My Mexico Travel – Travel Tips

I just returned from my second visit to the Rivera Maya, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. After 21/2 years, lots of change is evident. As we already observed during our first visit, construction on Mega Resorts was well under way, but I had no idea how fast the landscape would change. Charming little fishing villages, such as Punta Bete seem to be completely gone. Giant Hotel Complexes now stand where once empty Caribbean beaches with little restaurants were.

The sites in Mexico like Chichen Itza, Palenque and Uxmal are fabulous. Merida is a nice city, especially on Sundays. However, it's much more expensive than Guatemala, and it also lacks the atmosphere of Guatemala. The Caribbean coast (Playa Del Carmen, Tulum) could definitely not seduce us: it's hypertouristic and quite expensive also.Still, we went back to Mexico in 12/99 to finish the trip we had stopped in 1993. From Tikal we went to Bethel, crossed the Usumacinta river into Mexico, and then visited Yaxchilan, one of the highlights of our second trip (don't miss it). From there onwards toPalenque with side trip to Agua Azul. Then San Cristobal, Oaxacaand finally Mexico City. I think we"ll need a third trip to visit the Nothern part of the country.

While the area was hit hard by Hurricanes during the last season, Mega Resorts have recovered quickly, fueled by foreign investments. Areas such as Puerto Morelos however did not recover as quickly. Little Hotels are still struggling to clean up and rebuild. Financial bankruptcy will only result in the inevitable, more Mega Resorts.

As an enthusiastic traveler, I do not feel well in all inclusive style resorts. People are not interested in the country they visit, just how to get the most out of the buffet and the most Drinks in their alcohol ridden bodies while trying to obtain the best tan to show off at home. I never understood this kind of travel culture, but if you like to spend your vacation in comfort and style without having to worry about anything and if you like group tours instead of exploring a country on your own, the Mexican Caribbean is just the place for you. If you are looking for empty beaches and romantic little villages, go somewhere else.

This article outlines the changes that I observed between my two visits to the Mexican States of Quintana Roo and Yucatan and about some general Travel Advice for Mexico SIM Card and Mexico Cell Phone Rentals .

Switzerland : Tourist Paradise

Switzerland is a small, compact country that contains some of the world's best alpine landscapes. Although somewhat short on cultural destinations, the country offers a cornucopia of beautiful mountain and valley landscapes. Switzerland's cities and villages exude a wonderful "old world" charm and are great places to eat, shop, and relax.Switzerland travel offers you a wide opportunity to witness the eye-popping dream destination of the world. The stunning alpine view of the country is simply majestic and unique beauty in its own. Travel to Switzerland to covert your dream into reality.

Geneva, international meeting place, the smallest of the world's metropolises, peace capital of the world, situated between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and Mount Salève, is a world for everyone, quiet apart from the rest of Switzerland. Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, numerous museums and libraries, the University, the Opera and the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande. They all have contributed to the city's development.

Switzerland conjures up a fair swag of clichés: irresistible chocolates, yodelling Heidis, humourless bankers, international bureaucracies and an orderly, anally-retentive and rather bland national persona. But Harry Lime was wrong on more than one account when, in The Third Man, he said 500 years of Swiss democracy and peace had produced nothing more than the cuckoo clock. For a start, the Germans invented this monstrous timepiece; secondly, the Swiss, who are a brainy lot, have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than any other nation on earth.

The main entry points for international flights are Zürich and Geneva. Basel, Bern and Lugarno airports also receive international flights. There is no departure tax when flying out of Switzerland. Trains are a popular and convenient way to travel to Switzerland, and European rail passes make train travel affordable. Buses tend to be slower and less comfortable, though sometimes cheaper. Getting to Switzerland by road is simple, since there are fast, well-maintained motorways through all surrounding countries. If you have time and money, it's possible to get to Switzerland by boat along the Rhine all the way from Amsterdam. Switzerland can also be reached by lake steamer ferries from Germany via Lake Constance, from Italy via Lake Maggiore and from France via Lake Geneva.

For an extended pleasure take a Switzerland SIM card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Switzerland. The Switzerland SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Switzerland. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Switzerland like you do at home. And unlike home, your Switzerland SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Switzerland-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a Switzerland Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

Spain Vacation Travel - Fast becomes an Addiction!

If you are coming to Spain for the first time, be warned: this is a country that fast becomes an addiction. Spain is the land of fiestas & throughout the year there will always be a festival taking place somewhere in Spain. Ones of international interest include the bullrun in Pamplona, the Fallas festival in Valencia and Holy Week in Seville. However, there are thousands more and on these pages you'll find the most comprehensive online guide to Spanish Fiestas.

Few countries offer a stunning blend of natural wonders, historic monuments, and amazingly friendly locals. Spain's population of more than 40 million people are an intriguing blend of cultures and nationalities. Most of Spain's residents are Roman Catholic, though there are a few Protestants, Jews and Muslims. Each of the 17 autonomous cities/communities offers its own unique spin on the Spanish way of life.

The dream destination of many, Madrid is time and again listed and described in all Spain guidebooks. This is where the seat of the central Spanish government as well as other major local and international agencies are located. Once a shabby 16th-century municipality, today this sunshine capital of Spainhas proudly emerged as a finely polished European cosmopolitan. It is by default the gateway to the rest of Spain as well as the door to the Mediterranean.

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colorful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveler. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Avoid the peak season periods of Easter, Christmas, July and August and you'll be able to pick up a discount air ticket and cheap hotel room in some of Spain's top tourist destinations for less than the price of a decent dinner in London.Even in high season, there are plenty of incredible holiday bargains to be had in popular resorts such as Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava and Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol.

To add to pleasure take a Spain SIM card for a GSM international cell phone is the most convenient and economical calling solution while you travel Spain. The Spain SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Spain. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Switzerland like you do at home.

Don't have a Unlocked Cell, struck with your US carrier & they are refusing to unlock your cell phone Just Rent a Spain Cell Phone at $1 a day with a Free Activated Spain SIM & you are ready to roll to any place on earth, connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go. 

Netherlands Holiday Guide

Netherlands the country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of reclaimed land. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europe's most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub is spread in a circle from Amsterdam, and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht and the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.

Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Still south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht. But on the changing face of the Netherlands, the windmills are restaurants, the canal barges are tourist tanks, the tulips are growing in the wooden clogs and the tiles are on the wall.

The Netherlands has a reasonably good public transport system, but the payment system is undergoing transformation. Here is a basic guide to tickets, trains, buses, trams, airports and taxis, including information for those with special needs.

The Netherlands offers a wide range of attractions and its trademark culture is certainly worth exploring. Fascinating old cities, picturesque countryside, rich traditions, seasonal events, unique scenery, windmills, art galleries, museums, coffee shops, bars, restaurants – whatever it is you want you'll find it in the Netherlands. Nestled between Belgium and Germany, it is quite easy to reach from France and Great Britain. Modern transportation networks and numerous airports provide simple and quick transportation to and from the Netherlands within all Europe and the other continents. Anyway there are many other interesting places not to be missed during your Dutch adventure. Why not travel to the west of the Netherlands, a region dotted with interesting historical landmarks, abundant in extraordinary cities, such as Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt with a beautiful old town or the vibrant port city of Rotterdam.

Also take a Netherlands SIM Card , a local service here in US at the wholesale rates to save up-to 85% on international roaming. Netherlands SIM Card on KPN Network includes FREE incoming calls with service across Netherlands plus lowest call charges back to US.

Don't have a Unlocked Cell , struck with your present US carrier rent a Netherlands - compatible cell phone from RebelFone, renting a Netherlands Cell Phone at $1 a day.

Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.

The annual average temperature ranges from 22ºC to 27ºC. In Hanoi, the average temperature is 23ºC, in Ho Chi Minh City it is 26ºC, and in Hue it is 25ºC.

There are two distinguishable seasons. The cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern Vietnam is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern provinces where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces.

Weather forecasts are only of value for a week or so in advance and even then they are not very reliable. Weather averages are better indicators of what to expect in a particular month. In each of the pages describing the weather patterns in specific locations, there is a table of average temperatures, rainfall, and so on. Also keep a close eye on short-range weather forecasts and warnings of possible storms.

December to March is a good time to visit the Central Highlands when conditions are usually dry and cool. We visited the region in late November when the weather was beautiful with fine, warm days and pleasant evenings. We had a few light showers as we headed north towards Hoi An. Along the central coast there is a rainy season from December to February. June to October tends to be very dry and hot.

If you're planning a trip to cover all of Vietnam the best time to visit is from September to December or from March to April. Also to ensure a complete peace of mind experience take a Vietnam SIM card for a GSM international cell phone is the most convenient and economical calling solution while you travel Vietnam. The Vietnam SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Vietnam. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Vietnam like you do at home. And unlike home, your Vietnam SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

If you are struck with your US carrier & don't have a unlocked cell phone then you may also , rent a cell phone for Vietnam at $1 a day. Rent a Cell with a Free Activated SIM & you are ready to stay connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go. 

Scenic Switzerland – Winter Fantasy

Switzerland occupies a position on the rooftop of the continent of Europe, with the drainage of its mammoth Alpine glaciers becoming the source of such powerful rivers as the Rhine and the Rhone. The scenery is virtually unrivaled in the world, from Alpine peaks to mountain lakes, from the palm trees of Ticino to the “Ice Palace” of Jungfrau. The appellation “the crossroads of Europe” is fitting, as all train lines, road passes, and tunnels through the mountains lead here. From the time the Romans crossed the Alps, going through Helvetia (the old name for today’s Switzerland) on their way north, the major route connecting northern and southern Europe has been through Switzerland. The old roads and paths have developed into modern highways and railroads.

In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the intellectual and artistic center of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world organizations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or traveling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Also have a Switzerland SIM card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Switzerland. The Switzerland SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Switzerland. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Switzerland like you do at home. And unlike home, your Switzerland SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Explore the options of buying a Switzerland-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a cell phone for Switzerland at $1 a day. 




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Looking for your next vacation? Check Out Philippines!

Set off the main backpacker trail, the Philippines is Southeast Asia’s odd man out, but not for want of beauty or things to do. A jigsaw puzzle of more than 7,100 tropical islands, this friendly country serves up delights aplenty for those who dare to be different.

The Philippines have 7,107 islands, which means that we have a lot of shores all over the country. This includes the famous white sand beaches like Boracay, Puerto Galera, Surigao Island, Samal Island, Bohol, Palawan, Sarangani, Subic, Anilao, Hundred Islands, and Camarines Sur.

The most famous white sand in the Philippines is in an island called - Boracay. This beach is known in the world because of the fine white sand and clear water where the sun can be best enjoyed.The Philippines' Underground River shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant. Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world's top priorities for marine conservation.

The country has a warm climate and countless places to take a short vacation if you are living in one of the large cities. There is plenty of rain in the rainy season between June and September but the general weather is hot and tropical. You are never more than a few hours away from a nice beach or more mountainous destinations like volcanoes or the rice terraces of somewhere like Banaue.

The price of living in the Philippines is very cheap compared to western countries. A small place could cost as little as $200 a month, but there are also high class condos available for expats. Food can cost next to nothing or if you live somewhere like Makati City in Manila there are many top class international restaurants with every cuisine imaginable available.

The low costs of living make it a great place to work in. The facilities offered to people working in international companies are excellent throughout the country. If you are self employed then of course the lower expenses will really help. The Philippine has an excellent education system so if you want to start a business it is a perfect place to do so to take advantage of the low salaries.

If you want a holiday that is more than just memorable, one that will stay with you forever, then Philippines is the right choice make sure you have a Philippines SIM card for a GSM international cell phone is the most convenient and economical calling solution while you travel Philippines. The Philippines SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Philippines. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Philippines like you do at home. And unlike home, your Philippines SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Philippines-compatible cell phone,if you don't have an unlocked cell phone renting a cell phone for Philippines at $1 a day would be the most cost effective option.