Tulum: A Quiet Getaway
One of the best- conserved coastal Maya sites, like the tall building that impressed me deeply is the great El Castillo. The Temple of the Descending God is to the left of El Castillo when looking out to sea. Above the door of the temple is a stucco relief of a figure prevalent at Tulum, the upside-down winged god that also shows bee-like features. This figure is sometimes referred to as the “diving god” for the reason that of its location. The Tulum ruins are the third most-visited archaeological site in Mexico,
Tulum is now a popular site for tourist, it’s protected on one side by steep sea cliffs and on the landward side by a wall. The wall also was about 8 meters thick and 400 meters long on the side parallel to the sea. This gigantic wall would have taken an enormous amount of energy and time, which shows how vital defense was to the Maya when they constructed the site here. On the southwest and northwest corners there are small structures that have been recognized as watch towers, showing once more how well secured the city would have been. There are five narrow gateways in the wall with two each on the north and south sides and one on the west. Near the northern side of the wall a small cenote would have provided the city with fresh water. It is this remarkable wall that makes Tulum one the most renowned fortified sites of the Maya.
Tulum hotels are, for the most part, small, low-rise and quite simple. Although the numbers of resorts along the beach are growing, this region still feels pretty undeveloped. I’ve learned electricity around the beach area is restricted and it isn’t available twenty four hours a day since power is only supplied by generators.Many hotels only have lighting in the evenings and it is fairly extraordinary to have rooms with electrical sockets. Although there is no air-conditioning, most hotels do have rooms with ceiling fans.
Tulum has an amazingly good collection of little beach bars and restaurants including Mexican, vegetarian and Italian. There are a great variety of activities accessible including snorkeling, diving and fishing tours. Tulum truly is the place to escape and relax .Staying in a little beach cabana, just steps away from the ocean; you’ll appreciate the simpler things in life, like lying in a hammock under a shady palm tree, exploring the natural wonders of this area and walking along the beach to dinner under a blanket of stars. If you want to run away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just want a quiet place to get away from it all, Tulum is just the thing.
Planning A Getaway In California
When it comes to a northern california vacation, you definitely have a lot to pick and choose from. Just hop online and see what I mean. I must admit that although I don’t love the California heat, I do enjoy seeing all they have to offer. If you are in the mood this season for a nice and relaxing northern california vacation, then I suggest you do something about it and quickly. The cool thing about California is that it has all the beach scenes, it has the Hollywood thing going on, it has the great nightlife, it has the amenities, but it also has the desert.
Experience The Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California will hold beautiful memories for many of us, my friends and myself included. Once you arrive at the place, get reminisced, refreshed, rested, and hit for the town. After a stint back at your air-conditioned apartment, where you can do henna tattoos and tarot readings, you can go for Italian food in a crowded but friendly (popular) local place called Ciravello’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. The most remarkable of Long Beach California experiences, though, happened at midnight. More on this in the next paragraph.
One piece of advice I have always listened to and passed on is to hang out with locals when you are touring, for you will get to experience the underbelly of the vacation spot, not just the touristy areas. Try to eat outside, not only so you can smoke but so you can pick up more of the outer ambience. You can lunch at a classic diner and shop along Pine Avenue, where curiosities and collectibles meet with contemporary and other arts and souvenirs. When night falls, if fate in your favor, you can strip down and go swimming in the Pacific. No one but you and your loved one will be frolicking and slip-sliding about in soft, smooth, sleek calm waters.
So for you who visit the playful town (or city, really, with a population of almost a half a million), the parks and playhouses and plazas might turn your crank. Or, the realization that major celebrities live or lived there might be the crowning moment in your Long Beach, California vacation. You might be thrilled to know, then, that Bobby Burgess and Bo Derek; the Doggs, Snoop and Nate; Spike Jones; Billie Jean King; and many, many other superstars have lived or do live there. And I am sure some even visit now and again. Maybe you will rub elbows with someone!
A couple of years back, my friends and I rented a sporty car from San Francisco, packed some art and writing supplies, and headed south along the coast toward Long Beach, California. We deliberately went without a map so we could serendipitously explore new areas and people and things to write about and photograph. In spite of all the amazing and stunning history, scenery, and activity we enjoyed along the way (the missions, the Orange County Fair, and more), our arrival in and visit at Long Beach was giftedly pleasing.
If you are in the mood for a nice northern california vacation, it’s now time to give a northern california vacation a shot. You can hop on a trolley in San Francisco and check out all the wonderful city has to offer. If you prefer the internet, All you need is your personal computer and Internet access to get started. Pop open that nifty Google search engine and go to town. Well, so to speak. Just punch in the key phrase “northern california vacation” and you’ll be flooded with great results. Due to the darn high priced to live there, you may want to do your research and prebook some low cost hotel or motel before heading for northern California.
If you are still wondering if you should have your next vacation in California, just think, on your California vacation, you won’t be too far from Vegas. This may mean you have to take another vacation immediately after. Can you really pass up on Vegas? So start planning today. With so much information that is readily available to you, it’s a synch to plan your next big trip from the privacy of your living room.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about romantic getaway in Michigan and New England romantic getaway, visit romantic weekend getaway.
An Italian Getaway
Hugging the Italian mountains, Positano, Italy sits gazing over the Mediterranean Sea. Much less known than Rome, Venice & Florence, Positano arguably holds twice the beauty of each. Photographed for its unique loveliness, Positano has been featured in several movies and magazines. If a true Italian weekend is what you’re after, Positano is your destination.
White houses and dwellings sit on top of each other connected by old stairways and paths. Olive trees grace the countryside as flowers softly tumble off the windowsills. Lemons and oranges dangling from groves of trees, gently add to the Mediterranean feel. The view from Positano is downright amazing. If romance is what you’re after, you’ll find it in the heart of Positano.
As you walk the hills of Positano, artisans of all flavors will meet the eye. Oil painters are consistently trying to capture the serene sunsets. Cobblers and famous shoe makers put an aroma of leather into the air as they construct their famous sandals, flip-flops and slippers.
The accommodations in Positano are cozy and have an old-world feel to them. Leave your cars in the Piazza dei Mulini as one of the porters transports your baggage to your hotel. After you are settled in, wander outside where the sparkling beaches beg to be walked upon. The deep blue sea water sleepily rests along Positano’s coastline as Capri boats wait to show you around.
After a long day of exploring hidden under water caves or lying on the beach, enjoy one of Positano’s authentic Italian restaurants. Accordion music drifts through air serenading each couple as they dine. To easily locate Positano’s finest eating establishments, use your mobile device to download WorldMate. A free program, WorldMate will manage your personal and business travel, (works on most smartphones!) and help you find local restaurants the world over.
Head off the beaten path to a vista a brilliant colors and wonderful smells. Whether you are honeymooning or vacation with the family, this is authentic Italy at its best. Positano will give you a Mediterranean experience to talk about for years to come.
Here author Jen Stevens writes about the real beauty of Italy and some nice places like positano which has been featured in many movies and magazines. To easily locate Positano?s finest eating establishments WorldMate will work as your travel assistant, it will manage your personal and business travel.
RV Enthusiasts – a Great Getaway!
The RV industry has continually increased its appeal to families nationwide for decades. Becoming an RV family has now reached record levels. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) nearly 1 in 12 US vehicle owning households own an RV. The typical motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel owner of today is in their late 40s early 50s and generally married. However according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, more motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers are now owned by those aged 35-54 than any other age group. With an increase in interest and investment the question becomes why are so many families looking forward to hitting the road?
One neat aspect of the RV lifestyle is that RVers can pack their entire rig completely ahead of time before their upcoming trip. The convenience of having all necessary resources pre-packed makes a great way to prepare for the next exciting get-a-way. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family members helping to make family bonds stronger. Due to the natural layout of RVs, owners don’t have to give up the comforts of their home. RVers have the ability to enjoy small towns, beaches, parks, mountains, campgrounds wherever they want. Additionally no matter what other types of vehicles are needed for transport, RVs can also tow allowing owners to have the convenience of taking the car or motorcycle around town at their final destination.
Today RVs can vary in virtually every size and price. There’s an RV for every budget and taste. Depending how far your budget allows you to go RVs can provide travelers with all the amenities of home with fully equipped baths and kitchens, central air and heat, surround sound stereos and even plasma TVs. Regardless of gas prices, RV owners can make their dollar go further compared to a typical vacation requiring air travel, hotel and other expenses. Â Even when considering duration of the trip, distance or region of the country, and other similar factors, an RV vacation will save you more money in the long run
RV owners enjoy the flexibility and freedom to go when they want, where they want. There is no hassle regarding the common stresses associated with other types of vacations. By not having to worry about airport lines, prices, reservations and strict time schedules RV travelers can enjoy more time with each other while spending less money on their vacation.
Weekend get-a-way trips are becoming extremely popular. Travelers don’t want to spend hours planning a trip. If you are one of these people consider the convenience as well as endless possibilities of RVing and become one of the millions of RV enthusiasts around the world participating in this unique way of traveling. The point here is that the teamwork required to travel in a motorhome is something special for all involved. Whether deciding on the destination, campground, or just a parking space RV travelers must work together to make it happen and as an added benefit they enjoy their vacation even more!
Salem Hassan is a business marketing director for BreezeGoSEO.com, an Internet Marketing Agency. Salem writes on a wide spectrum of topics related to family, business, consumer best interests, marketing, and other related topics.
Historic Dana Point Is Popular Ca Getaway
Some other California tourist destinations may differ, but explorer Richard Henry Dana — who discovered it — pronounced Dana Point “the only romantic cove in California.” Nowadays you might find some folks who would beg to differ, but all can agree that this magical part of the California coast is one of the most picturesque spots in Southern California. Blessed with near-perfect weather and a proximity to a whole guidebook-full of tourist attractions, Dana Point today is a popular getaway for people from all over the state. It’s hard to imagine, but at the turn of the 19th century Dana Point was the only major harbor between San Diego and Santa Barbara. Forget Long Beach, San Pedro and all the rest. Dana point was to be your destination if you happened to be traveling by ship to this general area. The same harbor that attracted those earlier mariners is still very much a port of call, but leaning more toward pleasure craft with its 2,500 slips that are usually occupied with a wide selection of expensive yachts and small boats that would make any Boat Show proud. The Dana Point Marina, of course, becomes the centerpiece to the area and the focus of pictures and paintings that are readily available in local gift shops. But wait, there’s more. There just happen to be several fine public beaches in the area, a plethora of good restaurants, a historic mission and, in nearby Laguna, great shopping, a vibrant arts community and enough Orange County chic to make you feel like you are living in an episode of the OC. It was a quick drive to Dana Point from our home near San Diego – a 45-mile drive and less than an hour. Residents of most areas near Los Angeles also can make it to Dana Point in less than 90 minutes. This is one reason the area has become a popular getaway – a great location that’s easy to reach. For Northern California residents, it’s just a little bit farther south than L.A. Our base of operations was the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, an impressive resort built on the cliffs overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. All of the services and amenities you would expect were there – a couple of resort-style restaurants, pools, Jacuzzis, tennis, a new 2,500-square-foot fitness center and a new $8.5 million spa offering a host of services including massages, body treatments and salon services. This 376-room resort had the feel of a comfortable beach hotel you might find in Hawaii. While the beach in this instance is a 15-minute walk, the hotel’s spacious rooms are done in bright, well-coordinated tropical colors. On the walls are five-foot-high paintings of boats and beaches and surfers, all reminding you just where you are. If you’re fortunate – as we were – to be in one of the coastal view rooms, your private lanai will overlook a portion of the harbor and coastline. This view probably will vary quite a lot from room to room, so if that’s a major reason for staying here, be sure to be specific when you make your reservations. The grounds also are reminiscent of some Hawaii properties – lots of well manicured palm trees and walkways on a tropically well endowed 42 acres. That acreage includes a park adjacent to the hotel where you can find rolling lawns, picnic tables, walking paths and great ocean views from the cliffs. And one other little thing we noticed about the Laguna Cliffs Marriott: the beds are more comfortable than most hotels we’ve visited. For some reason, even some of the finest resort hotels seem to favor a harder mattress. Not here – these beds were just pliant enough to afford us a restful, undisturbed sleep. Any visit to Dana Point will involve some time exploring the marina. It’s not just a bunch of boats – a whole village has grown up dockside to offer tourist shopping and places to enjoy lunch or dinner. Some 25 shops and 20 restaurants are open in Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariners Alley. But the boats are a big part of it – it’s fun strolling along the docks, daydreaming about owning one of these beautiful craft. For those not content to stay on the shore, there are charter fishing companies at Dana Point that will take you out fishing – or just out to see the annual migration of whales. If you’re able to spend an extra day or two, the Catalina Express offers direct service to Catalina for a day, or for an overnight stay on the island. Just south from the marina is 62-acre Doheny State Beach Park with more than a mile of prime California beach. Also in the area are Salt Creek Beach Park and Strands Beach, both popular surfing spots where you can get a good look at the local beach culture. One reason Dana Point is popular with visitors is that there are so many interesting diversions in the immediate area. Just hop in your car and, within 15 minutes, you’ll find a completely new experience. For example, just up the road is Laguna Beach. One tipoff: they named a TV show after this beach enclave, so it’s not really your ordinary beach town. This is a place dotted with zillion-dollar homes and ocean views to match. Along the long and winding highway through Laguna, you’re apt to encounter the chic – as well as the cheap. Perfectly dressed, blonde-haired, model-shaped young professionals shop in the local art houses, while down at the beach you’ll find full-time surf bums who are less concerned with money than relishing the endless California summer. Spin the compass in another direction and you’ll find, just four miles away, the famous town of San Juan Capistrano. Known for the punctual return each year of the swallows, this town was built around its equally famous mission. Inside the 10-acre Mission San Juan Capistrano compound, visitors enjoy a respite from the everyday world as they walk down quiet paths through lush gardens and view historic buildings dating back to the late 18th Century. It should be obvious by now: the romantic cove that Richard Henry Dana found in 1818 has turned into much more than just a pretty place. Young brides do flock to local resorts like the Laguna Cliffs Marriott to brand their wedding pictures with the indelible charm of Dana’s discovery. But plenty of everyday travelers also have found the area appealing — whether they’re feeling romantic or not. AT A GLANCE WHERE: Dana Point is conveniently located about half way between San Diego and Los Angeles, and is within easy driving distance of Orange County coastal attractions as well as theme parks further inland. WHAT: Dana Point is one of the most picturesque settings in Southern California and offers a getaway than can be as quiet as laying on a beach, or as active as visiting Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm. WHEN: Any time of year. The ocean water is warmer in summer and boating will be better with warmer air temperatures; however, even in winter, temperatures are mild and days are sunny. WHY: Dana Point is ideally located, yet unique in its natural beauty. HOW: For more information on the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, call (949) 661-5000 or visit www.lagunacliffs.com.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com , covering California beach vacations and other Golden State destinations, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , covering Northwest travel .
The Best Resorts: You’re Private Getaway
Nothing spells bliss than spending a day in the most enchanting and best resorts of the world. No worries, no stress. Just you and your family or possibly friends, enjoying chilled mojito or piña colada while basking in the warm sun.
Celebrated for its unparalleled beauty, picturesque sights and heartwarming people, the best resorts are haven for celebrities and renowned individuals wanting to escape the stresses of daily life. The best resorts cater for the needs and utter demands of the rich and famous.
The best resorts are the perfect getaway. They feature among the most astounding best luxury hotels. Best luxury hotels are coveted for their impeccable service and amenities that ensure that each visitor would have an enjoyable stay. Most often also, the luxury hotels work in tandem with resort activity coordinators in providing for exemplary offerings that carters for the desires of each visitor. So whether one is adept in having a family-oriented vacation or romantic getaway, the luxury hotels can arrange for the perfect itinerary.
There are a number of best resorts and luxury hotels worldwide. Every region features its âpride resortâ- the resort that tops in cleanliness, beauty, amazing cuisine and other offerings. To be regarded as among the best and the most luxurious hotel is not an easy feat. The best resorts and the best luxury hotels are the highest ranked hotels in the world. They maintain such skyrocket standards when it comes to service. Satisfaction of the customer is the prime consideration.
The world’s best luxury hotels can be categorized as belonging to the best business hotels, best family hotels, best honeymoon hotels, etc. Nonetheless, for this article let us focus on the best resorts in the world. Top of the list for the best resorts are the pristine beaches of Bermuda, the sizzling San Jose del Cabo in Mexico, the enchanting beach hotel of Crete, Greece, the hot Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, the splendid private beach resort in Cannes, France, and the long-stretched white sandy beaches of Maldives.
The azure waters of Bermuda continuously attract visitors from around the globe. The best luxury hotels in Bermuda feature the best view of the ocean and its lush vegetation. The best hotels in Bermuda provide for top-notched service and comfortable dwellings. Featured in numerous magazines, the San Jose del Cabo in Mexico is the favorite resort destination of famous Hollywood stars. The San Jose del Cabo is an amazing adobe that is filled untouched splendor and pristine waters. A true home for the Gods and Goddesses, the beach resorts of Crete offer history and boundless beauty to its visitors. Freshwater and heated pools are available for the visitorsâ disposal. Steaming with beauty and excitement, the Copacabana beaches of Rio de Janeiro is the place to be for the hottest parties and outdoor activities. Sophistication and elegance is found in the private beaches of Cannes. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city-life, such private beaches are perfectly secluded thus providing utmost enjoyment and relaxation.
Rick Carsten is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has traveled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of world’s best hotels, luxury hotels in paris and lake spa resort.
Looking For A Romantic Tropical Getaway By The Beach, At An All-inclusive Resort With A Long Non Crowded Beach
we are planning to go in early december and planning to spend around $3500-4000 on hotel and airfare. any good ideas??
A Luxury Beach Front Property On Benguerra Island Mozambique For Your Romantic Beach Getaway
Mozambique holidays may not be the first thing you think of when you are looking for a beach front property, but you could do a whole lot worse than to check out the Mozambique channel, and Benguerra Island home to the luxury lodge called Benguerra Lodge. This is a beach front property with style, more a boutique hotel really, but in the wilderness of an offshore island on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
Benguerra Lodge is small, very intimate with four different kinds of accommodation from the Bungalows, through the Cabanas, to the Casitas to the Villa.
There are two Bungalows in the trees, less than 15 metres from the beach with a seaview. They have no windows or doors to maximise the sea breezes. They have blinds which can be drawn, overhead fans, mosquito nets, and en suite bathrooms with a shower.
The Cabanas are right on the beach, with King sized bed, bathroom with bath, and private deck with Jacuzzi/plunge pool, hammocks and sun lounger, mini bar, and tea and coffee facilities. The Cabanas are especially romantic and elegant.
The decadently private Casitas are a real home away from home with a King sized bed and mosquito net, a beautifully furnished lounge area, with a large timber deck and plunge pool, plus an outdoor dining gazebo. This is a real romantic beach hideaway.
Finally the exclusive, luxurious, and very personal Villa, which is the very top of the range accommodation. Here there are two double bedrooms with mosquito nets and fans. Ensuite bathrooms with bath and shower, and lounge and dining area. You will have your own personal chef, private wooden deck with swimming pool, private garden, and beach access.
There is a main lodge at Benguerra which consists of large reception area and gift shop, and expansive lounge, bar, and dining room, with large verandas and indoor and outdoor areas to sit around in.
Added to this is a swimming pool and a small spa, but with the stunning beach and turquoise sea, who needs a swimming pool!!
Meals in the main consist not unnaturally of fresh seafood, so prawns, crab, and crayfish will be enjoyed regularly. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with dinner being a set menu. There will because of Mozambique’s colonial history be more than a little Portugese influence in the flavours, which are also a cross between African and Arabic.
Lunch and dinner are moveable feasts with new spots to eat every day.
There are a number of very good and obvious reasons for choosing Benguerra Lodge for your Mozambique holidays.
The first of these would be the situation, being on a large long sheltered beach, and even at low tide access to deep water is possible, and this isn’t the case in East Africa.
Beguerra is a real lodge, intimate, and ideal for a romantic beach getaway, with a very good staff to guest ratio. Benguerra Lodge is also all inclusive which includes all drinks as well as food, and you won’t find a beach front property in a more unspoilt place than Benguerra Island.
For more Indian Ocean Hideaways in Mozambique go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Indian-Ocean-Hideways/Mozambique/
My Husband And I Want To Go To Va Beach On A Long Weekend Getaway. Where Can I Find The Best Deals ?
We are on a tight budget.
Weekend Beach Getaway, Not A Long Flight All Inclusive.?
I am looking to gettaway with my husband to spend some alone time togther. We are in NY and would like to stay somewhere on the water but not a long flight from NY. Like a nice beach resort to just relax. We are looking to leave like Thursday after work and staying till Sunday so we dont want to waste too much time flying. Any info would be great. Thanks 
