Mexico Travel Information. Travel

Cozumel Mexico Travel Info : TravelYucatan.com Cozumel Mexico Travel Information Cozumel Mexico COZUMEL MEXICO Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. It is also the most populated island in Mexico with an estimated population of around 90,000. Cozumel is situated near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo . The island is approximately 30 miles [48 km] long and 10 miles [16 km] wide. It is about 12 mi [20 km] from the mainland, and some 36 mi [60 km] south of Cancun. Hurricane Wilma Distaster Information Isla Cozumel [or Cozumel Island] derives its name from the Mayans who once lived there and regarded the island as a sacred place. In Mayan, Cuzamil [Cozumel] translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that inhabit the island. The Mayans are believed to have settled the island over 2000 years ago harvesting the rich abundance of seafood for commercial use. Conch shells were collected as an ingredient for stucco, which was used extensively on the mainland. The ocean also supplied a large number of other valuable items such as shark teeth, stingray spines and seashells that were used for ritual purposes. The Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva first landed on the shores of Cozumel in 1518. The visitwas proceeded a year later by the butcher Hernn Corts. The conquistadors ruthlessly invaded the island destroying everything that lay in their path. Whether or not the Spanish knowingly imported smallpox on purpose is a matter of speculation, however to the ravaged Mayans the disease soon eclipsed their very being. Those who did not die a miserable death were shackled and sent to Cuba to live out their lives as slaves. Between 1519 and 1570 the island's population dropped from 40,000 to 30. By 1600 the island was desolate, its once flourishing community gone. Soon the island's numerous coves provided safe havens for marauding pirates. In 1848 during the "War of the Castes" the island was reclaimed by the Maya and used as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the war. Slowly the island was reinhabted and in 1910-1917 the Mexican Revolution resulted in land reforms and freedom for the Isleos. The popularity of a new "candy" called chewing gum in the U.S.A. led to the island's growth. Cozumel was a port-of-call on the gum and coconut export route from Central America. During World War 2 the U.S. Air Force built a base on the island in order to launch aircrafts, in the pursuit of German U-boats. The first hotel, the "Louvre" opened in 1924, followed by the "Yuri" in 1932 and the "Playa" in 1938. After the the economic crises in the thirties, tourist development stopped. During the fifties, with the advent of modern scuba equipment divers started coming to Cozumel. World-famous explorer Jacques Cousteau and his team discovered the wall of reefs just off the island's shoreline and declared them to be one of the most incredible diving destinations in the world. After that diving exploded on the island! By 1970, Cozumel's population quickly grew to 10,000 and with the influx of tourism this once desolate island has now become the jewel of the Mexican Caribbean. SAN MIGUEL, COZUMEL When you get off the ferry in Cozumel you are met by a barrage of sales representatives for various dive and snorkel operations. Also in the mix are representatives for hotels and resorts who often carry photo-albums of pictures of the resorts. Once you get through this you are in the city of San Miguel right in the tourista shopping zone. There are public information booths present however these are manned by sales representatives for time-shares. Once you ask a question you are a step away from a free lunch, tour and a wasted day [don't get trapped into this]. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and shops selling everything that is carried on the mainland so shopping is not a problem and one does not have to leave the island. In fact some people prefer to shop in Cozumel instead of Playa del Carmen although the two are quite similar. The San Miguel tourist zone extends from the coastline back several blocks and north/south several blocks. Outside of this you have residential neighborhoods and general Cozumel industrial zones. The town of San Miguel, the airport, and the hotels are all located on the western side of the island. Fortunately, massive resort development is paralyzed by a lack of portable water and a strong desire to protect the island's delicate ecosystem. COZUMEL CLIMATE Average air temperature: 80F [27C] July/August - High 80's to low 90'sF [32C] December/January - Mid 70'sF [24C] Winter Months: Cold fronts may create windy, cloudy and cooler weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, usually lasting for an hour. Water temperatures range from 77-82F [25-28C] throughout the year. GETTING THERE Cozumel has an international airport with connecting routes to Playa del Carmen, Cancun and other destinations in Mexico, Belize and Guatamala. There is immigration at Cozumel airport. It is basicaly the same as Cancun airport or Merida. You press the button at the trafic light then proceed. The most common method of transportation to the island is by boat. There is a ferry service that connects Cozumel to Playa del Carmen for pedestrians and a ferry out of Calica for vehicle transportation. The ferry connecting to Playa del Carmen runs quite frequently [there are 3 ferries on duty]. Getting to Cozumel from Cancun Airport If you are landing in Cancun you need to either: Take an Airport-Shuttle to Playa del Carmen . Take a bus from the airport or Cancun city to Playa del Carmen. Take a taxi* to Playa del Carmen. Take a bus to Cancun city then take a taxi to Playa del Carmen. Take a car across on the ferry at Calica . * Taxis are not allowed at the airport but sometimes you can get one when the taxi is dropping somebody off. They are not allowed to hang around. From Playa del Carmen you take the ferry to Cozumel. We have bussed from Palenque to Playa del Carmen on the red-eye arriving a 5:00ish, walked to the ferry, boarded, slept, landed in Cozumel, hopped in a taxi and been in our hotel room by 7:00 am. COZUMEL SNORKELING For diving info see Cozumel Diving Cozumel's limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear waters, which range from stunning turquoise to deep indigo. With over 30 kilometers of reefs, water visibility to 200 feet, and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many as the finest dive destination in the Atlantic. Water temperatures range from summer highs in the low 80's (F) to winter highs in the low 70's (F). Water depths range from as shallow as 10 to 100 feet. Water current conditions vary from light to moderate to strong. For snorkelers, there are plenty of places to go off the shore if you have your own gear and a rental car. Snorkeling trips by boat are available at the lobby of any hotel or the ferry docks. Snorkeling Cozumel is a lot differnet than snorkeling the mainland. In many locations on Cozumel as soon as you go out a few yards you are in deep water, but the visibility is good. The fish are bigger too. Many species of fish you see snorkeling the mainland are young and habitate there to avoid larger preditors. The two most common snorkel spots on the island are Chankanaab and Dzul Ha . Having snorkeled both locations we can offer this advice: Snorkeling quality is the same at both locations. In fact they are rather close to each other. What is different is this: Chankanaab is a eco-park, with all the bells and whistles, to which you have to pay admission. Dzul Ha is a free road-side attraction that you park at and jump in the water. If you're traveling with your family Chankanaab is recommended as you can spend the whole day there. If you are a couple looking for a cheap snorkel experience go to Dzul Ha. Both places rent snorkel gear and there are lockers and restaurants at each. You need to rent a car or take a taxi to get to either of these places. From San Miguel it is a short drive along the coast south. NOTE: It is advisable that all children and weak swimmers wear life-jackets when snorkeling here. Available at the rental stands. Other interesting snorkel locations: Hotel Presidente Intercontinental and La Ceiba Hotel beach . There is an underwater plane wreck used as a movie prop. Laguna de Colombia is a lagoon at the south tip of the island offering interesting snorkeling. Isla de la Pasion is a tiny island in Bahia Abrigo with secluded beaches and rocky shorelines. Isla de la Pasion is a state reserve and there are absolutely no facilities here. It is located north of San Miguel and you need to contact a fishing/dive charter to take you there. COZUMEL SEASONS Generaly summer is the low season and hotel rates are reduced competatively. In the winter prices go up and availability goes down. Best to book months in advance for winter vacations if you have a specific date in mind. After Labor Day and before the Christmas is an good time to visit but September and November are traditional huricane months. Crowds are down but the tempturature is still high. Rates are still lower than high-season. Rates go back down after Easter and low season begins. Availability at hotels is best during low season and room selection is best during this time. THINGS TO KNOW Water conditions on the beaches on the west side of the island [tourist zones] are usually excellent because the island blocks the currents and winds. You can buy almost anything your heart desires in the shopping zone. All popular snorkeling beaches have lockers and snorkel equipment for rent. Most streets in San Miguel are one way. The coastal highway is two-way and circles the island. Most stores have English speaking staff. All stores accept US dollars. Cozumel is a great place to find hard-to-get scuba and snorkel gear. There is a Sunday evening fiesta in San Miguel at the central plaza with live music. You can buy Cuban cigars here. You can get a taxi anywhere on the island [except the dirt road going north of Mezcalitos on the east side of the island]. There are a few Internet Cafes in San Miguel. Just walk around downtown and you will find one in no time. The further away from the waterfront, the cheaper the rates. There are laundromats in San Miguel. ENGLISH SPANISH today hoy tomorrow maana yesterday ayer monday lunes tuesday martes wed mericoles thursday hueves friday verdi saturday sabados sunday domingo COZUMEL INFO Introduction Cozumel Hotels Cozumel Hotel Map Cozumel Beaches Cozumel Shopping Restaurants Things to Do If you are staying at an all-inclusive for any length of time it is a good idea to tip the egg-lady at the buffet on your first day. She will remember you. In many resorts the egg-lady is in charge of the breakfest. | Cancun | Chichen Itza | Merida | Uxmal | Isla Holbox | | Mayan Riviera | Playa del Carmen | Cozumel | Isla Mujeres | Last Mod: November 2, 2005 2005 TravelYucatan.com v4.0 Description: Cozumel Mexico Travel Information. Travel Information for the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

Switzerland Travel Guide Top

Switzerland Travel and Destination Information sitemap Home Vacation Planner Main Attractions Hotels Getting Around About Switzerland Company Info 1- 800 33 SWISS (79477) - Call the Switzerland experts for immediate assistance ! Switzerland Travel Guide Top Destinations Zermatt Interlaken Montreux St. Moritz Lucerne Geneva Zurich Basel Mountain Resorts Crans-Montana Davos Grindelwald Gstaad Muerren Verbier Wengen Lakeside Cities Lausanne Locarno Lugano Murten Neuchatel Thun Other Cities Berne St. Gallen Regions Engadin Graubunden Bernese Oberland Ticino Valais Links Switzerland Travel Agency - Destination Guide & Travel Maps "MagicSwitzerland" provides you with a destination guide on travel to Switzerland and a reservation tool for hotels and other travel related services. On our site you will find travel information and maps of most Swiss travel destinations. Choose from one of our vacation packages and tours or work closely with one of our native Switzerland travel agents to design your perfect vacation. Start with our travel guide to Zermatt , the Bernese Oberland , the city of Zurich or any other place of interest in Switzerland. We would like to invite you to discover a variety of incredible destinations in Switzerland. The unique hospitality of our people plus the scenic beauty of our country will inspire your senses. Whether your interest are the Alps and other mountains, traveling by train through Switzerland, exploring the lakes or getting to know a Swiss City, we will assist you in putting together the perfect vacation. Our travel agents provide efficient and quality service and they can make all your travel arrangements for your visit to Switzerland. "MagicSwitzerland" is a full-service travel agency located in Kansas City, MO and we arrange for hotels , rail tickets , car rentals , ground transfer , international airfare and anything else to fit the needs of groups and individual tourists planning to travel in Switzerland. We specialize in custom itineraries and organize soft tours and adventures for all ages and abilities. We also organize itineraries combining Switzerland with visits to other European countries! Switzerland offers a four-culture diversity, service oriented hotels and the Swiss command of English which makes traveling pleasant. Please also visit our Magic Travel Deals page, where we present you attractive offers and last minute bookings for your vacation in Switzerland. Book Online Train Passes Swiss Hotels Rental Cars Vacation Homes Travel Insurance

Argentina Travel report Author

Argentina travel guide - GLOBOsapiens.net Home Guides Reports Tips Hostels Pictures People Forum Chat more Travel search: You are here: Guides South America Argentina -- Argentina's most popular places Buenos Aires Calafate Ushuaia Argentina Bariloche Bariloche Humahuaca Iguassu Cachi Adentro Casablanca other places in Argentina Reports (19) Travel tips (7) Pictures (157) Members (147) Travel reports on Argentina Travel report Author Rating Date Astonished by the Glaciers Calafate, Argentina doltra 2005-04-10 Antarctica - how to get there? Ushuaia, Argentina wojtekd 2002-12-18 the gate to the Antarctic Continent Ushuaia, Argentina jorgesanchez 2005-06-20 In search of Tierra del Fuego Puerto Madryn, Argentina vagamundos 2005-10-28 An enjoyable city Buenos Aires, Argentina argentina 2004-08-01 more travel reports on Argentina (19) Travel tips on Argentina picture place / location rating / by member Sin Fronteras Spanish Courses & Hostel Argentina - Bariloche sinfronteras Restaurante La Tablita Argentina - Calafate doltra Cafe Tortoni Argentina - Buenos Aires doltra Cuman Argentina - Buenos Aires doltra Cal-Tur Argentina - Calafate doltra more travel tips on Argentina (7) About Argentina Reports (19) Travel tips (7) Pictures (157) Members (147) introduction info map flag More on Argentina You can add a link to your Argentina website here. Member snaps member points zwart000 Salta 78 vmrouges Tucuman 50 argentina Buenos Aires 161 victoriayp Buenos Aires 62 maguitodeoz Buenos Aires 50 Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Sitemap About us Jobs Press Advertise Contact Impressum © 2002 - 2005 GLOBOsapiens GmbH Germany Travel Portal Version: 3.1.8 Germany , International -- Hotel Guide Login join us today! Online: 4 danilbruce ksgachnang trondpg willauer forum | chat Top 3 members Last week All time ranguta. 294 isaacmo. 236 eirekay 169 britman 16572 spaceou. 15395 davidx 15201 Member snaps Other resources Travel Insurance Chiang Mai Hotels Heat Exchanger Rome Hotels Flight & Hotel Deals Youth Hostels Cheap Flights Car Hire Spain Holiday in Cornwall findix Kleinanzeigen List your site here!

Russia Travel Guide Travel

Russia Travel | Guide to travelling Russia | Travellerspoint U sername: P assword: R emember Me Car Hire Travel Insurance Airport Parking UK Cheap Accommodation Hotel Bookings Travellerspoint Travel Community Forums Blogs Destinations Accommodation Travel Help Reunions Tools Links Russia Travel Guide Travel Destinations Guide Russia Moscow, Russia - Don Kam Russia Photo Gallery At the start of the 18th century, Napoleon made one of the biggest errors of his life when he invaded Russia in winter; Hitler attempted a strikingly similair move less than a century and a half later. The vast, cold expanses which make up Russia's landscape have long proved its greatest ally in warfare. Now, with its economy down in the pits, Russia's natural wonders are once again beginning to lend a helping hand. Travellers are recognizing Russia's awesome potential for mountaineering, hiking, skiing, cycling, and kayaking. But perhaps the best way to see Russia's vast wilderness is via the Trans-Siberian Railway. In those areas which are inhabited, however, Russia's rich cultural and historical heritage is everywhere. Onion-domed churches, bleak Soviet style architecture and the elegant designs of pre-Stalin Russia can be found within blocks of each other, making for fascinating peaks into the complexity of Russian history. Quick Facts Locally known as: Rossiya Capital: Moscow Population: 144,530,000 Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim Government: Federation Official / National Languages: Russian Country Phone Code: +7 Map of Russia Flag of Russia Member Comments Members talk Russia is certainly the mystery it is made out to be. The largest country in the world does not simply offer long travel times, but a limitless expanse of adventure!From .. Full comment Brendan | 15th Mar 05 Russia is a wonderful place to visit. But be careful about your wallet and passport, always carry them in your front pocket. be careful who you rent flats from- AVOID .. Full comment billb | 26th Feb 04 Become a member or login to add your comment. Want some personal advice on Russia? The Travel Helpers are Travellerspoint volunteers willing to answer your travel questions about a country they feel they know a lot about. There are currently 11 Travel Helpers available to answer your questions about Russia. Russia Travel Helpers Travel Products Below is a collection of Travellerspoint products and services that might be of use to you while you are researching your trip to Russia. Russia Accommodation Russia hotels (68) Russia apartments (18) Russia bed & breakfasts (9) Russia hostels (27) Russia budget hotels (10) Other Products Cheap travel insurance Eurail passes & Train tickets Russia tours (4) Around the world tickets Russia Travel Sites Our Pick The Moscow Times Guide to Russia - A great collection of travel tips and useful information. Find out about things to do, travel within Russia, Health, Media, Money, Visas and much much more. Once you're done researching your trip, you can visit the main area of the site for the latest Russian news. Sponsor Russia SIM Cards & Cell Phones - Get free incoming calls with your own Russia prepaid SIM card and GSM cell phone. Roam Russia without the roaming surcharges. Baikaler - Local guide Jack Sheremetoff offers tours to Baikal. His site also contains descriptions of tours and information about the region. More Russia links can be found in our Travel Sites Directory. The links contained in this directory are external sites and will pop up in a new window. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Ski Vacation. Durango Mountain

Durango Mountain Resort - Purgatory Ski Area - Colorado Ski Vacation bookmark site Durango Mountain Resort Activity Guide Family Reunion Family Ski Packages Featured Property Getting Here Group Packages Lessons Lift Tickets Massage Mountain Lodging Mountain Stats Rentals Search Hotel Anywhere Sign Up for Deals Skiing Ski Shops Ski/Board Packages Sleigh Rides Snowboarding Snowcat Skiing Snowmobiling Spring Break Terrain Park The Village Transportation Tubing Hill Vacation Rentals Colorado Ski Resorts Weather Update click here Planning a family reunion? sign up for Durango deals Email: Search By WhatUSeek RIDE PURGATORY EXPRESS Our most popular 2-day/2 night discounted package! Includes lodging & lift tickets... click here Puragatory at Durango Mountain Resort in Durango Colorado Ski and snowboard this season at Durango Mountain Resort, continually rated #1 Winter Weather by SKI Magazine readers. Great Snow ~ Great Weather ~ Uncrowded Trails ~ Short Lift Lines Puragtory at Durango Mountain Resort is Scheduled to open Friday, Dec. 9th. Once the snow falls, Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) becomes a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. An ideal location to enjoy a beautiful Colorado Ski Vacation. Durango Mountain Resort offers skiers and snowboards the chance to savor spectacular winter fun! Durango Mountain Resort offers 40 miles of groomed terrain and 75 trails. The terrain offers 23% beginner, 51% intermediate, and 26% advanced/expert. An average of 260 inches of snow a year (over 21 feet) blankets the mountain. Custom Packages Let us custom build a discounted package just for you! Our service and discounted prices make your winter getaway to ski or board at Durango Mountain Resort (aka Purgatory) as easy as ONE, TWO, THREE! GROUP SKI/BOARD TRAVEL We are the top ski vacation provider for groups visiting Durango Mountain Resort. The Ski area is an easy 30-minute drive from downtown Durango and no mountain passes to cross. Shuttles to and from the ski area are also available during ski season. It's long known that the San Juan Mountains with its majestic Needles and La Plata Ranges jutting up around the resort provide views compared more commonly to the Alps than the Rockies. Jean-Claude Killy called it "the most beautiful scenery this side of the Italian Alps." In a recent SKI Magazine readers’ poll, Durango Mountain Resort gets picked as #1 for best weather among North American resorts! Durango Mountain Resort (formerly known as Purgatory) spans more than 2,400 acres with 723 acres of maintained terrain. 40 miles of groomed Nordic trails are blanketed by 240 inches of snow. 11 chairlifts serve the 75 trails, of which the longest is two miles. DMR has been the recipient of many honors and accolades. It was chosen as the triple World Cup site by the National Off-Road Bicycling Association. In addition, Snow Country Magazine ranked it "the second-least-crowded ski area on the continent." The resort is easily accessible by airport. It offers many choices in lodging, restaurants and entertainment, both on-site facilities as well as nearby Durango which is world-famous as a tourist destination. Home of the Durango-Silverton train ride , Durango is a historic mining town with Victorian charm and history, restaurants, music, festivals, shopping, dinner sleigh rides and snowmobiling. Durango was honored by SKI Magazine as one of America's Top 10 Ski Towns. Yet summer is Durango's busiest season, a windfall for skiers seeking extra value. When snow falls, so do Durango's lodging prices. (we offer awesome packages & group rates ) Let us help you plan your Colorado Ski Vacation - call 1-888-302-0061 or click here to get a quote on your ski/board vacation. You will notice many changes up on the mountain including a new high-speed, six passenger super chair. Up the mountain in 6 minutes flat! Other improvements include new ski and snowboard programs for families and children, a nighttime lesson center and a 25% increase in snowmaking capacity. Durango Mountain Resort has long been a favorite with skiers and snowboarders from all over. Come and experience the difference! Summer at Durango Mountain Resort Durango Mountain Resort can also entertain the summer visitor with many different activities. There is an alpine slide that can entertain the whole family. For those more daring try mountain biking down the mountain after a scenic chairlift ride to the top. Durango Mountain Resort hosted the Durango World Cup July 11-15th of 2001. Durango Mountain Resort hosted the World Mountain Bike Championships in 1990. You can ride the well-designed and well-marked course. Visitors are invited to ride the chairlift for free, then explore the top and hike or ride the lift back down. There is a small fee to ride the chairlift for mountain biking and the alpine slide but it is definitely worth the experience. ( summer packages ) Nationwide PCS/Cellular Services - Great Deal for the Traveler! Cognigen and Creative Links are proud to offer the finest in cellular/PCS systems through providers like AT&T, ALLTEL, Verizon and more! You can enjoy calling plans that fit your individual needs at a price you can't beat! click here and sign up today Home | Travel Info | Real Estate | Mountain Living | Around Durango | Groups | Things To Do | Deals | Sitemap Durango Downtown is brought to you by Creative Links Please forward inquiries, comments or suggestions to this address Linking, advertising and sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information © 2005 Creative Links