Mexico Travel Guide, climate:

Mexico Travel Guide - Information and Advice Mexico Travel Guide Information and Advice Mexico Pictures | Mexico Map | Mexico Beaches Specialists in the best adventure travel that Central America has to offer, Trek America have been successfully organising memorable camping, lodging and walking tours for 31 years. Mexican Tours - Ruta de Maya | Yucatan Adventure | Mexican Adventure | Canyons and Pyramids | Mexican Highlights Mexico Travel Guide, climate: Best: Nov-April. Worst: June-Oct [wet and hot]; June also has US College kid overload. Length of stay: Min. worthwhile stay, not incl. flights : 6 days , e.g. Cancun airport - Merida, Playa del Carmen & Chichen Itza. Recommended: 2 weeks, or much, much longer. Mexico's main Festivals: Jan, Chiapa de Corzo [Chiapas] Fiesta de Enero. Bizarre dances, costumes, masks, parades, fireworks. Feb/March.Veracruz [Gulf Coast] Carnival . Huge, wild party time. Dance. music, parades blahblah.. March, Chichen Itza [Yucatan] see the Kukulcan snake god appear, plus varied entertainments. Couple of days before & after too. Easter Week/Semana Santa. [nationwide but esp. Chiapas state] Processions, costumes, fireworks, music, dance and some weird rituals] Mid April - early May , Aguascalientes [the North] Feria de San Marcos. Large and long established celebration of Mexican music and machismo, with rodeos, bull fights, folk dancing, parades, mariachi and mucho more. May, Puebla [just north of Mexico City] Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with the usual music, dance, parades and mock battles in the 'living museum' of Puebla. Oct - Nov, Days of the Dead. Mainly in the states of Michoacan [ esp. Patzcuaro] and Oaxaca. See Dias de los Muertos. For precise dates, more suggestions and information see: Exotic Festivals Activities Guide: Hiking, Biking & Horse Riding: All over the country but especially well developed in Baja California and Copper Canyon [Barranca del Cobre]. White Water Rafting: Veracruz, Chiapas, Oaxaca and Morelos states. Snorkelling, diving & swimming with dolphins: Off 'Maya Riviera', esp. Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen. Also the Pacific coast between Peurto Vallarta and Acapulco. Surfing: All down the Pacific Coast, esp. around Baja California [Ensenada], and Mazatlan, Puerto Escondido. Wind Surfing: Puerto Vallarta, Los Barriles, Manzanillo. Whale, dolphin & seal watching: off Baja California and Puerto Vallarta. Grey whales are especially visible in February. Sea Turtle watching: around Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo. 'EcoParks' [like Xcaret] will give you and the kids Disneyfied wildlife and environment experiences. Mexico travel star rating: Monuments ***** Beaches ***** Shopping and souvenirs **** Walkability **** Value for money **** Hotel prices and value **** Museums **** Food quality and variety *** Nightlife and clubbing *** Health problems *** Architecture *** Landscape *** Wildlife **** Safety ** Local people ** Butterflies: Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the high forests around Michoacan in winter. Easiest to view by hiking up from El Rosario village. November - Feb. Why Travel to Mexico? Mexico is a multifaceted tourist paradise, with landscapes of every description, from wild deserts to monstrous mountains, superb beaches ranging from action-packed sand to stretches devoid of packaged life forms, chart-topping ancient Maya sites, wild and colourful festivals, wild and colourful wildlife, terrific weather if you get your timing right, excellent public transport systems, excellent undersea life on one coast and great surfing on the other, good food and booze, pleasant colonial towns, and all at a very reasonable price. Downside: - It's perhaps not quite as colourful as the myth of Mexico might suggest. It's a big country so some towns and landscapes can be dull. - Banditry and thievery are not a myth. - Handicraft quality has gone down the tubes. - Worst of all many Mexicans are resolutely uncommunicative [unless you've got $ in your hand] and taxi drivers in particular are a disgrace. However! Good handicrafts and people seem to have travelled out to the coastal resorts...try Mexico City and find out why! Where to travel in Mexico: *** Chichen Itza. A sensational Maya pyramid and many other strange and interesting structures in large expanse of greenery. Stay 2 nights nearby and do it properly. ***Oaxaca, a relaxed, pretty town with a lovely main square and the ancient Zapotec site of Monte Alban nearby. A great location for Dia de los Muertos festivities. **Merida , another pleasant colonial town, with agreeable daily free concerts and dance, good restaurants. A couple of days? Not too far from Uxmal. ***Uxmal, a good warmup for Chichen Itza: a pleasing and unusually rounded pyramid with other varied Maya buildings. A day trip. ***Palenque , a really wild Maya place; terrific but difficult to get to. Small plane, [new train line?] or looong bus travel. **Playa del Carmen [near Cancun] for a cool, casual beach scene and excellent bars/restaurants/shops. Also the Pacific Coast, from **Puerto Vallarta to **Puerto Escondido has great beaches and facilities. *Cancun for 5 star beaches with little culture. **Acapulco , a lively 20 mile bay of beaches, bars and hotels that has entertained Elvis, Sinatra and Kerouac but still has space for budget travellers. A bit brash and busy, but quiet spots survive, as do most of the famous [45m/148ft] cliff divers at La Quebrada. **Mexico City. Visit excellent museums, see superb murals at the Palacio Nacional, and frolic in the Zocalo. Also day trips out to : The grand Teotihuacan pyramids, and the 'living colonial museum' of Puebla. **Barranca [Canyon] del Cobre. A stunning 6 hour train ride from Los Mochis on the Pacific coast up the mountains to Divisadero or Creel drops you on the edge of Mexico's Copper Canyon. Good hiking but trails are not well marked. Travel Safety: Mexico City and some large towns endure fairly high levels of crime, most of it petty, but armed robbery and even rape is not unknown. As usual take special care in busy places like bus and metro stations, when using ATMs and at night. Green taxis are better avoided if possible as they have been implicated in serious assaults. See Bugbog Safety pages. Mexico Tours More tour operators offering travel around Mexico can be found in our listings here: Mexico Tours Caribbean Map Caribbean Beaches For more information on Mexico Travel try these links: National Tourist Offices Online Travel Guides Cheap Airline Tickets UK Cheap Airline Tickets US Travel Insurance UK Tour Operators Embassies Currency Climate Language Mexico Travel Links Electricity: 127v[!], 2 flat pins Health Guide: Hygiene is unexpectedly good in Mexico but, nevertheless, ensure your vaccinations are to the max and up-to-date. Diseases you should be concerned about, at least, are T yphoid [get a jab], Hepatitis A and B [get a jab], Hepatitis B, C,D [take care what you eat, drink, or who you share fluids with, blood included], and dengue fever and malaria , both acquired from mosquitoes . If you plan to travel in Mexico you may be interested in some nearby countries too: Costa Rica Travel Guide Cuba Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Ecuador Travel Guide Peru Travel Guide Travel Pictures | Destination Finder | Exotic Places | World Festivals | World Wonders | Safari Wildlife | Beaches | Top of Page European Places | Walking Tours | Travel Health | Travel Safety | Travel Directory | English Speaking Places | Tours Gap Year | Site Map | Travel Guide Homepage | Contact | Press | Advertising | Legal | Maps | Travelogue © 2000-2005 Bugbog

Japan Travel

JAPAN AIRLINES - JAL's useful information -- Travel Information -- The Japan Airlines Group is introducing a new discount domestic air fare for overseas visitors to Japan, the JAL ''Yokoso (Welcome) Japan'' Airpass, available for use from April 1. The new fare can be used to 42 cities in Japan served by JAL and two regional subsidiaries, JAL Express (JEX), based in Itami Airport, Osaka, and Japan TransOcean Air (JTA), based in Naha, Okinawa. Japanese Sake, although made from simple ingredients, is a complex beverage that offers the serious taster a wide of range of fragrant aromas and subtle flavors. JAL group is now getting active in SAKE program. Please visit our web site and also acquire knowledge of SAKE and SAKE brewery. Japan Airlines offer the latest and more useful information about Japan.Please check out "What's New" on each city's page every month. Japan Airlines have prepared a special supporting program for convention facilitators to invite your conference to historic and exotic Japan. Japan Airlines has selected a special package tour to enjoy Japan as a recommendation. Please find your most suitable tour to Japan either for your holiday or business. The best option for travel planning - Consult Japan Airlines or its appointed travel agencies before traveling into Japan. Guide to Japan operated by Japan National Tourist Organization. Your gateway to Japan will offer all about Japan, Japanese culture and tradition, Travel information, special holidays, accommodations and much more. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,Official web site, which contains Japanese foreign policy, economic affairs, regional affairs, culture, visa and others including useful information for tourists. A comprehensive information about basics of Japan including tourist information, current trends in Japan, Japan atlas, virtual museum and other useful information. att.JAPAN is a free paper magazine issued once in two month offering updated travel information about Japan. You can pick up a latest copy at your nearest Japan Airlines office . The Japan Times Online Asahi.com Daily Yomiuri Online Mainichi Daily News RSD -- Lonely Planet TOKYO Q Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau KYOTO VISITORS GUIDE Kyoto Culture Visit SNOW JAPAN Japan Adventures Outdoor Japan Legal Notice Contact Us Privacy Policy Recommended Environment

Central America Travel

Honduras Central America Travel Tourism You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Photo thanks to Clipart.com Stay up to date! Photo thanks to Clipart.com Email to a friend Print this page Elsewhere on the Web Map of Honduras Photos of Honduras Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Honduras, Central America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Honduras offers an array of different vacation experiences. Honduras is a small country in Central America bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua, and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua. It has a population of approximately 7 million persons. Honduras was once part of the Mayan civilization that spread southwards from the Yucatán peninsula and throughout most of Central America. Christopher Columbus visited Honduras in 1502 on his third voyage to the new world, and the country was subsequently colonized by Spain for several centuries. On independence in 1821, Honduras joined the Central American Federation, but this union did not last long. Honduras severed ties several years later with the Federation and became fully independent. The Honduran people are mainly mestizo, an ethnic mix of native Indian, Spanish and other nationalities. Visitors can expect to be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality extended to them by most Hondurans. The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken in the major tourist areas. The climate of Honduras is mostly tropical. It is hot and humid on the Caribbean coast, hot and dry in the interior plains, with cooler temperatures in the central mountain regions. The rainy season extends from June to October. Honduras offers a wide range of different vacation experiences. It offers some great venues for snorkeling and diving, many Mayan archaeological ruins and treasures, some beautiful National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries, pristine uncrowded beaches, and much more. Tegucigalpa Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, became the most important mining center in Central America during colonial times. It got its name from the ancient Nahuatl language which translated means "silver mountain". It is located in a large valley about 1000m (3280ft) above sea level and surrounded by a ring of mountains covered in pine trees. Because of the altitude of the city, the climate is very pleasant. Tegucigalpa has a population of about 800,000 people. The Boulevard Morazán, also known as "la zona viva", is the commercial heart of Tegucigalpa. It is a modern bustling district where you will find many of the very best restaurants, bars and shops in town. The Historical Center of the city is very interesting. Here you will find the domed 18th-century Central Park Cathedral, which features exquisite baroque architecture and fine art treasures. The legislative palace, built on stilts, is also located in this area, as well as the old Presidential Palace, which is now a museum. La Tigra National Park Located near Tegucigalpa is the magnificent La Tigra National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Honduras. Located at an altitude of 2260m, the park covers an area of 230 square kilometers of lush cloud forest that is home to monkeys, ocelots, pumas, and other wildlife. Orchids, arborescent ferns, and over 250 species of birds can also be found in the park. Bay Islands The Bay Islands of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja, located 50km (30mi) off the north coast of Honduras, offer great snorkeling and diving, and some of the most spectacular underwater vistas you will find anywhere in the world, with enormous stands of black coral, brilliantly colored sponges and delicate blue bell tunicates, colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. These lush islands are famous for their barrier reef, which is the second largest in the world. Mayan Archaeological Sites Numerous Mayan archaeological sites are scattered throughout Honduras. The most famous is the Copan Ruins, located in the western part of Honduras. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the Copan Ruins are one of the most important sites of the ancient Mayan civilization, and were not excavated until the 19th century. Visitors to the site can view the many Mayan monuments and buildings, and also get a glimpse of the living areas and life style of the ancient Mayas. 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Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Where 2.0 Conference - June 29-30, 2005 - San Francisco, CA Home Why Attend Registration Speakers Schedule Events BOFs Sessions ! -- Wiki Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Conference Coverage Newsletter O'Reilly Conferences Hotel and Travel Information Hotel Info | Room Sharing | Travel Assistance | Rental Cars | Airline Tickets Hotel Information The OReilly Where 2.0 Conference will be held at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel, facing Union Square in the heart of San Francisco. This enduring landmark has maintained its preeminence as San Franciscos center of social, theatrical, and business life since first opening in 1904. As one of the last survivors of colorful, turn-of-the-century San Francisco, The Westin St. Francis is as modern as tomorrow - with a proud past - a collecting place of history and legend. Make your hotel reservations online: Westin St. Francis Reservations Make your hotel reservations by phone, call: 1-800-WESTIN-1 or call the hotel directly at (415) 397-7000. The cutoff date for room reservations is: May 27, 2005 . Rate Guest Room: $189.00 In order to receive the conference rate, you must identify yourself as attending the "Where 2.0 Conference" Reservations received after the cutoff date of May 27, 2005 or after the room block sells out (which ever comes first) will be honored on a space-available basis at the prevailing rate of the hotel. All rates are single or double occupancy. All room rates listed above do not include 14.08% local & state taxes (subject to change without notice). Please provide 72 hours' notice when cancelling your reservations to avoid deposit forfeiture or penalties. Hotel Address The Westin St. Francis 335 Powell Street San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: (415) 397-7000 Getting There Airport Shuttle Services From Oakland or San Francisco SuperShuttle Phone: 800-258-3826 Driving Directions From San Francisco Int'l Airport Take Highway 101 North and exit at 4th Street Exit onto Bryant. Continue one block and turn left onto 3rd Street. Cross the Market Street intersection and turn left onto Geary. The hotel is located just past Union Square. From Oakland Int'l Airport Take 880 North, cross the Bay Bridge and take the Fremont Street Exit on the right. Turn left onto Howard Street and proceed four blocks to 3rd Street. Follow 3rd Street and cross Market Street. Turn left onto Geary Street until you cross Powell Street. From the Golden Gate Bridge (north) Cross the bridge and exit at Lombard Street. Turn right onto Van Ness, and then turn left onto Bush Street. Turn right onto Powell, and then turn right onto Geary. The hotel Carriage Entrance is right off Geary. Parking Overnight : $39.00 per day (subject to change without notice) Please Note: Parking fees are approximate and completely subject to change without notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. The Where 2.0 wiki contains a Room Sharing page where you can post information about yourself along with the type of room sharing situation with which you are most comfortable. If not comfortable with posting your info, simply peruse the listing of others looking for room sharing situations whom you can contact.. Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at an O'Reilly conference. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 525-0550 Fax: (707) 525-0560 Email: International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the The Where 2.0 Conference. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #01XY0025 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the Where 2.0 Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive a 5% discounnt off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID #537GN. Dedicated reservation agents are on duty 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST. Mileaage Plus members receive full credit for all miles flown to this meeting. You must refer to Meeting ID #537GN in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1-800-521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. ! -- Diamond Sponsor ! -- Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Media Sponsors ! -- Sponsors ! -- Where 2.0 Sponsor Opportunities — Download Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus. For more info, call Andrew Calvo at 707-829-0515 or email at Where 2.0 Media Sponsor Opportunities — Call Margi Levin at 707-827-7184 or email at Press and Media For media-related inquiries, contact Suzanne Axtell at Conference News Want to receive conference news? Sign up for our email newsletter. O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2005, O'Reilly Media, Inc.