The Riviera Maya, Jewel of the Yucatn

By Linda Patterson

The eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula holds a treasure trove of environmental beauty and natural diversity, which just happens to lie next to some of the world's most astonishing world-class resorts. The state of Quintana Roo is home to the fabulous Riviera Maya, Mexico's premiere vacation destination, as well as untold acres of pristine jungle and dozens of ancient Maya ruins, making it an area sure to appeal to anyone who has even the vaguest interest in sampling some of Central America's many delights. Whether your pleasure is golf, swimming, trekking, incredible cuisine, luxury accommodations, or unbelievable stretches of pristine beaches and gorgeous coral reefs, you and your family will find everything you're looking for in this one corner of sunny, tropical Mexico.

Exciting Adventures on Land and Sea

If nature tours are what strike your fancy, this is a prime region of Central America to experience them in. The deep jungle is only a short drive from the resort beaches, filled with unusual animals, towering plants, and a wide variety of colorful tropical birds. You can hire a trusty multilingual guide for a single trip or a multiple-day trek to lead you deep into the misty folds of the rainforest, quietly pursuing a glimpse of some of the planet's rarest and most intriguing animal specimens; or, if you prefer diving, take a day-long excursion out to the reefs and swim with dolphins, manatees, and even a few (non-aggressive) species of shark!

A Region Rich in Mayan History

You might be surprised to learn that, despite all the luxurious trappings and modern conveniences, the Riviera Maya sits adjacent to some of Central America's most amazing Mayan ruins. A multitude of incredible sites, such as Kabah, Umal, and Xel Ha are within only a short drive of the beaches, hotels, and eco-lodges. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to enlist the aid of a personal guide to help point out each site's myriad subtle details of history and architecture, which will surely leave you in awe of the skill and power of this land's ancient former rulers.

However, if you've only got a limited time to spend in the Riviera Maya, there are two Maya sites you should visit without fail. The ancient port city of Tulum still stands guard over the Yucatn coast. Centuries ago, it's windows focused light into shining rays on the ocean, helping to guide trading ships away from the treacherous reefs. Similar in architecture but vastly different in scale is Chichn Itz , an enormous complex of temples and pyramids sprawling out over the jungle landscape. Be sure to visit the Jaguar Throne, the temple of the Thousand Warriors, and the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcan, a 30-meter tall structure which, during the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, casts a serpentine shadow over the fields below.

Venture by Sea to Muyil and Sian Ka'an

The bountiful natural preserve of Si'an Kaan boasts the largest and most diverse population of rare and endangered animals practically anywhere in the region. Within its boundaries are over twenty sites of early Maya habitation, including the fascinating city of Muyil, whose most ancient artifacts date back to 350 BCE. Hundreds of species of mammals and over 300 species of tropical bird are just the beginning of the long list of natural treasures sheltered by this protected land. You'll see crocodiles, giant iguanas, exotic spider monkeys, and the adorable coatimundi and that's just for starters.

Sian Ka'an puts the natural beauty of the Yucatn region front and center. The array of plants and animals you can glimpse here likely the only place you may ever have the opportunity to see them is truly incredible. You can arrive at the site by land or sea, but either way, if the ocean tempts you, be sure to take a dive and swim with the dolphins, sea turtles and sharks! that inhabit the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef just off the preserve's sparkling sandy shores.

Quintana Roo, like all of the Yucatan and Central America at large, is an incredible region positively bursting with culture, natural beauty, history, and everything you could want or desire to experience on vacation. Whether you go alone, with a special companion, or with the entire family, there's no telling what amazing adventures you'll encounter once you step off the plane. Only one thing is sure however long you stay, you'll feel like it wasn't long enough by half!

About the Author:

Find out more on traveling to Guatemala Duende Tours Adventure Travel. To witness the birds in Guatemala in their habitat try Onejungle's Guatemala Adventure Trips for a great combination of adventure and culture.

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Investigating Different Modes Of Transport

By Byron Jonas

There are three different modes of transport. The first one involves traveling under your own power, so walking, running and cycling are in this category. The other two are motorized forms of transportation. These are machines with either electric motors or internal combustion engines. There are advantages and disadvantages to each and we also need to consider the economic and environmental costs attached to them.

Going anywhere under your own power is the most sustainable and the cheapest form of transport. But it's not always practical and there's a limit to the length of the journey. Bicycles extend the distance people can take themselves, but there is a limit. Professional cyclists taking part in the Tour de France can ride around 100 miles a day but it's not possible for the average commuter to match their fitness levels or afford the equipment they use.

In terms of environmental impact, the next best options are trains and streetcars. These are now powered by electricity, so are more sustainable than the old diesel locomotives.

Train stations are found in most cities and towns across the globe. Cities like Barcelona, Dublin and Lyon have two train stations and some others like Paris, London and Chicago have underground subway systems. Monorails also run on electricity. They are no longer just for tourism in places like Disney World and Mexico City International Airport. Las Vegas has a public transit network and places like South Korea and India are implementing monorails as public transport in the near future.

Trains in most countries are electric locomotives. This makes the train an environmentally sustainable means of travel. As taxes increase on cars, roads and fuel, train travel and other forms of pubic transport are becoming increasingly attractive. This can also be said of streetcars. Although they aren't found in every city, they are becoming increasingly commonplace.

Long consigned to the past in major American cities, they are now seen as a greener way to travel and often a quicker way to get around the city. Places like Memphis, San Francisco and Seattle have upgraded their networks and carriages. And places like Washington D. C and Detroit are planning to follow suit.

But no matter what incentives there are to take public transport, the car always remains a popular choice. Since 1960 annual mileage across America has tripled as more cars were put onto the roads. Although there's a movement towards hybrid vehicles, the take up is very slow. Today vehicles only account for 4% of annual car sales so the majority of the annual mileage is completed by gasoline and diesel cars.

About the Author:

For modes of transport, we know you need to learn some more on Roofracks. We have some interesting roof racks that should capture your mind.

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Heritage Civilization And Entertainment In The Friendly City Of Dublin Ireland

By Larry H. Newman

Dublin is the capital of the Ireland, and among the top 30 major world towns. It has a load to offer for folk from all areas of life, from the young looking for the famous Irish craic to those preferring to study the culture of the country. Getting a reasonable hotel in Dublin shouldn't be any problem at all .

There's stunning views to view all around this city. You can find yourself in agricultural Eire or on the coastline of an industrial port. Due to the way the town is sheltered, it's not as wet here as in the rest of Eire.

Those in search of European history will find this city fascinating. It has been asserted that Ptolemy, the traditional Greek astronomer and mathematician was making reference to Dublin when he described a settlement called Eblana, although this is contested by some students. What has been proved by historians is that the town started out life as monastic settlement called Duiblinn.

During the Viking invasions of the 9th and tenth centuries, some of them settled down there and the area came to be called Dyflin. This name is alleged to be extracted from the pool of water seen where the river Poddle flows into the Liffey, and can be interpreted as 'black pool'. In the Middle Ages, the city ended up as European seriousness. Dublin Castle, which was built round the fourteenth century, still stands and is a major attraction for any tourist to visit.

The English conquerors of Ireland were located in this city, with Dublin Castle established as their headquarters. In the 1920s, Ireland broke away from the rest of the United Kingdom. During World War II, although the town provided a place of refuge to Jews fleeing Hitler's attack on Europe, Ireland selected to remain impartial and not become involved.

Clearly, Dublin's past is rich and sundry. There are many attractive consequential buildings to see, including the few Georgian houses that managed to evade the mass destruction of these buildings carried out during the 1960s. Halfpenny Bridge is a classic landmark. Old and young alike will get great pleasure from visiting Dublin Zoo, which is housed in the centre of Phoenix Park, one of the largest parks in Europe.

A visit to Dublin is not complete without partaking of some retail treatment. You can browse the many markets in pursuit of a deal. If more upmarket shopping is more to your preference, you'll find that there are numerous well known department stores in this city.

Those that are artistically inclined will be intrigued by the city's culture. Not only are there many fascinating museums and galleries, but music, stage and literature are also an important part of Dublin life. There are also many pubs and night clubs to enjoy a brilliant night out.

Literature is also significant in this city, and UNESCO declared Dublin a City of Literature. It can boast to being the birthplace of many nineteenth century literary icons. Joyce, Shaw, Wilde and Swift were all natives of Dublin. Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, the famous gothic novel that has been made into film many times was also a born in Dublin.

This popular city is certain to give you a 'cad mle filte'. Any hotel in Dublin will make you feel at home. There is such a lot to do that you will want to return again and again.

About the Author:

Visitors can stay at Ireland Hotels or Ireland Bed and Breakfast

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