Articles with the theme Travel
The 10 Most Inspiring Travel Pages on Facebook
Facebook (FB) has about 500 million users worldwide so it’s no surprise that individuals and organizations that already have their own website also have a FB page. One convenient aspect of FB, everything is on that one page. Owners can share highlights from their websites, post interesting links and maybe a photo of the day. They can also answer questions and interact with users. Of course we have all heard of Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet, but you may not be aware of these independent travel organizations. They are passionate about travel and culture and can all be followed on FB. They may inspire you to change your life.
World Nomads Keep Traveling Safely
With a whopping 47,039 likes on FB, they are doing something right. This organization was created from founder Simon Monk’s first hand travel experiences. Their focus is to keep adventurous and independent travelers safe on the road. They provide convenient and flexible travel insurance but they also care about giving back and have their own philanthropy, the Footprints Network. Follow World Nomads on Facebook.
Everything Everywhere Around the World Travel Blog
One of Time Magazine’s 25 Best Blogs of 2010, this guy’s FB page has 14,315 fans. Yes, he is just one Midwestern guy who has been traveling around the world since 2007. Gary Arndt loves to get e-mails, IMs and friend requests on FB. He’ll even meet with you for food and drinks if he is going to be in your area. Follow Everything Everywhere on Facebook.
Gap Adventures The Great Adventure People
With 12,780 followers on FB, this global adventure travel company started by Bruce Poon Tip concentrates on sustainable authentic experiences. They have a lifetime deposit policy. If you need to delay or cancel a trip your deposit can be used on any future tour and is transferable, or you could donate it to their non-profit Planeterra Foundation and they’ll match your donation. Follow Gap Adventures on Facebook.
Matador Network For the Love of Travel
They produce a website, a print magazine, a social network, live events and a new media school, and they have 12,641 likes on FB. Geared towards travelers who are interested in the world and how they can contribute to it in a positive way, Matador Network, and its co-founders Ross Borden and Ben Polansky say that Matador-ians are explorers, linguists, entrepreneurs, writers, filmmakers, photographers, activists, and adventurers. Follow Matador Network on Facebook.
Sharing Travel Experiences A Travel Lifestyle Magazine
The idea here is to learn from others. Their motto is “We’re like your best friend who’s already been there,” and with 9,215 fans on FB, there are a lot of people to learn from. They do fun interviews with travelers and Andy Hayes, that travel guy, explains that they pride themselves on knowing the best places to stay and the best things to see whether they be expensive or economical, off the beaten track or well-known tourist attractions. Follow Sharing Travel Experiences on Facebook.
Loco Gringo Mexico Online Reservations and Travel Guide for the Riviera Maya
In 1992 Kay and Gary Walten quit their jobs and followed their dreams to Akumal, Mexico. A diving student suggested they offer vacation rentals to their dive groups and the general public over this new thing called the internet . They started out with 8 rental properties and now represent more than 350 hotels, resorts and rental properties and have 6,770 likes on FB. Their philanthropic efforts show how much they care about the locals, animals, culture and the environment. They even helped organize a “Hope for Haiti” benefit concert. Follow LocoGringo on Facebook.
Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site Life Untethered
Matt is a self-proclaimed vagabond who has been on the road regularly since 2005. Everything this Boston native owns fits into one bag and he has 4,875 followers on FB. He offers travel tips, a blog, and travel guides for backpackers and budget travelers for an impressive number of destinations. There is not enough money in the world to get him to go back to Vietnam. Follow Nomadic Matt on Facebook.
Globe Trooper Travel Partners Wanted
Don’t have a travel partner? Find one among Globe Troopers 2,465 fans on FB. On their website you can find trip ideas, create trips, and then invite others. The co-founders Lauren McLeod and Todd Sullivan believe you can put your minds together and invent ingenious ways to live with locals and/or discover untouched and untrodden places. They want you to collaborate and build the trip of a lifetime. Follow Globe Trooper on Facebook.
2 Backpackers See the World with Your Partner
Jason Castellani and Aracely Santos are a couple whose mission is “to backpack in foreign lands in an effort to discover and validate their passions, step outside of their comfort zone and grow as individuals”. 2,435 FB followers want to join them. As of July 31, 2010, they were back at home in New Jersey, but they will keep you posted about their travel plans and they still have a lot of videos and pictures to edit and share from their last trip. Follow Two Backpackers on Facebook.
Solo Travel Society Best Solo Travel Destinations
Janice took off on her first travel adventure when she was 15 and first traveled solo in her 20’s. Later she traveled with her husband and children. Sadly, her husband has passed away, so she travels solo again. She takes requests for information about specific destinations from her 1,874 FB fans. She will meet with you via phone or Skype before your first solo travel experience to give you advice and support. You can’t beat that. Follow Solo Travel Society on Facebook.
There are many more great travel pages on FB. Chances are if they have a website, they have a FB page. Can you tell us what some of your favorites are?
Stay tuned for our 10 Most Inspiring Travel Tweeters!
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
10 tips for a Romantic Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya
Couples have been trying to create romance in their relationships since the beginning of time, yet every Valentine’s Day many frantically search for a way to make the day memorable for their special someone. There are many ways to celebrate this special day, but for the truly romantic, spend this February 14th doing something unique and special with the one you love.
Here are 10 great ways to spend Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya:
- Relax and Recharge: Leave behind the stress of daily life and surprise your special someone with a soothing moonlight couples massage on the beach.
- For Music Lovers: There are many restaurants and bars in Cancun and Playa del Carmen that feature live music. Cozy up with a cocktail (and your honey of course) and groove to their smooth sounds.
- A Day in the Sun: Pack a picnic basket and your swimsuit for a romantic day on the white sand beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. Swim in the crystal clear, turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, and then watch the sun set and that lovely afternoon light wash over your loved one’s face.
- For Night Owls: If you prefer moonlight over sunlight, plan a nighttime beach champagne picnic under the stars, and begin an endless night on the Riviera Maya’s magical beaches.
- The Adventurous Couple: If you are one of those couples who connect during the adrenaline rush of a great adventure, Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer some great options for you this Valentine’s Day. Fly over the jungle canopy on a zip line or discover nature’s wonders in underground caves and cenotes.
- Cooking for the Heart: If the expression “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” is true, then reach his (or her) heart by learning to create some special recipes in the Riviera Maya. If you prefer someone else doing the cooking, enjoy a delicious meal at one of our restaurants that range from Mexican to international cuisine.
- The Language of Love: Since Spanish is such a romantic language, romance your partner and tell him or her how much you love them, in Spanish. “Te amo” = “I love you”.
- Give a Little: While reconnecting with your special someone on a romantic getaway, consider including a tour from Kanché, a non-profit civil association that uses the proceeds from its tours to generate socially oriented projects that help the environment and the community.
- Reconnect with Nature: With its lush green jungles and soft white sand beaches, the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula offers you many wonderful ways to reconnect not only with your partner, but also with nature. Visit a preserved nature park and enjoy a day of hiking through the jungle or snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
- Do Not Disturb: Spend the entire day with the “do not disturb” sign on your door at one of our all inclusive, luxury resorts. Enjoy the company of your partner in private while relaxing in a soothing bath or bubbling hot tub.
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About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
Travel Bloggers and Writers: A Weekend In the Riviera Maya.
Last weekend our luxurious Riviera Maya resort, Hacienda Tres Ríos, invited a group of travel bloggers, writers and experts from across the US, to visit the resort, enjoy the activities, relax in the suites and meet with local bloggers.
Kay Walten (LocoGringo) , Cheri Lucas (Trazzler), Craig Zabransky (Stay Adventurous), Chris Gray (Chris Around the World), Rachelle Lucas (Inn the Kitchen), Matt Long (Land Lopers) and Janice Waugh (Solo Traveler) were the travel bloggers invited by the Riviera Maya resort for an unforgettable weekend.
Dinner at the Chef’s Table, Green Globe Certification ceremony, tour along the plant nursery and the exclusive Nature Park, the SenseAdventure tour, the temazcal (a challenging experience!), Mexican dinner and a visit to Playa del Carmen were just some of the activities that the distinguished guests enjoyed during their visit.
This is the first bloggers trip we had and we hope to have more in the future. Are you a blogger or a travel writer? Would you like to be invited to Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort? Why should we pick you? Let us know in the comments below!
In the kitchen with Chef Oscar.
During the Green Globe Certification Ceremony.
A whole new experience, the SenseAdventure Tour.
The Tequila Tasting was one of the best experiences.
Take a look at the Travel Bloggers in the Riviera Maya photo album in Flickr!
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About the author
I’m Jorge the community manager and destination marketing strategist of Yucatan Holidays. Always on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube among many other social network sites trying to share with the world the amazing natural beauties and rich history of this land of wonders.
Pros & Cons of the New Riviera Maya Airport
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are two of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico and the world, so it makes sense traveler access is sufficient, especially with the Riviera Maya becoming a favorite vacation spot in the Yucatan Peninsula. After years of deliberation by government officials, local businesses, and environmental groups, the development of a new international airport west of Tulum, south of the Riviera Maya, has been approved. On May 11, 2010, proposals for the construction and operation of the new airport started coming in from private companies and will continue through November 2010. The estimated completion date of the new Riviera Maya airport is 2012.
So what’s all the fuss about?
The Riviera Maya region is filled with natural wonders, such as protected tropical rainforests, jungles, mangroves, rivers, cenotes (cavernous sinkholes with natural springs), wildlife, white sand beaches and the blue Caribbean Sea, containing coral reefs along the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that harbor thousands of fish and rare marine life. Environmental protection efforts are booming in this region, so environmentalists are concerned that the development of the airport will contribute to the rapid extinction of various plant and animal species and their natural habitats. Maintaining these ecosystems is essential for providing the world with food, clean water, and fuel (per the United Nations Environment Programme).
The benefits of a new airport?
It’s no secret that tourism in Mexico took a dive in 2009, losing one million tourists after the swine flu (H1N1) scare, then again in 2010 after fears of drug gang violence in the northern Mexican states spread. Despite these setbacks and a growing public awareness of safe travel in Mexico, tourism officials in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun and the Riviera Maya are located, say that local tourism is returning to normal levels. The growth of the Riviera Maya as one of Mexico’s favorite travel places has contributed to the demand for additional flights and hotels. For these reasons and the resulting increase in tourism and construction jobs, building the new Riviera Maya airport is important for both traveler accommodation and economic survival in the region.
Man & Nature in Harmony
Our hope is that the government, along with private investors and contractors, will consider developing and operating the airport using responsible tourism practices. By following models of sustainable tourism, such as Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, and by employing environmentally sound construction and operations wherever possible, the new Riviera Maya airport could provide many advantages. With tourism as Mexico’s third largest source of income, the new airport would also assist in reducing poverty in the region by creating more jobs.
Some might consider sacrificing the welfare of humanity for the good of nature, but we could learn to coexist in harmony by instituting safe environmental practices that allow for the mutual benefit of both man and nature.
What do you think? Do you agree with the construction of a new airport? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
All In on All Inclusive Vacations | Cancun – Riviera Maya
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing trend towards travelers choosing all inclusive vacations. All inclusive packages are becoming more and more popular, but what’s all the hype about and what does "all inclusive" mean anyway?
Before deciding which resort or hotel option is right for you, while you’re planning a vacation in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or elsewhere in Mexico, ask yourself three simple questions (answers at end of article):
1.) Why choose an all inclusive vacation package instead of a European plan?
2.) What is the difference between an all inclusive package and a European plan?
3.) Is the cost of an all inclusive package worth it, or is it a better value to choose a European plan?
Vacation Activities
The first thing to consider before choosing a hotel package is which travel attractions and activities you plan to do on your vacation. If you want to be where the action is — near tours, shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife — the Cancun hotel zone is the place to be. A hotel in the center of town such as the spacious Ocean Spa Hotel or the intimate Laguna Suites Golf + Spa hotel will place you near Cancun’s hottest nightclubs like Dady’Os, Dady Rock, The City, Coco Bongo and the newest clubs, Sweet and Roo.
If you prefer a more relaxing environment closer to the region’s natural wonders, such as incredible cenotes (cavernous sinkholes with natural springs), tropical rainforests, and cultural treasures like the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, then a Riviera Maya resort like the eco friendly Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park is a great choice.
All Inclusive Resorts
Once you’ve decided on the location for your trip, consider the number of off-site travel activities and vacation attractions you plan to do. If you’ll be taking all-day adventure tours away from the hotel and will just need a place to sleep at night, then a European plan (fee-for-room only) may be the best option for you.
If your vacation planning involves a family vacation, group travel, or romantic getaway, you might prefer a relaxing vacation without the hassle of having to pay every time for each meal, drink, and activity plus taxes and tips.
An all inclusive package provides exclusive services and VIP attention, such as privileged check-in and check-out, free room service, free airport pickup, special rates and discounts on tours and attractions, free non-motorized water activities (e.g., snorkeling and kayaking), on-site activities and entertainment. Some hotels even allow kids to stay free and offer transportation and access to sister resorts for using their services and amenities at no extra charge. If you prefer a resort where everything you need is at your fingertips, without ever having to leave the premises (although you certainly can), then an all inclusive vacation is the perfect choice.
Question Answers
1.) All inclusive packages provide convenience, privilege, and access to special services and amenities — ideal for group and family travel or a couples vacation.
2.) An all inclusive package includes all meals and beverages, taxes and tips, activities and entertainment, plus exclusive services for one initial price.
A European plan provides just the room for a fee; all other services cost extra.
3.) The price of an all inclusive package is only about 25% more per person than a European plan, and travelers typically save up to 65% on food, beverages, and additional hotel services.
About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
Theories of a Mayan Prediction: 2012
A plunge into societal doom resulting in mass chaos, nuclear war, natural disasters, a change in Earth’s magnetic pulls, encounters with the third kind, a crash between Earth and the planet Nibiru, the end of existence and reality as we know it; all theories of the upcoming date, December 21, 2012. As this day inches closer and closer into reality, people across the globe debate what is in store for humankind. All theories stem from the Mayan prediction of an end of an era in 2012, though nobody seems to agree on what awaits us in the future or if there will even be one.
An impeccable ability to predict eclipses and equinoxes, the Mayas created one of the most accurate calendars known to date. No wonder their prophecy of 2012 has caused such a widespread panic. Their advanced knowledge of mathematics, celestial bodies and architecture is reflected in the archeological ruins they left behind. The pyramid of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is the perfect example. The pyramid is broken up into eighteen segments, one for each month in the Mayan calendar and, as a whole, consists of 365 steps; 365 steps and 365 days in the year and this is no coincidence. Each spring and autumn equinox, visitors make the journey to this particular pyramid to watch the sun cast an animated shadow of the Mayan God, Kukulcan onto the pyramid steps. Kukulcan comes in the form of a feathered serpent that slithers his way down the pyramid step by step only to mysteriously vanish into the underground.
Everyone has a conviction. Some are preparing for the end, others for natural disasters and some appear to be undisturbed. Interestingly enough, the ones that appear to be the most vocal and the most concerned are those of European descent with varying faiths and nationalities. Not the direct descendants of the ancient Mayas. Modern-day Mayas living in the Yucatan and Guatemala are peaceful as ever. The words and predictions of their predecessors are causing no panic among them. It is the writers, the directors and the theorists that are striking fear into the general public’s heart. Charles Berlitz caused panic with his book, Doomsday 1999. According to Berlitz, floods and famine would occur with the ending of the century but 1999 passed peacefully. Now, with the movie 2012, and the amazing accuracy of the Mayan calendar, doomsday dread is once again among us.
Time is as equally reliable as death and taxes. Pick a cliché, ¨time tells ¨ or ¨time will tell¨ and wait it out. Regardless of what someone thinks, in the end, someone else is going to be wrong. Only two years to go and the countdown has begun. Will it be the end of the world as we know it or will the end result be a misinterpretation of indigenous wisdom? If you ask me, I say while in the land of the Mayas, do as the Mayas do and don’t panic.
About the Author
Kristin McCollum is a travel writer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her
Pack a Bag, Change a Life
Pack a Bag, Change a Life, is what Stuff Your Rucksack would like you to do and so would we. This online community of UK travelers, writers and journalists are interested in promoting the idea of giving back at the grassroots level in all travel destinations. They have inspired us to do the same.
The majority of you reading this have already been to this region or you are planning a trip to Cancun or the Mexican Riviera Maya. Upon first sight, there appears to be no need for charity. However, looks can be deceiving. While in Cancun, step outside the hotel zone and you will find a fully functioning city. Venture a few blocks from the infamous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen and you will find yourself in the real Mexico; a country ever emerging into development.
Originating in the early seventies, this popular and visually-stunning region has been in constant growth. Although it is loved by all and is utilized primarily for vacation, this area is like all others throughout the world. There are communities, schools, businesses and governments. There are rich, there are poor, young, old, sick and healthy. There is and always will be need for charity.
Here are some ways you can give back:
1. Kanché is a foundation that promotes alternative tourism and sustainable development throughout the Yucatan peninsula. Just north of Cancun, Kanché offers educational tours and actively re-evaluates natural and cultural resources for the betterment of local communities. To learn more about this foundation or offer to help, visit Kanché at www.kanche.org.
2. Centro Ecological Akumal or CEA is located in Akumal, a small beach community located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. CEA promotes scientific research, environmental education and social outreach. Their goal is to serve as a model for sustainable tourism. CEA can be found at www.ceakumal.org.
3. Angle Notions in Playa del Carmen is dedicated to raising funds to provide education, medical aid and serve the less fortunate of the surrounding community. This organization is always looking for donations or volunteers. If you are a translator, social worker, MD or nurse that would like to volunteer, more information can be found at www.anglenotion.org.
So, on your next trip to the sunny white sand beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, stuff your rucksacks, put on your backpacks and help us give back to a community and the environment that has already given us so much.
About the Author
Kristin McCollum is a travel writer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her.
Tulum | The Magic by Night
Starting on June 25th, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum will open the doors past sunset offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the archeological site under a bright new light. The night visits to the walled city’s 15 pyramids will be illuminated in shades of red, blue, and amber. The night tours were suspended last year for lighting maintenance, now Tulum is ready to receive visitors again starting with two schedules: 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The $275 pesos ($22 USD) admission fee includes a headset for an audio description of the history and other explanations about the site.
Swimming with Whale Sharks | The Adventures of Yucatan Holidays
“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” Eden Phillpotts
The great American author Mark Twain—seeker of adventures and new discoveries—once said “twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.”
Without knowing it, Twain was referring to an unforgettable vacation attraction in the best beaches in Mexico right off Cancun, where the largest fish species—the whale shark—makes the warm waters of the Mexico Caribbean Sea its home from May to September.
Immerse in that blue, turquoise water waiting to see the whale sharks will seem as an eternity. The adrenalin pulsates through your bloodstream with a nervous excitement that makes your fingertips and toes tingle as you scan the open blue abyss for something, anything.
Then suddenly, out of the ubiquitous silence, the blues of the sea are broken by the sway of the approaching whale shark. Its enormity and beauty sends a wave of awe-striking excitement felt very rarely in a lifetime. The white-checkered dots on its back that identify it from every other whale shark in the world glide underneath you as you observe these inspiring creatures in their natural habitat. With its overpowering 20-35 ft and gentle, calm presence, the whale shark swim transports you into a transcendental world of wonder, beauty and magic.
As you shakily step unto the boat, your companion’s face mirrors the fiery excitement that fills your core. The whale shark experience is over and it is only after seeing your diminutive dimension in comparison to these marvelous and mysterious creatures that you discover a world of wonder you thought only existed in the pristine corners of your mind.
The whale shark is the largest fish species, but despite its colossal size, the creature has been sighted in only 14 places in the world, one being the Mexico beaches right off Cancun. Adding this amazing experience to your dos will not be something you will regret. The information on this fascinating animal is still very limited and although the exact number of whale sharks is unknown, they are considered to be a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The world has provided us with the infinite opportunity to discover a world outside of ourselves. Nothing will be able to compare to this once in a lifetime experience. Would you like to try it? Join us and swim with whale sharks in Cancun!
About the Author:
Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels.
Finding Love in Mexico
by Stacey Marcus
72 hours later and there I was in Mexico, alone and not knowing which direction to go, where I would sleep that night, or how I would get to this unknown magical 
place. The trip had come about very spontaneously; to be exact it was a last minute cheap fare that was irresistible. Hopefully traveling in a foreign country, by myself, with the warmth of the sun, the beautiful beaches and a friendly welcoming by the locals would do the trick of forgetting my woes and gaining a new perspective on life. The woes of nursing a broken heart – a failed relationship of course, and the recent loss of a job would hopefully be a thing of the past.
I found a wonderful room to rent for the week and was amazed that my time and worries flew by as I was enveloped by a rich culture, a beautiful language, friendly locals, amazing beaches, spicy food and of course some margaritas. On my last day in my new found home I was cruising around the local craft market soaking everything in when I was invited by an unknown fellow American to join him and his friend for a drink. I through caution to the wind and accepted the invite. Over the course of the night, and a few bonus days (I missed my flight), I fell in love with this invitees’ friend. Over the past year and a half my new love and I have been brainstorming about merging our lives together, back to the place that brought us together, Mexico. We have our sights set on the West coast of the Yucatan. Tulum! Playa! Cancun! We want to spend more time in this area and find our new home! You can visit us when we do….
About the Author
Stacey Marcus is an avid tele-skier, mountain biker and hula-hooper living in Boulder Colorado. She is currently looking for work opportunities and a new home in Mexico with her novio y perra.
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