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Family Vacation Idea: Marien Coral by Hilton You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Family Vacation Idea: Marien Coral by Hilton Travel with Kids Blog « Holiday Gifts for Traveling Kids | Main | Bunch of family travel deals » From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! December 05, 2005 Family Vacation Idea: Marien Coral by Hilton Coral by Hilton is a brand of the giant Hilton chain that should pique the interest of families: these four resorts in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive, have kids clubs and are family-friendly, and offer a good price point. See photos of the Marien Coral by Hilton , and a profile for families , too. See more resorts in the Dominican Republic See also these other recent resort profiles: NEW: Natura Park Eco-Resort , DR: in Punta Cana, Bavara Beach area Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman : Ambassadors of the Environment Kids Program created by jean-Michel Cousteau Great Wolf Poconos : brand new; rustic chic and indoor waterpark Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark : also brand new, and the first hotel with indoor waterpark in NY state Hilton Los Cabos : sheltered cove for swimming (a plus in Los Cabos) Riu Ocho Rios : brand-new all-inclusive in Jamaica Dreams Los Cabos : all-inclusive in the popular Los Cabos area in Baja, western Mexico Grace Bay Club : luxury resort in Turks & Caicos; suites, kids program Email to a Friend Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...
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
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Whistler Central Reservations | Whistler Hotels | Whistler Accommodations Whistler Accommodations Aqui Para Español Whistler Hotel Reservations is your complete guide to finding, planning and booking the perfect Whistler vacation. Our travel guide offers information and many Whistler Accommodation choices from 5-star Whistler hotels to our family style condos and luxury homes. Our Reservations Service will also ensure you get the best information and prices possible. -- HOME PACKAGES Ski Packages Golf Packages ACCOMMODATION Whistler Hotels Whistler Condos Whistler Homes Vancouver Hotels Whistler Maps Request a Quote TRANSPORTATION Air Limousine Bus/Shuttles Car Rentals Helicopter Highway Information WINTER Lift Tickets Ski Rentals Adult Ski School Kids Ski School Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Dog Sledding SUMMER Golf Sightseeing ATV Tours Whitewater Rafting Biking Fishing INFO Snow Report Weather Webcam Whistler Maps Mountain Info CONTACT US Early Bird Packages! 5 Night/4 Day Ski Package The Alpenglow Studio $540 CDN $449 USD per person Valid: Nov 24 - Dec 16, 2005 Includes: 4 of 5 Day Lift Pass More Whistler Holiday Packages Book Your Stay Arrival: Nights: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Children: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Currency: CAD USD EUR GBP AUD Advanced Search Request A Quote Let Us Help Our friendly reservation agents can help you plan your complete vacation to Whistler Canada. Canada / USA Toll-Free: 1-888-882-8858 International: +1-604-734-8383 Request A Custom Quote -- Call to book your dream vacation today! Winter Specials Book Early and Save! January 3 Nights / 2 Days $449 Delta Whistler Village Suites Details... January 7 Nights / 6 Days $857 First Tracks Lodge Details... Our inventory represents real-time availability for a diverse selection of accommodation choices and Whistler Packages , saving you from calling every hotel in Whistler. Our agents know and love Whistler, and truly want to help you plan the most memorable vacation possible. Call us toll free at 1-888-882-8858 and have us help build your Lodging and Vacation Package today. Whistler Reservations Home Whistler Accommodations Whistler Vacation Packages Whistler Maps Site Map Links Contact Us © 2005 Enjoy Whistler Reservations 1-888-882-8858
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Vacation Rentals by owner, Holiday Villas, Vacation Home Rentals TipTopVillas Vacation Rentals Direct from the Owner Home Search Owners Area All Rentals Contact Us Welcome to TipTopVillas. We currently have 941 vacation rentals in over 40 countries for you to browse through. Book your favourite holiday villa direct with the owner and enjoy the getaway of a lifetime! Golf holiday villas Golf Villas in Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, Florida, Caribbean, France, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, England, Cyprus ... more Beach Vacation rentals Beach Villas in Australia, Lanzarote, Jamaica, France, Crete, Bali, Mexico, Costa Blanca, California, Algarve, Italy ... more Vacation Rentals Quick search Country Argentina Australia Balearic Islands Belgium Belize Brazil Bulgaria Canada Canary Islands Caribbean Chile Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus czech republic Egypt England France Germany Greece Greek Islands india Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Maldives Islands Mauritius Mexico Morocco New Zealand Peru Poland Portugal Puerto Rico South Africa Spain Switzerland Thailand The Netherlands Turkey United Arab Emirates USA venezuela Wales Max Price Any 300 500 1000 1000+ Currency GBP EUR USD Detailed search -- Search Vacation Rental ID: Tell a Friend about TipTopVillas Most Recent Travel Articles: Provence Region of France: Things to Do in Nice Memories of Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy Languedoc-Roussillon, The Perfect French Vacation Where to Stay in the French Riviera Famous Vineyards of Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France Featured Property - France vacation rental 'Bastide de l' Esterel and its panoramic view on Mediterranean sea' Theoule-sur-Mer, French Riviera, France 5 bedrooms Sleeps 11 From 2160 GBP per week View Vacation Rental More rentals in: France French Riviera Theoule sur Mer Vacation Rental Owners: Advertise free of charge Simple Setup Procedure Your own Vacation Rentals Webpage Upto 2 Photos allowed Advert instantly online No Advertising Fee! Can you afford not to? More Details Register Now North America Canada , USA : Alabama , Arizona , California , Colorado , connecticut , Florida , Hawaii , Illinois , Maine , Michigan , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York , North Carolina , Ohio , Oregon , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , vermont , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia , Europe Balearic Islands , Bulgaria , Belgium , Canary Islands , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , England , Egypt , France Vacation Rentals , Germany , Greece , Greek Islands , Ireland , Israel , Italy Vacation Rentals , Poland , Portugal , Spain Vacation Rentals , Switzerland , The Netherlands , Turkey , Wales Caribbean Vacation Rentals Antigua Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Dominica Jamaica Sint Maarten N.A St. Barths St. Kitts St. Lucia St. Maarten St. Martin St.Vincent Tobago US Virgin Islands South / Central America Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Peru Puerto Rico Mexico Vacation Rentals Venezuela Asia India Indonesia - Bali Maldives Thailand United Arab Emirates Other locations Australia Cook Islands Morocco New Zealand South Africa Holiday Ideas Tuscany Villas Cottage Rentals Disney Vacations Hawaii Beachfront Condos France Vacation Rentals Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Luxury Jamaica Villas Cheap Rental Properties Italy Vacation Rentals California Vacation Homes Costa Rica Vacation Rentals Beach Front Vacation Homes Spain Vacation Rentals Greece Villas Costa Blanca Villas Pet Friendly Locations Disabled Access Accommodation Vacation Rentals | disclaimer | Site Map | All Locations | Links 1 2 3 4 5 | Link Exchange Partners: Accommodation Scotland Doctor Search | American Restaurants | Chronic Pain Relief | Buy CDs | Concert Tickets | EspaƱol catalogo | Etronics Coupons Vacation Rentals - vacation rentals from homes to condos. choose from hawaii vacation rentals, to vacation rentals in florida, california, caribbean, mexico, and throughout the world.