight is the Cliff Divers at La Quebrada. Here you can watch the divers jump off the 45-metre cliff into the sea below! It has been taking place for years and years - since the 1940s, in fact!

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Acapulco, there are various tours that you can join. For example, there’s the Acapulco City Tour, which gives you the chance to see the sights of the city!

If you’ve got kids in your party, then you should head to CICI Water Park. It’s a great fun attraction for all the family and has pools and slides etc. What’s more, there’s the opportunity to swim and play with the dolphins while you’re there!

After a busy day sightseeing around the city (or just lying on the beach!), you can continue to make the most of your stay in Acapulco by enjoying the abundance of nightlife that the city offers. If you want to party big time, then you won’t be disappointed here. You really can dance the night away! And there are plenty of discos, nightclubs and bars to get you into the mood.

While you’re in Acapulco, you will also want to sample some of the delicious cuisine here in the city. Why not try some traditional Mexican food such as tacos during your visit? There are numerous restaurants to choose from, depending on your taste and budget.

There is certainly no shortage of sun, sea, sand and fun in the Mexican city of Acapulco.



Justin

Karen Waller asked:


It’s no wonder why Mexico is such a popular tourist destination. Millions of people flock to the country each year to enjoy its warm and sunny climate, its fantastic beach resorts, its culture and its diverse natural beauty.

Mexico is ideal for a family holiday, a romantic vacation (such as a wedding or honeymoon), an adventure holiday or a cultural break.

It’s a large country and has so much to offer its visitors. It’s also a superb area for a holiday property rental, as there is a great selection of self catering accommodation in Mexico to suit everyone.

There is so much to see and do in this amazing country. Mexico City is the country’s capital and is well worth a visit. It’s also a good place to start your holiday. It’s brimming with museums, culture, restaurants, shops, parks and Mexico City is definitely the place to be if you’re looking for some great nightlife.

If you’re a big museum fan, then you definitely need to check out Mexico City! Here you will find the National History Museum, National Museum of Popular Culture, Modern Art Museum, National Museum of Anthropology, National Art Museum and a whole lot more!

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then be sure to visit one of the city’s parks. Chapultepec Park is a fine example.

And if you have the time during your trip to Mexico City, make your way to the 45th floor of the World Trade Center, where you will find the incredible revolving restaurant, Bellini. Here you will get the opportunity to take in some fantastic views while you dine.

Acapulco is another fun Mexican city to visit during your self catering vacation. It’s perfect if you’re planning a beach holiday. You can also try your hand at many water sports here and it’s an ideal location if you want to get down to some serious partying!

Not surprisingly, the beaches are a huge attraction here. There’s Caleta Beach, Icacos Beach, Condesa Beach and others.

Another huge attraction in Acapulco is the Cliff Divers at La Quebrada. Here you can watch the divers jump off the 45-metre cliff into the sea below! It has been taking place for years and years (since the 1940s!).

After a day’s sightseeing or sunbathing, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy Acapulco by night. The city is brimming with nightclubs, discos and bars. Get ready to dance the night away!

Cancún, meanwhile, is an ideal coastal city to tie the knot and then honeymoon! It’s also a perfect destination for a fun-filled family holiday or indeed a sporting vacation. There is no shortage of activities for the children and no end of facilities for those with a keen interest in water sports. For example, you can go sailing, fishing, scuba diving or snorkelling here. Or if you prefer, you can just lie back and sunbathe on one of Cancún’s beautiful, stunning beaches.

Other popular destinations in Mexico include Guadalajara (great for culture, museums, nightlife and food), Mazatlan (stunning beaches), Puerto Vallarta (brimming in natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, plenty of water sports on offer - and you might even see the whales and dolphins while you are here) and Cozumel (an island which is great for scuba diving and snorkelling). Other popular areas in Mexico are Palenque, Oaxaca City, Yucatan, Merida, Tulum, Puerto Escondido, Quintana Roo and Puebla. There are also so many more places to explore besides!

Mexico is a great holiday destination for everyone. It’s ideal for an annual family vacation, a sightseeing or adventure holiday - and it’s a perfect location for a wedding or honeymoon, too!



Carlton

Sarah Porter asked:


Celebrate True Mexican Heritage on Cinco de Mayo with Special Personalized Invitation Cards Celebrate the true Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo with friends and family. This special day commemorates the victory of Mexican soldiers over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, hence the holiday is named “Cinco de Mayo”. This special occasion is characterized by joyous parties joined by delicious Mexican food, music and folkloric dancing. The only question now is where to get the most fitting party invitations for the occasion? Look no further than in online shoppes. You can surf the web and browse all the wonderful selections of Cinco de Mayo Party Invitations Cards.

Many online stores carry a wide selection of custom-made Cinco de Mayo party invitations and matching thank you cards. You can select from Mexican-themed party invitations or Spanish-themed party invitations but one thing is for certain, no matter which invitation card you choose, all of them can be personalized at an inexpensive price. The more personalized your invitation cards are, the more unique it is, making your Cinco de Mayo celebration even more memorable.

You can select from any of the custom party invitation cards and have it changed according to your preference. Publish your party announcements and Cinco de Mayo wordings, sayings, or verses on your invitation cards. If thinking of Cinco de Mayo wordings, sayings, or verses is difficult for you, you can head on over to the Wording Ideas portion of the website. Here you can select from a number of unique quotes perfect for Cinco de Mayo. You may also select between printed party invitation cards or photo invitation cards. The latter is a unique way of preparing invitation cards since it features the photo you wish to be shown. For this option, you can upload your own photos and even logos to make your Cinco de Mayo party invitation clearly your own.

That’s not all because many online stores have unique offers for their shoppers. Often times you can get same day printing and shipping for every Cinco de Mayo and other holiday cards you order. You can even choose to order matching Cinco de Mayo thank you cards to hand out after a successful party. A dedicated team can work well with you, making your invitation card concepts into reality. Your guests will have as much fun receiving their invitation cards just as they will at your party.

Personalized invitation cards have a way of giving your guests the idea of what your party will be about even before they read the contents of the invitation card. This is how invitation cards should be. When you shop online, there are lots of invitation cards appropriately designed for Cinco de Mayo and other holidays. If you are Mexican, Spanish, or have even a hint of Mexican or Spanish heritage in you, you can join in the celebration. Invite family and friends and let them experience with you the victory that was won long before in the Battle of Puebla. Perhaps the only way to give justice to the sacrifices of the Mexican soldiers before is to give praise to their victory with a wonderful and cheerful party. To make your party invitation and thank you card needs easier and affordable for you, shop online at your convenience and from the comfort of your home.



Isabella

Jessica Nielson asked:


Whether you are shopping for wines or looking for hand crafted Spanish items, you will find something that intrigues you when you take your holiday to Canary Islands. The shops always have something for everyone. The shopping is great, but the nightlife is another fantastic attraction on the island. If you want to see some Cuban dancers or listen to Latin music, you could visit Emporium. This is a cute little Habana Café. The music is mixed and the DJ makes sure everyone has a good time. This place always has something to listen to or watch.

Then there is the Sunset Beach restaurant and bar. This is a family run business and the people are so nice. They enjoy new visitors and welcome everyone with a warm smile and tasty drinks and food. They have a sun terrace where you can sit in the sun and enjoy the warm breeze. Charlies is another hopping place at night. They have live music and big crowds. If you want Irish music, you could visit Craic n’ Ceol or if you want to see an English pub, you can goo to Dolphin Inn or Cutty Sark. If you want karaoke, you will enjoy The Jellyfish bar. They have dartboards and pool table as well.

The restaurants are just divine. The cuisine is superb. You will find Irish cuisine at Lenegher’s, Italian at Sausalito and Spanish, Indian, Mexican and Italian at El Boulevard. If you are looking for a Scandinavian cuisine, you will find Viking Husel exceptional. Pizza is served at Portbello as well as Italian cuisine. The restaurants are always open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the hotels have restaurants that are just as nice to dine at anytime. You will have quite an array of delights to choose when you take your holiday to Canary Islands.

Sightseeing is interesting on the island. You could spend days just walking around to see all the different areas of the island. It is beautiful to look at the volcanoes and the craters. The weather is always sunny and warm, which makes for a nice walk and a picnic. You can see more things on the island when you walk. The beaches are great for night walks. The sunsets and sunrises also look incredible from the beaches. You can walk for miles and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you.

You can take horseback and camel rides around the area. The beaches are so nice for horseback riding. The camel rides are intriguing if you never had the experience before. Many people take their holiday to Canary Islands because they enjoy the peacefulness of the island. The secluded beaches and the beautiful scenery around the volcano is something you cannot see every day. All there is to do is enjoy the days and relax with some great music and a few god drinks at night. Once you see how beautiful the island is, you will not want to leave such a beautiful place.



Ella

Michael Peterson asked:


Find yourself on a vacation in Acapulco on a cheap holiday vacation where you can save on airfare, accommodations and receive some discounts on meals and attractions. You are going to find yourself looking at the Sierra foothills behind you with the beautiful coastline in front of you. The beauty of Acapulco will delight you. You could go to the Pie de la Cuesta village and enjoy the CiCi water park or swim in the ocean with the dolphins. If you have a change you might even find some good times watching the divers leap from the cliffs in La Quebrada.

When you plan your cheap holiday vacation, you will want to remember that the restaurants in the area serve different types of foods such as Italian, Japanese, Spanish, French and Mexican. If you have the opportunity to choose some restaurant discounts, you will want to choose a restaurant that has the taste that you would like. You will enjoy the area restaurants for their cuisine and friendly service in a warm atmosphere. If you like the idea of dining at a piano bar, the Casa Nova has fine Italian cuisine with a beautiful view of the foothills with a piano bar.

Some of the hotels in Acapulco offer different amenities and specials. The Etel Suites is a highly rated hotel. It only has twelve guest rooms, but the attention you receive makes you feel at home. They also supply high speed Internet. A pyramid styled hotel is the Fairmont Acapulco Princess. It has over a thousand rooms with many different room and hotel amenities. It was designed after the Aztec pyramids and has a golf course, beachfront, swimming pool and a basketball court. You can also enjoy the fitness center and spa or play a game of tennis indoors or out.

Your cheap holiday vacation to Acapulco is not complete unless you see some of the area attractions. The Zocalo is a town square true to the traditions of Mexico. If you enjoy culture and exhibits, the Casa de la Cultura is another place to visit. However, no visit to Mexico is complete without seeing the bird sanctuary by a fresh water lagoon. The Laguna de Coyuca has a restaurant and different waters sports as well for visitors to do. Fishing is great by Playa Tamarindos as well as recreational water sports, you can plan entire day in this area.

Your cheap holiday vacation will also include some exciting nightlife experiences. You might enjoy Baby’O where the drinks are sweet and the entertainment is meant for a king or queen. If dancing is what you need, Salon Q has a large dance floor with plenty of room to get out and unwind. Pepe’s Piano Bar has a nice, cozy atmosphere were the piano supplies the music and sets the tone for the evening. You are going to enjoy this cheap holiday vacation and have many memories to share with family and friends. It is also an exciting time day or night.



Jonathan

Mary Brooke asked:


In recent years, Barcelona has established itself as one of Europe´s most popular tourist destinations, and it is not difficult to understand why. With its balmy all-year climate, its avant-garde architecture, its burgeoning gastronomy, its fabulous beaches, proximity to the Costa Brava & ski-slopes as well as its eclectic mix of shops, Catalunya´s capital can be justly proud of what it has to offer visitors. Transformed by the 1992 Olympics, the city has attracted millions of curious independent travellers and, in the last few years, it has become increasingly popular as a family destination. The website mumabroad.com, a local site written by parents living in Barcelona with recommendations from local mums, shows you why the city has so much to offer kids, from its child-friendly accommodation and restaurants to its numerous outdoor activities and day-trips.

Arriving in Barcelona with the kids

Nowadays there are many airlines who operate in and out of Barcelona and not surprisingly most visitors arrive by air. Below we have listed a few options on how to reach the city centre. The most popular option is the Airport Bus due to its frequency and ease of access from the airport. Taxis can be expensive and most won´t have car seats although Spanish law requires that all children under three years of age must use a child seat. Failure to do so will result in a fine of 90 euros.

Barcelona Taxis

Just outside the arrivals hall you will find the Barcelona Airport taxi rank. Fares to Barcelona cost approximately 25 Euros and the journey time is around 30 minutes.

Barcelona Airport Bus

The Barcelona Airport Bus stops in front of Terminals A, B (Arrivals) and C and takes passengers to the centre of Barcelona (Plaza Catalunya). Departures from Mondays to Saturdays from the airport are from 6am to 1am; and from Plaza de Catalunya from 5:30am to 12:15am. Buses run every 7 to 15 minutes. Single Fare: 3.90 euros

Barcelona Airport Train

The Barcelona Airport train station is located opposite the arrivals and departure halls. The Line C10 goes to Barcelona Sants and takes around 30 minutes and costs 2.50 euros. The first train from the airport is at 6am and the trains run at 30 minute intervals until 11.44pm. From Barcelona Sants it is likely you will need to take the metro or a taxi as it is not in the centre of town.

Getting Around Barcelona with the kids

Barcelona By Metro

The Barcelona Metro is not such a popular choice for young families visiting the city, due to the fact that there are a limited amount of lifts for buggies, which means accessing the trains can be a real chore. Travel is cheap however and you can purchase a book of 10 tickets for around 7 euros. The ticket is valid for any journey on the metro although if you need a new ticket for journeys on the same day. For many, taxis are the transport of choice (see below). However if you are visiting Barcelona with older kids or if you decide to brave the system anyway, the timetable is below:

Mondays -Thursdays, Sundays & Holidays: 5am to 12am.

Fridays: 5am to 2am

Saturdays: Non-stop service

Barcelona By Taxi

For many families, taxis are the transport of choice as they are relatively cheap and even ones without car seats will accept young babies and toddlers for short journeys. You can flag them down (green light means they are empty) or many hotels will also call a taxi on your behalf. Be warned though English is not widely spoken amongst taxi drivers in Barcelona so it is a good idea to write down your destination on a piece of paper.

Barcelona By Tourist Bus

The open top double-decker Barcelona Bus Turístic is a fantastic way to get around Barcelona with little ones (children under 4 travel for free). You can hop off or hop on at any of the 44 stops. You will receive an information guide about each of the enroute attractions as well as a discount voucher booklet. The buses go between every 5-25 minutes and the timetable is at each of the 44 stops. First buses call at most stops between 9am and 9.30am A one day ticket for adults costs 20 euros and for children (4-12) 12 euros. You can buy tickets on the bus or at any of the tourist offices in Barcleona. The service operates daily apart from 25th December and 1st January.

Family Attractions in Barcelona

Nou Camp Tour

An absolute must for all football-mad kids. The guided tour of the third biggest football stadium in the world includes visiting the stadium,tunnel & pitch area. Admission: 11,50 euros adults 9,20 euros for children under 13 years.

Av. Aristides Maillo 12-18 Metro Collblanc, Les Corts, Badal or Maria Christina

Barcelona Zoo

Zoos aren´t everyone´s cup of tea, but Barcelona Zoo has a lot to offer children. As well as big cats, penguins, gorillas, hippos, bears etc there is a twice daily dolphin show at and a children´s farm with pigs, horses, rabbits & guinea pigs.The play area in the centre of the zoo is excellent, including a mini absail area and climbing frames. On the downside drinks & snacks are quite expensive and it gets very crowded at weekends. Open from 10am until 7pm in summer and until 6pm in the winter.

Parc Zoologic de Barcelona S.A, Parc de la Ciutadela s/n, 08003 Barcelona Metro Arc de Trionfo or Barceloneta (+34) 932256780 www.zoobarcelona.com

Barcelona Aquarium

This is the largest aquarium in Europe and includes an interactive space called Explora. Admission: Adults 13 euros. Children 4-12 years 9 euros. Under 4s free. Worth it just for walking in the vast transparent shark tunnel! There is a really good interactive children´s area. You are also among the shops and restaurants of the Maremagnum - a good place for lunch. Open 9.30am - 9pm.

Moll d’Espanya, Port Vell. Metro Drassanes (+34) 932217474

Tours of Barcelona

If you come to Barcelona with your children, fear not! Organised tours take place in the old town which can be enjoyed by parents and children alike. The idea is to include visits, games and stories to keep the attention of the younger ones (and the odd easily-distracted adults). These might include an artisanal sweet shop where they can see how the candies are made, an original toy workshop, an old-fashioned milk bar where they can indulge in a creamy traditional milkshake, guessing games in the food market, and more.With the little ones occupied, there is time to explain to the grown-ups of the group the anecdotes on the history, culture, cuisine and associated tales of the city.

Poble Espanyol

This is a mini-disneyland with every Spanish region in cameo and it provides great day out for children. Entry is 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for kids. Family ticket 16 euros (with children between 7 and 12 years). Opening times Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday to Thursday 9am - 2am Friday 9am - 4am Saturday 9am - 5am Sunday 9am -midnight

Metro Espanya. Buses 55, 13. Tourist Bus Stop:Poble Espanyol (+34) 935086300 www.poble-espanyol.com

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Mix of fun rides and state-of-the-art attractions including a multimedia experience which allows children become part of a cartoon. There is also a mechanical Puppet museum dating back to 1899. Entrance fee: adults 15 euros, children under 110cm height 4 euros. Unlimited use of rides and attractions. Open every day from 11am apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day

3-4 Plaza del Tibidabo By Train: Get FGC from Plaza Catalunya to Avenida Tibidabo then follow signposts to the Tramvia Blau at the end of Balmes in Placa John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Take the Tramvia to the Mirablau and then the Funicular to the top of the Mountain. By Bus: Take the Tibibus from Plaza Catalunya

Port Aventura Theme Park

Hugely popular theme park around an hour outside Barcelona. You can be flung around eight inverted loops on Dragon Khan (supposedly the largest roller-coaster in Europe) or get soaked on Tutuki Splash. There are also shows with bubbles, birds of paradise, Mexican and Chinese themes.

Located near Salou/La Pineda, off A7. Buses go from from Passeig de Sant Joan and for trains from Passeig de Gracia. Look for trains on the Salou line and you need to get off at Port Aventura. The park also has areas designated for small children such as play areas, small rides, children´s swimming pools and the hotels offer special services for children such as menus, entertainment and monitor led activities. There are many baby changing facilities at the park and you are also able to rent prams.

Chocolate Museum

Located in an ancient convent in Calle Comerc (number 36) in el Borne, children can learn everything about chocolate including its medicinal, nutritional and aphrodisiac qualities. There are also some fantastic chocolate sculputures and workshops to teach you how to make chocolate. Best of all you can sample the goods! Admission 3,6 euros

Las Golondrinas

Double decker pleasureboats take you from the harbour to the breakwater. Good fun, good value with some great views of the city. Every half hour leaving from the bottom of Las Ramblas until 7pm. Adults 5 euros children up to 12 years 2,50 euros

Montserrat

Half the fun is getting there. The cog railway up the mountain is a must for children and railway enthusiasts alike .Once there, children will be awestruck by the wacky shaped rocks and for the more active there are numerous walking tracks, caves. Montserrat is of course famous for being the home of Our Lady of Montserrat and a Benedictine monastery.

Trains (R5) go from Placa d’Espanya metro.You can either get a train and cable car ride or just the train (and rack railway). Journey is approx one hour and they leave at a quarter to the hour. Get out at Montserrat Aeri Station if you have chosen the cable car or in Monistrol de Montserrat station to change to the Rack railway.

Magic Fountains of Montjuic (Font Magica)

This is a great stop for some evening entertainment for the children. The Font Magica is a colourful water and classical music extravaganza held each night. Thurs-Sun 9pm, 9.30pm, 10pm, 10.30pm, 11pm. From October to April just Fridays and Saturdays 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm and 8.30pm

La plaza de Carles Buïgas, just above the Avenida de Maria Cristina. Metro Espanya .Walk towards the MNAC between the two large towers at Placa Espanya

Beaches, Parks and Play Areas for Kids in Barcelona

Park Güell

Probably the world´s most enchanting public park created by Barcelona´s most famous son, Antón Gaudí. Loosely based on Hampstead Heath in London, the park boasts sparkling mosaic stairways, multicoloured buildings and fairytale fountains. It is pure fantasty and kids will love it.

How to get there: Bus 24 from Plaza Catalunya stops right outside the main entrance. Metro Vallcarca (walk out the metro down Avenida Militar for 4 blocks, turn left at Baixada de La Gloria and take the outdoor escalators to the Park entrance. It is signposted).

Ciutadella Park & Play area

The Ciutudella Park is Barcelona´s most centrally located green space, sandwiched between the districts of Poble Nou, Barceloneta and San Pere. For families, there are a huge amount of facilities and activities including the Zoo, the Geology Museum, the Hivernacle (currenlty being renovated) and the boating lake. You can also rent out bikes at the main entrance (www.bicing.com). Located at the top end of the lake, twice daily toddlers can enjoy free toys and games in addition to the permanent swings and slides.There is even a sprinkler in the summer which the kids love! 11am-2pm every day and 4.30pm-6.30/7pm from mid september to mid June. 5.30pm-8.30pm from mid June to mid September

Mar Bella & Base Nautica

Mar Bella beach is about a 20 minute walk north of the Port Olimpic (left facing the water) and probably the most child-friendly of all of Barcelona´s beaches. It is clean and quiet and you can find a children´s play-area, lifeguards, sunbed hire, showers and a beach restaurant (chiringuito). The Base Nautica is can also based here, where you can hire small sailing boats, canoes and kayaks.

Parc de Collserola

Often overlooked but this Natural Park is literally a breath of fresh air and so close to the centre of town. The park is huge (22 times the size of New York´s Central Park) - the largest city park in the world. The information centre provides numerous walking guides and hikes to Tibidabo, the Torre de Collserola or the town of Vallvidrera.

Take train to Baixador de Vallvidrera from Plaza Catalunya and you arrive right in it.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta beach is popular with families due to its proximity with a huge choice of restaurants and the pedestrian walkway along Passeig Maritim, where you can also cycle. The beach gets very crowded in summer but is regularly cleaned. Likewise the water - for a city beach - is suprisingly clean. We suggest you don´t plonk yourself on the nearest available space but walk a little further on towards the Olympic Port where it gets much less crowded.

Metro Barceloneta or any Passeig Maritim bus route. For daily information on the city´s beaches call (+34) 934810053

Parc del Laberint d’Horta

This 17 acre park really warrants a short trip from town. It is a fairytale park with its pretty walkways, canal, romantic gardens, cascade and of course, the maze which kids will love. Entrance fee 1,90 euros

Pg Castanyers 1. Directly behind the Velodrome. Metro Mundet.



Emelia

Jessica Nielson asked:


Land activities are always fun for everyone. The entire family can enjoy spending time in Red Sea Rivera doing some horseback riding, camel riding, safaris, or motorbike riding. The horseback riding and camel rides take you on the beaches or with a little more time, you can take a desert excursion. You might even enjoy the quad runner, motocross, and motorcycle and go-kart tracks. This is where the adrenaline starts pumping. Take a quad runner to the desert and see first hand what the area has to offer. You can stop anywhere and enjoy a picnic or keep going for miles.

The nightlife in some of the towns is what makes the area so popular. There are pubs, nightclubs, eateries and specialty bars. The locals like to share with everyone and they will show you the popular hotspots and how to have fun. They do know how to drink, which might not be a good thing for everyone. You will even find the older locals playing a game of backgammon and sipping tea while smoking the local water pipe. You can even go to the popular clubs where the surfers and divers go to every day after an incredible day on the water.

When you find that the day is over and food is something you need, you will find cuisine from many different countries available. There are restaurants with Dutch, German, Russian, Greek, Mexican, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Everywhere you look, you will see some place to eat that will impress everyone. The foods are tasty and the chefs are personal and take pride in preparing your foods. If you cannot finish everything, ask for a take out bag for snack later that night. You will even find little cafés around the beaches with snack bars and drinks.

There are places where you can enjoy a night around a campfire while dancing to the music from the indoor music playing. You can sit for hours watching the fire and the rising moon. If you get there before the sun goes down, you can see a beautiful sight over the water. The sunsets are red and beautiful. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is a full moon, you will be in awe at how beautiful the water looks under the moonlight. It is peaceful and relaxing to see. It makes one feel a million miles away from everything.

Golfing can be another part of your holiday to Red Sea. There are many golf courses that were designed by some of the world’s well-known golf pros and designers. The golf courses offer eighteen holes of beautiful views and challenging holes. If you are a golfer, you will find this area as many different types of courses to offer. Test your skills and see how well you do. Everyone can enjoy a good time visiting the area of the Red Sea. There is nothing better than relaxing in the warm, inviting sun with a few cold drinks.



Savannah

Cory Davis asked:


There are many traditions in Mexico that are fun and fascinating from an outsider’s perspective as well as to those who participate in them.

Here are just a few of them:

1. Las Posadas – This Mexican Christmas tradition is the best known manifestation of the Christmas spirit held each night on the nine days between December 16th and Christmas eve which, according to religious tradition, represents the period when Mary and Joseph long ago search for lodgings were seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus is re-enacted. Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at first, the observances soon became imbued with a spirit of fun and eventually left the church and began to be celebrated in people’s homes. The posadas have become a community affair with friends, relatives and neighbors getting together to share in the festivities, visiting a different house each evening. People carry candles, visit several houses and ask for “posada” (shelter), the adults are given a thick punch “Ponche Navideno” and at the end of the journey, the “piñata”, stuffed with candy and fruit, is broken. Christmas itself is usually celebrated on Christmas Eve in Mexico with a midnight mass and a late dinner.

2. Pastorelas - This Mexican Christmas tradition refers to events prior to the birth of Jesus with the splendor of the manger and the shepherds. The pastorelas, as a scenic and literary genre, had its roots in 16th century Spanish religious theatre. These were theatrical representations used by the missionaries to impart religious knowledge to the indigenous people of Mexico. Usually performed in the afternoon or early evenings of the last weeks of December, pastorelas are a Mexican version of Europe’s medieval miracle plays. They are most often presented outdoors in a public square, perhaps the courtyard of a church or an inn. The players may be local townsfolk, groups of schoolchildren, semi professional traveling troupes of actors during the Christmas season. The performance might last from half an hour to several hours to all night. Pastorela means pastoral or a play that takes place in the countryside and concerns the activities of pastores, or shepherds. This was first introduced in Mexico by missionaries in the 1500’s, the pastorelas continued to grow in favor among the Mexican people and today are one of the most popular Christmastime entertainments. Mixing religious teachings with Indian Mexican folklore and ribald comedy, the pastorelas all tell pretty much the same story…the eternal conflict between good and evil. The plot revolves around the pilgrimage of the shepherds to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ Child.

3. Dia de Reyes (Epiphany) - Each year, this Mexican Christmas tradition continues. The children gather at the Alameda Central Park in Mexico City to visit the Three Magi (The Three Kings) and hand-deliver letters with their wishes and gifts in the tradition of the Three Wise Men who came from the East, following the star of Bethlehem, and presenting the Christ Child with gold, incense and myrrh.

The traditional Epiphany supper of ring-shaped cake with hot chocolate originated in Spain and made its way to Mexico. The cake is decorated with sugar and dried fruit. A small figure, representing the Christ Child, is hidden inside the cake. The century old tradition states that whoever finds the “Child” is spiritually obliged to present the figure at the nearest church on February 2nd and offer a tamale-party in his honor.

4. Day of the Dead - November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day are marked throughout Mexico by a plethora of intriguing customs that vary widely according to the ethnic roots of each region. Common to all, however, are colorful adornments and lively reunions at family burial plots, the preparation of special foods, offerings laid out for the departed on commemorative altars and religious rites that are likely to include noisy fireworks.

In most localities November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants and children, often referred to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are honored November 2.

From mid-October through the first week of November, markets and shops all over Mexico are replete with the special accouterments for the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). These include all manner of skeletons and other macabre toys; intricate tissue paper cut-outs called papel picado; elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with paper or silk flowers; candles and votive lights; and fresh seasonal flowers, particularly cempazuchiles (marigolds) and barro de obispo (cockscomb). Among the edible goodies offered are skulls, coffins and the like made from sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds and special baked goods, notably sugary sweet rolls called pan de muerto that come in various sizes invariably topped with bits of dough shaped like bones and, in some regions, unadorned dark breads molded into humanoid figures called animas (souls). All of these goods are destined for the buyer’s ofrenda de muertos (offering to the dead).

The spirits of the dead are expected to pay a holiday visit home and should be provided with an enticing repast and adequate sustenance for the journey. Frequently a washbasin and clean hand towel are provided so that visiting souls can freshen up before the feast. The offering may also include a pack of cigarettes for the after-dinner enjoyment of former smokers, or a selection of toys and extra sweets for deceased children.

In setting up the altar, a designated area of the home is cleared of its normal furnishings. The arrangement often consists of a table and several overturned wooden crates placed in tiers and covered with clean linens. The offerings are then laid out in an artistic and fairly symmetrical fashion. The smell of burning copal (incense) and the light of numerous candles are intended to help the departed find their way.

5. Los Santos Inocentes - December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents, is a religious commemoration of King Herod’s ordering the slaughter of all male infants in his kingdom, intended to include the Christ Child. In Mexico it is celebrated as day akin to April Fool’s, an occasion for jokes and pranks. The usual tactic is to approach a friend and ask to borrow cash or some object of value. If fooled by the ploy, the victim may be given a candy or silly gift in return, along with much joking and name-calling. So beware or you may find yourself titled Fool Saint for a day!



Henry

Andy Adams asked:


It’s a new year, and in 2008 you are probably beginning to search for where you’re going on holiday this summer. Perhaps you’re thinking of broadening your horizons and trying something a bit different, these days with flights costing less and less British holidaymakers are looking further a field for potential holiday locations.

This year more people are travelling to more varied locations like Asia and South America for their annual holidays and are finding emerging tourist hotspots that are soon to become the next big thing. The following is a list of the top ten new holiday locations that British holidaymakers are going to this year, maybe it will convince you to give the usual Spanish holiday a miss and broaden your horizons!

10. Sapa, Vietnam – Sapa has recently become popular with tourists due to its Saturday markets, the town is set amongst the hills 390km northwest of Hanoi. Tribe people still come to the markets to this day but have taken the opportunity to sell goods to tourists visiting the area, it isn’t just a one trick pony either with the mountain setting it is an ideal trekking holiday location too.

9. Can Tho, Vietnam – The number nine spot stays in Vietnam with Can Tho, situated on the Mekong Delta, The “nine dragon river delta” where the Mekong river empties into the South China Sea it also has floating markets on the canals can offer shopping as well as pleasant boat rides along the river, while it’s a four hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City it is well worth it to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Puerto Madryn, Argentina – Founded by the Welsh in 1865 Puerto Madryn is a port town with a lot of history and since industry grew in the 1970s so has the population to 57,571 in a 2001 census with the average age of 25. There are a lot of scuba diving opportunities in Puerto Madryn boasting its title as the National Capital of Scuba Diving. Once done with diving for the day tourists can take a relaxing bike ride through the city and eat at one of its many waterfront restaurants.

7. Sayulita, Mexico – A quiet fishing village, Sayulita has a modest tourism appeal with friendly locals mingling with tourists without the hustle and bustle of larger Mexican tourist hotspots. Home to picturesque beaches and great local food people who want to visit Mexico on their holidays without all the crowds would do well to visit Sayulita, for a change of pace Puerto Vallarta is only 30 minutes away too.

6. Koh Lanta, Thailand – Keeping with the relaxed vibe Koh Lanta is a group of 52 islands in Thailand, the largest of which being Koh Lanta Yai. The unspoiled beauty and absolute peace and quiet means you are destined to find relaxation in this retreat from modern life. Only 20,000 people live in the Koh Lanta area and its multi cultural people still make a living from rubber, prawn farming and fishing as well as some tourist centred businesses on the islands perfect for quiet holidays.

In the next part of this article I’ll continued counting down the list of top emerging holiday locations for 2008. Remember to keep your eye out for deals on cheap holidays this year both in the usual tourist hotspots and the further a field locations too.



Alexander

Alfie James asked:


The very name Mexico reminds the place where ancient ruins, as old as a few thousand years, stand side by side the luxurious star hotels. Bordered on the north by the United States and on the south by Guatemala and Belize, Mexico is a melting pot of traditional lineage and modern culture. With a lot of things to see and do, Mexico holidays are sure to be one of the best of vacationing one can take delight of.

Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and desert landscapes, Caribbean Mexico offers ancient ruins, age-old villages and a plethora of vibrant beach-side resorts among which mention must be made of Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. The specialty of the country is that besides providing excellent facilities for tourists, it has a variety of attractions on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Hence, Mexico holidays may be time consuming if one wants to enjoy the country to the fullest.

Mexico has something to offer to visitors of all ages and types. If families can make the most of the sandy beaches and excellent diving, snorkelling and water recreation facilities, single visitors can take pleasure of exciting sports and vibrant nightlife. The facility of swimming with dolphins is certainly a great attraction of Mexico holidays. Yet, other attractions like 50 golf courses and a wide variety of historical and archaeological sites do not lag far behind.

The fact that Mexico has more than 6,000 miles of coastline is enough to ignite the wanderlust of any frequent flyer. If you have a special interest in exotic foods, Mexican cuisine can be highly suitable to you. Though traditionally spicy like the dishes tacos, tortillas and quesadillas loaded with meat, cheese and chilli peppers, they are tasty and satisfying. Mexico Holidays will be incomplete if you do not taste the tequila, Sol and Corona.



Gavin