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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

Austria Travel

Austria Pictures - Photo Galleries of Austria Travel Pictures  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Austria > Austria Pictures Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Europe for Visitors Austria Pictures - Photo Galleries of Austria Sometimes pictures will give you an idea of what a city offers and you can plan you vacation around visual images. Here you'll find travel pictures of Austria. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Up a category Salzburg Pictures Here's the start of our Salzburg Slide Show--annotated pictures of many Salzburg attractions. Vienna Pictures - Vienna Austria Photo Gallery Here are our annotated pictures of Vienna, Austria.        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 Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...

Taiwan Travel Help, Advice

Taiwan Travel Help | Taiwan Travel Tips & Advice | 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 Taiwan Travel Help, Advice & Tips Travel Help > Asia > Taiwan Travel Help Ask these Travel Helpers for information about Taiwan. Please remember that the Travel Helpers provide information on a volunteer basis and when they take the time to help you that a thank you is highly appreciated! Eric Yao [ohmygod] User Profile Log in to ask Eric about Taiwan Travel leadbooking hoteltaste some located food Ricardo Lin [ricardo697] User Profile Log in to ask Ricardo about Taiwan Anything you want to know about Taiwan. Ask me? I'll do my best to help you. shiyang kao [shiyang] User Profile Log in to ask shiyang about Taiwan /introduce major attractions/help to find out the right place for fantastic Taiwanese Cuisine/suggest places for hot-spring suna Steph Hill [phaniehill] User Profile Log in to ask Steph about Taiwan I have been living and working in Taiwan for the past 8 months and I have travelled the island. If anyone needs advice I will help. Alternatively, you can also post a new thread in our active travel forums . If you specify Taiwan when posting your new topic, all Travel Helpers for Taiwan will be notified. For general travel information about Taiwan, have a look at our Taiwan Travel Guide with basic information, quick facts, members comments, photography, accommodation and Taiwan links. © 2002 - 2005 Travellerspoint Travel Community | Contact | FAQ | About | Terms | Site Map

Travel Insurance for Students

Discount Travel Insurance for Students and Young Travellers, Single or Multi Trip Insurance Premiums StudentFlights :: Students Union :: Keele University :: Newcastle :: Staffordshire UK ST5 5BJ :: Email :: Tel: 01782 715215 :: HOME FLIGHTS RENT-A-CAR RAIL HOTELS HOLIDAYS ADVENTURES CONTACT Cheap Flight Tickets, Rail Passes, Car Hire, Hotels & Hostels with Travel Insurance for Students and under 35's Travel insurance is not just useful in case of emergencies, but it is essential for your holiday or trip as you will be covered against the unexpected . Our travel insurance policies are arranged through Accident and General and offer covers to suit your particular needs: Single Trip Insurance Options BACKPACK Travel Insurance Policy If you are on a tight budget, this could be the policy for you. The main benefits: - Luggage cover up to £200 - Medical emergencies (except dental) up to £1 million - Cancellation compensation - Personal liability cover Summary of Cover Insurance Premiums STANDARD Travel Insurance Policy This policy offers an enhanced range of cover. The main benefits: - Luggage cover up to £800 - Medical emergencies and expenses (including emergency dental treatment) up to £2 million - Cover on a wide range of adventure activities, including bungee jumping, scuba diving and water rafting Summary of Cover Insurance Premiums PREMIER Travel Insurance Policy This policy offers the most comprehensive cover featuring many additional benefits and is recommended is you are travelling to the USA and/or Canada and/or planning to include winter sports in your holiday activities, including off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Summary of Cover Insurance Premiums Multi-Trip Insurance Annual Travel Insurance Policy If you are planning of taking a few trips during a whole calendar year, then why not take advantage of our annual travel insurance? This option offers excellent value for money for the regular traveller and provides the same cover as our PREMIER insurance policy. There is no restriction on the number of trips you take, however no single trip can exceed 35 days. Summary of Cover Insurance Premiums Full details on the benefits of all travel insurance policies are available on request. Please either email or telephone us on 01782 715215 with any enquiries you may have. :: home :: about studentflights :: offers :: sightseeing & adventures :: car hire :: hotel reservations :: london hotels :: uk hotels :: rail travel :: discount cards :: get a quote :: :: links :: book cheap hotels :: book budget hotels :: book student hostels :: student travel services :: cheap hostels :: cheap charter flights :: cheap scheduled flights :: :: cheap flights for students :: youth travel :: cheap flights for young travellers :: rail passes :: student rail pass :: student rail discounts :: cheap student airfares :: :: adventure tours :: student travel deals :: student travel discounts :: student events :: cheap student holidays :: student travel :: cheap touring holidays :: travel insurance :: :: uk airport services :: airport car parking :: airport lounge reservations :: airport rail travel :: airport stopovers by coach :: uk airport hotel reservations :: Other Websites in our Group: ‡ Wayte Travel ‡ Flight Find ‡ Unique Holiday ‡ Cars & Hotels ‡ Malaga Meetings ‡ © 1997 - 2005 StudentFlights.co.uk All rights reserved Student Flights is a trading division of Wayte Bros Travel Website Design & Marketing: FreelanceWebs.Net

Vacation Inn of Victoria

A Victoria hotel for the whole family - Vacation Inn Victoria Hotel Room Rates Pet Friendly Waterslide Victoria Activities Mirage Spa Contact Us Book NOW! The only Victoria Hotel with all the fun! Victoria hotel for the Whole Family! Kids just wanna have fun...we know that, so this summer we will be entertaining the kids with our outdoor pool and Waterslide . The only Victoria BC hotel to offer a waterslide! Parents will like to stay here too... Kids Stay FREE! Weary travelers look forward to the warm west coast welcome of the Vacation Inn of Victoria BC. This Victoria hotel greets guests with its renowned hospitality and all the comforts of home - this Victoria BC hotel has tastefully appointed air conditioned rooms, brand new queen size beds and cable television. After a day of traveling or touring, guests can relax at this Victoria hotel in the heated pool and the garden patio lounge. The Vacation Inn features a wide range of dining services, including a casual dining lounge, licensed cocktail lounge, and full facilities for banquets or conventions in Victoria BC. The Vacation Inn is a centrally located Victoria hotel, putting all the delights of Victoria BC just minutes away. The friendly and courteous staff are always pleased to direct you to all the high points of the Garden City. The Vacation Inn also offers free guest parking. Read unbiased opinions about this Victoria hotel at TripAdvisor. All to make your stay a most enjoyable one! Air-conditioners in all rooms All queen size beds Complimentary morning papers Fresh brewed Coffee and Tea in every room Free local calls Free satellite movies and sports Wheelchair accessibility - some rooms 24 hour desk Outdoor heated pool - in season Near Mayfair Shopping Mall Restaurant, Lounge, Pub and Banquets Parking for 250 cars Fax and photocopy service available Visit our Virtual Concierge for Victoria and beyond! Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us Links Address - 3020 Douglas Street Victoria BC V8T 4N4 Phone 250.386.6141 Fax 250.380.9990