Mexico Tourism On A Budget

When it comes to saving money, many people toss out ideas of a vacation. Of course, traveling to a foreign land for a vacation when things are tight can seem unrealistic, but there are possibilities! Mexico tourism is hotter than ever, and the infrastructure of this country has made it easier than ever to take a road trip to the best little vacation spot just south of the border. No, you do not have to spend a fortune to have a good time.
Entering this wondrous country is easier than ever. Crossing the border for a day of fun in the sun is a possibility that does not take a lot of forethought. In fact, you can make this a spur of the moment vacation that will give you memories enough for a lifetime. With the price of gas, though, you may find it better to carpool so invite friends and family and share the cost! This will definitely be something you can appreciate with everyone.
Here are a few tips for experiencing the best of Mexico tourism even on a budget!
Accommodations are important. You will find that you can save money by getting off the beach. If you do not mind traveling a bit for your pristine, virgin beaches, you will find it is advantageous to get a cottage or hotel that is further from the beach. Another great idea is to get a vacation rental if you have a whole slew of people. You will be able to rent a house or villa and split the cost which will save you money. Generally, the further from the main areas you can get, the lower the cost of the accommodations.
Food is good too! Everyone has to eat and drink. Even if you just eat sandwiches and drink water, you will find that you need this on your vacation. Instead of eating at those pricey restaurants, consider stopping at a local grocer and making your own food. Many of the accommodations you will find come complete with a kitchen or kitchenette. This can save a lot of money. Of course, there are some morsels of cuisine you will want to try so you can save money for those excursions.
Mexico tourism is a wonderful concept these days. You will want to set aside a few dollars for guided tours. Of course, some people prefer exploring on their own, but there are guided tour buses that will take you to Chichen Itza or other ruins. You will find it is easier to take the tour bus than to drive yourself. Even if you are just exploring local shopping malls, having money for taxi services and other such amenities is going to serve you well.
When it comes to Mexico tourism, you can enjoy your weekend by driving over the border and finding yourself a nice villa for the stay. You will not have to spend a fortune, and the good times you have will make memories that last a lifetime. This is great for families or just a group of friends. You choose what you need, and then the people of this beautiful country will make it happen for you.

Europe Travel Guide is Beneficial in Vacation Planning

Europe is not only popular owing to its ranking as the 2nd largest continent but also due to its cultural diversity. It displays a plethora of architectural styles as well as others forms of art, which continue to survive even today. The continent of Europe comprises of numerous countries such as England, France, Greece, Germany, Italy and many more that have attracted international fame in different fields. These are prime reasons why, thousands and thousands of tourists across the world flock to this continent for their vacations or even business trips. However, if you aren’t aware about the ways and means that you would require to employ to travel within Europe then it is suggested that you take a guide. Travel guide to Europe can enable you to become well-acquainted about the pre-requisites that would be required to visit it as well as the tourist information. In short, the guide can offer beneficial insight to the dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind while traveling. To get some travel guidance you can begin with taking the assistance from processional agents, who can educate you about the essential tips that should be followed by you in order to enjoy your travel without any hassle.In the fast-paced lifestyle of today, one may find it hard to actually spare some time to be physically present in front of agents, and devote long hours to grasp their information. For such group of people, online services providers offer an ideal approach to access information. The recent boom in the emergence of the online services providers clearly reflects the popular usage by individuals of these websites for travel guide. Majority of these websites do not charge upfront fees for accessing their services, yet this may differ from one provider to the other. It is advisable to go through the terms and conditions of an online provider before accessing its services so that you can avoid any misinterpretation.

Going Green â?? Ecotourism* and Sustainable Tourism** in Mexico

Green is a word we constantly hear on a daily basis, and for a very valid reason. With all the environmental challenges that affect our planet, governments, companies and consumers are becoming more and more aware of the issues and the many ways to improve our current situation.We all know that the Travel Industry is rapidly growing and at the same time changing. The impact it leaves on the tourist destinations and the planet in general is up to us and you, the travel consumer. As a Destination Management Company, we at Olympus Tours are committed to promote and respect the most valuable assets Mexico has to offer: from the amazing diving in Cozumel, the spectacular turquoise waters and archeological sites of the Mayan Riviera and newly renovated Cancun, to Mexico City’s architecture and culture, and all the way to the perfect combination of Vallarta’s green mountains overlooking the Pacific, to the breathtaking sunsets of Los Cabos. The following are some of the practices we implement as an Ecotourism and Sustainable tourism conscious company: â?¢ Spread the financial benefits amongst local people and suppliers. â?¢ Provide employment and leadership opportunities for local people. â?¢ Respect and most importantly promote local customs and culture. â?¢ Provide safe trips for our guests. â?¢ Limit the physical impact of trips in all destination communities-particularly sensitive natural and cultural environments. â?¢ Provide support to organizations and local communities. â?¢ Promote opportunities for guests to interact with local people. â?¢ Discourage the participation of our guests in activities which exploit animals – wild or domestic. â?¢ Work to prevent the exploitation of children in tourism. â?¢ Support and encourage fair employment practices. â?¢ Promote activities and excursions with suppliers that share our philosophy on Social Responsibility – most of Riviera Maya tours, and some of Cancun tours offered are focused on Ecotourism. â?¢ Recommend hotels and establishments with green practices – most of the hotels in Playa del Carmen and in general Riviera Maya hotels are eco-friendly. â?¢ Recycle everything possible in all our offices through out Mexico â?¢ Reduce energy consumption in all our offices. We invite you to make a positive contribution to the sustainable future of travel, the environment, and local cultures and economies around the world.

make a difference:

be aware and respectful of the culture and traditions of the place you are visiting, as well as be conscious of how you can help protect any endangered species in the region you are vacationing. Here are some tips you might want to consider: â?¢ Buy locally made souvenirs â?¢ Help preserve local wildlife and habitats – do not damage flowers, plants or coral, and do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals. â?¢ Do not have pictures taken of your self with animals of endangered species under captivity for commercial purposes such as monkeys, parrots and other exotic species. â?¢ Use water wisely – showers instead of baths, and inform hotel staff if you are happy to re-use towels and linen rather than have them changed daily. â?¢ Save energy – always turn off air conditioning, lights and TVs when not in use. â?¢ Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you visit. â?¢ Be sensitive about the cultural differences – in some cases very significant – of the locals

* What is Ecotourism?Ecotourism is a type of Sustainable tourism that emphasizes conserving nature and improving the lives of local people in rural and wilderness areas.

** What is Sustainable Tourism?Sustainable tourism is not just limited to areas of ecological significance, but actively aims to reduce negative impacts in general for urban, rural, and wilderness areas. Sustainable tourism looks at the needs of the present, but also focuses on current actions that can reduce negative impacts in the long run. It promotes economic viability, socio-cultural sensibility, and environmental sustainability at destinations of natural and cultural significance in both mass tourism and various niche tourism segments.

Travel Documents for Cruises: Do I Need a US Passport?

There exists some confusion around what types of travel documents for cruises are necessary.  Even different cruise lines sometimes seem to have conflicting information on whether passengers must obtain and carry a US passport.  Much of this confusion has resulted from the changes that have been made in recent years to travel requirements in the United States.  Different modes of transportation have different requirements.  It’s important that you determine what types of travel documents for cruises are necessary, and to realize that these requirements may differ from air and land travel regulations.

In 2004 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was enacted.  It was developed in agreement with the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region.  Since a number of these countries share common borders, it became necessary to develop a standardized way of screening travelers in order to protect US borders.  This initiative helps to strengthen borders without making it prohibitive for American citizens and legitimate foreign travelers to enter and leave the United States.  The initiative legislates uniform standards for travel documents for cruises, as well as for land and air travel across borders.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in graduated stages since it was drafted in 2004. The first changes were made in 2007 and affected air travel only.  Since that time all foreign air travel requires a US passport.  The most recent change implemented in January of 2008 directly affected land and sea travel.  Prior to this date, oral declarations of citizenship were accepted when crossing borders by land or sea.  However, current regulations dictate that oral declarations are no longer acceptable.  Currently all land and sea crossings require a US passport or WHTI –compliant documentation.  When the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is enacted in June, 2009, most travelers will be expected to travel with a US passport or passport card (eligible for land and sea crossings only.)

What does this mean for travelers planning cruises between now and June, 2009?  Acceptable travel documents for cruises which have ports outside of the United States include a US passport, a passport card, OR a government-issued photo identification card (valid driver’s license, military ID card, Native card, etc.) PLUS proof of citizenship (a US birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)  Those travelers booking cruises for dates after June 1, 2009 will be expected to comply with the full set of rules for travel documentation.  After this date, the only acceptable travel documents for cruises will be a US passport, a passport card, and limited forms of government-issued identification plus citizenship confirmation documents.

Some cruise ship companies have tightened their own rules regarding travel documents for cruises.  A few have chosen to issue tickets only to holders of US passports or passport cards in an effort to expedite crossings and maintain security.  Check with your cruise company to find out exactly what it recommends for documentation.  Those who don’t have the correct travel documents for cruises may find themselves unable to board or disembark or even to return home in a timely manner.

In anticipation of the implementation of the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the US government is urging all Americans who have not done so to apply for a US passport.  While no further changes have been made to travel documentation requirements, there is speculation that a US passport may one day be a standard form of personal identification.  Many countries, particularly in Europe and the UK currently require a passport for all types of travel, including domestic flights, and for checking into hotels.  Experts feel that its logical that the US will someday follow suit in a worldwide effort to maintain secure borders. 

Great Summer Ski in Courchevel Ski Resort

Les Trois Vallees (literally: The Three Valleys) is the most famous and largest ski area in the world. Knowing that, one would expect to find commodities for every type of skier and snowboarder, and noone will be disappointed. The experienced skiers choose the areas that have been labeled as “red runs” and “black runs.” There are 43 red runs, totalizing 35km of fun, and 11 black runs for 9km of challenge. The novices who are still learning about skiing can go to one of the 16 “green runs” or the 34 “blue runs.” There are also themed areas where parents accompany their children, such as the ZEN (zones exclusively for beginners) and the Indians piste, where there is a chief of a tribe leading new skiers around the tepee village in a hunt for a treasure. In addition to their own slopes, children have their own lifts, and child care is also readily available. Courchevel is certainly a resort where families are warmly welcomed and well catered for, since a special attention is put on the security of all. Beginners, kids as well as adults, can get lessons in their own language from one of the 700 ski instructors. Also, it is well understood that snowboarding and skiing are different sports and therefore, each gets its distinct space. The snowpark is equipped with a myriad of jumps and rails that will keep even the most experienced boarder busily happy. Of course, cross-country skiers also have their own space, and a large one that is! More than 60km of trails have been laid out for them across the resort. Summer skiing is however slightly different from winter skiing, and will be found as a bit of a challenge for newcomers. Serious skiers have to go to the Glacier de Peclet for exciting slopes and the new skiers have to visit the Bellecote glacier at La Plagne (which can be reached from Courchevel through the Champagny en Vanoise). The left part of the Grande Motte is also, among the regulars, a favorite area for summer skiing. The town of Courchevel is suited for all kinds of travelers and sportsmen/women. Romantic couples, families, extreme adventurers, and nature lovers will all be equally satisfied. The locals are welcoming and offer plenty of services and activities. All kinds of mountain sport equipment can be rented and visitors can indulge themselves in a spa or wellness center. It is a full ski vacation experience that is offered in Courchevel, in summer as much as in winter. Therefore, visitors count on tasting the real French life and take part to the famous apres ski activities, or dine in one of the many restaurants of the resort serving genuine French cuisine. There is much more than summer skiing in Courchevel during the warmer months! The Vanoise National Park is right by, where tons of hiking, bird watching and other activities are possible. Fishing is permitted in the Lac du Praz where, with a bit of luck, salmon and rainbow trout can be caught. The lake is close to the famous Olympic ski jump and it is the most accessible lake in Courchevel. Add to those activities golf, mountaineering, paragliding, horseback riding and skiing, and you get a more than full summer mountain vacation. Courchevel has many accommodation options to offer. There are numerous four-star hotels, which all offer excellent amenities and have high standards of service quality. Often, the same impeccable service can also be obtained in other types of Courchevel’s accommodations. Solo travelers usually go to the residences and hostels to meet new friends. But whether you are traveling with your friends or your family, if comfort is the most important aspect in choosing accommodations, you must take a serious look to the “Chalets Grand Confort”. It means, translated literally, all-comfort cottage, a comfortable country cottage, with extra space, privacy and autonomy. One very interesting up-side of choosing such type of lodging is that, like all Courchevel hotels, chalets have a swimming pool and a close by Fun Park. Whether you choose to visit Courchevel during summer or winter, whether you ski or snowboard, whether you stay in a hotel or an apartment, you will certainly have a blast with your friends or family because Courchevel is really a year-round multi-purpose resort!

10 Ways to Visit Europe and Save Money

There is no question that a holiday in Europe can be expensive.  Transportation, accommodation, food and souvenirs add up each day.  However, there are a number of ways that you can save money yet still have a wonderful and memorable experience. 

1.      Travel During the Off-Season.   Summer (June – August) and the holiday season (December) are the most popular times to visit Europe and therefore the rates are highest.  Choose to travel during the spring and autumn months when crowds are thinner, the weather is nicer and prices on airfare and room rates drop 20 – 50%. It is often less expensive to fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to boot. 

2.      Visit a Country or City Off the Beaten Track.  Paris, Rome, London, Prague…if you haven’t visited these cites, one day you certainly need to go.  But if traveling on a budget is your current focus then these are not the cities to visit now.  There are dozens of places that are quite remarkable that are not nearly as expensive.  The Eastern European countries and Portugal tend to be the most cost-effective.  If you prefer to visit Western Europe, simply travel to places that are less popular and less expensive.  For example, the Loire Valley just outside of Paris is stunning, covered in ancient castles in the middle of wine country.  Or visit Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic which is known as a “pocket-sized” Prague with half the tourists and a fraction of the cost.

3.      Holiday Apartment Rentals.  Instead of pricey hotels, seek out holiday apartment rentals.  The best resources online are Craigslist or Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO).  Both websites offer photos and information on thousands of independently owned apartments in cities all over Europe.  During the off-season, remember to negotiate the price and you’ll be surprised how many rentals bite.  Think about it: it’s better for them to rent to you for a lower price than have their rental go empty for a week or weekend.  Remember that most apartments will have a kitchen, so go to the local supermarket and cook and save even more!

4.      Picnic.  All over Europe there are thousands of beautiful plazas and parks to relax in with a picnic lunch.  Shop at the local markets for bread, cheese, salami, fresh fruit and a bottle of wine.  Ask the shopkeepers for the local specialty and try it.  The price is right, the taste is delicious and the memory unforgettable.

5.      Buy Local  Beverages.  Each region in every country in Europe is known for a special wine, beer, liqueur or other beverage.  Reference your tour book, an information center or simply read a menu outside for an idea of what the local specialty is and there is no doubt that you can get a delicious mug of beer or bottle of wine for a just a few dollars.  Remember that soda is often very expensive.  Also, the tap water is fine to drink (and free).   Refill and reuse your water bottles.

6.      Seek Out Discounts and Free Activities.  There are a number of free activities in Europe.  During warmer months there are plenty of complimentary outdoor festivals and other events. Wine tasting is generally free as well.  If you are an outdoor enthusiast, hiking trails are at your fingertips all over the continent.  Some cities even offer city tours with the sole expectation of just a few Euros for a tip.   Museums in London are free.  Check museum websites in advance to find out which days and times discounts are offered.  Often there are group, student, senior and child discounts and if you don’t see it mentioned, just ask.

7.      Package Ticket Purchases.  If you love museums, cities such as Paris and Amsterdam offer a “Museum Pass” that allows entry into multiple museums with a discount.  You can do the same thing in many cities with a subway and a train.  If you are planning to visit multiple countries, check out the Eurail website see if a bundled train tickets are right for you – there is a potential to save you hundreds of dollars!

8.      Use Public Transportation.  The European Union invests quite a bit of money into its infrastructure.  The end result is public transportation that is quick, efficient and cost-effective.  We all know how pricey taxis can be.  Instead, spend 5 minutes and figure out how take the subway, bus and/or train.  It’s much more relaxing, too!

9.      Eat and Shop Away From the Main Tourist Trail.  There is no doubt that in European cities the shopkeepers know where the tourists go.  Just venture off the main streets a block or two and pop your head into a restaurant to see if they are speaking English or the local language.  Chances are if you hear locals, the prices will be lower and the food much better.   With regards to shopping, you will find better prices on many of the same items if you walk a few blocks away from a main tourist street or attraction.  In some places, bartering is acceptable so if you do not see a price posted, name a price and negotiate from there.

10.  Volunteer or Couch Surf.  There are a handful of volunteer organizations that exchange work for room and board.  For example, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) an organization that promotes organic farming .  A traveler works for 4 hours a day on an organic farm in exchange for a place to sleep and eat.  Another way to sleep for free (and not work) is Couch Surfing.  Check out their website for details.  

With these tips in mind, you can visit and thoroughly enjoy a holiday in Europe and save money.  Simply create a budget and stick to it and you will have a vacation filled with memorable experiences – and Euros left in your pocket.

Benefits of Renting a Car for Visiting in Santorini Islands Greece

Santorini is one of the most beautiful and incredible Island throughout the world with remarkable volcanic landscape, ancient monuments, breathtaking sunsets, deep blue sea, museums, the live volcano, Santorini night life, wineries are just some of the attractions that make Santorini the most impressive vacation destination in Greece. Visitors from all over the world come to Santorini islands to experience the heavenly touch of nature and remember the beauty as a real-time experience.

Traveling is a craze for many people and if the vacation destination is the exhilarating Santorini Island then travel charm increases with fascinating sunset, delightful weathers, lovely beaches, luxury spa hotels, ancient culture and beautiful landscapes. Renting a suitable car not only add luxury and extra comfort to your vacation tour but also help you a lot for visiting all the popular tourist attractions and beaches of the magical island as per your suitability and easy time.

Renting a car is the best way to look and feel the entire magnificence of Santorini as per your convenience, which can provide you optimum travel charm with freedom and flexibility. The cost of rental cars is very cheap. You may choose an English speaking driver who will act as a guide for you and help you in your journey. Rental cars are more spacious and properly maintained which enables you to enjoy comparatively longer drives without the fear of any kind of breakdown. In case of any mechanical or other car problem while traveling, the car rental agencies will replace that car by sending another car to that spot. Rental cars are also insured and your will get compensation in case of any causalities or accidents.

Choosing a suitable car is one of the most vital decisions to double the charm of traveling. If you are having a trip with small children then you have to think of a specious car with all luxury arrangements that can provide you comfort during the journey. If you are looking for cost effective and cheap rental rates, you should go for small car models.

Size of the car is not the only factor, but you should try to choose the car which is environment friendly along with auto transmission system. Never forget to check whether car rental company is offering something extra. As there are a large number of car rental companies in Santorini, you can find all information about the cars as well as the terms and conditions online by visiting their websites.

Reserving car is really a good option for anyone who wishes the convenience of a personal transportation in the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece. Hiring a car for long terms, one can save money, time as well as effort without wandering with confusion in the island.

Bargains Galore!–25% Discount on Everything in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

By: Jim Scherrer

Well, it appears as though the effects of the mortgage crisis in the US which began in March, 2008 followed by the collapse of the stock market in October, 2008 are finally being felt in Puerto Vallarta. Thanks to the strong Canadian Dollar, tourist expenditures in Vallarta for goods and services, including retirement real estate, held up fairly well for most of 2008. However, during the September/October timeframe, the Canadian Dollar plunged by more than 20%, thus reducing the Canadian purchasing power accordingly. Consequently, both the Americans and Canadians are now hesitant to aggressively invest in anything, especially foreign retirement properties.

The airplanes and cruise boats packed with tourists continue to arrive daily in PV; however the visitors are much more thrifty and prudent with their purchases than they were a year ago. Many of the restaurateurs and shop owners are claiming that sales are down from last year by as much as 35%. The construction of new condominium projects has also noticeably decreased as new sales slow to a trickle.

During the past ten years, Vallarta has literally been a boom town with explosive growth and new construction everywhere. Obviously, many of the developers and entrepreneurs failed to see the oncoming global financial crisis and committed to many long term construction projects resulting in a glut of more than 7,000 new condominiums now on the market.

Finally, with the supply of goods and services, including retirement properties, currently exceeding demand, we are now witnessing a true buyer’s market in Vallarta. Even though list prices for real estate have not dropped noticeably, the developers and sellers are much more apt to negotiate than they were a year ago. The same is true for store merchants and other vendors in the area.

Okay, now that we have a better understanding of how the economy in the US and Canada have affected business in Vallarta, we should have a better appreciation for the North American bargaining position in this beautiful resort destination. Therefore, let’s take it a step further. With the exception of real estate, most all other goods and services in Puerto Vallarta are sold on a Peso basis and therefore we must consider the monetary exchange rate.

The Mexican Peso has held steady with the US Dollar for more than ten years at about 10.8 Pesos per US Dollar. It wasn’t until early in October, 2008 when the Peso precipitously devalued to about 13.5 Pesos per Dollar resulting in a 25% increase in the value or purchasing power of the US Dollar relative to the Mexican Peso.

For those of us fortunate enough to still be holding a few US Dollars, almost all goods and services in Mexico just went on sale! For example, we recently purchased a high-end brand name washer/dryer set, normally priced at $1,300 US, for $1,015 US. Most all grocery and food products, clothing, hardware, and electronics manufactured in Mexico, gasoline, electricity, and other native commodities are also 25% less expensive to those of us holding US Dollars.

Through inflation over time, the costs of these Mexican products will eventually rise until they return to where they were only a few months ago. The one category where costs will rise much more slowly is that of labor. Almost every worker in Mexico just took a 25% reduction in wages relative to the US Dollar! That includes all maids, gardeners, restaurant and store employees, taxi drivers, doctors, architects, engineers, etc. It will probably require several years for the Mexican labor rates to be equivalent to where they were only six months ago.

One very important labor group is that of the construction workers which represents a significant portion of the total cost of retirement residences, all priced in US Dollars. Add their 25% cut in pay to the cost of Mexican concrete and other native materials which also dropped by 25% and you can imagine how that will affect the completion costs of the thousands of condos currently under construction!

Now, with the demand for goods and services reduced relative to their supply and the US Dollar being 25% stronger, you can see the benefit of shopping in Paradise at this very moment; the time for buying your retirement dream could never be better!

As Billy Mays, the famous TV pitchman would say, “But wait, there’s more”! Yes, aside from the 25% savings associated with the Peso devaluation and an increase in willingness of the local vendors to negotiate lower prices (caused by the reduction in tourist consumption brought on by the uncertain US economy and the devaluation of the Canadian Dollar), effective in June, 2008, you now receive a rebate for the 15% IVA tax that you pay on many of your purchases while visiting Mexico.

The 15% IVA or Value Added Tax (VAT) is returned to foreign tourists who can prove they have spent a minimum of 1,200 Pesos (approximately $90 US Dollars) on Mexican territory and who are returning home by sea or air. Tourists now have the right to receive up to 50% of the net rebate, an amount not to exceed 10,000 Pesos (approximately $750.00 US Dollars), in the form of cash; the remaining 50% will be refunded via electronic funds transfer within a period of 40 days.

In conclusion, after being exposed to the past six months of economic frustrations, you deserve to escape from the prevailing gloom and doom. If you have ever considered traveling to or retiring in Paradise, now is the time and Puerto Vallarta is the place! You will find many great values on everything this season; values that have not been seen for almost a decade and may not be available again in the near future. As Billy would say, “Why wait, pick up the phone” and call your travel agent. The weather is guaranteed to be perfect during the months of November through May, the scenery of the Pacific Ocean, the sandy white beaches, and the Sierra Madres is world class, the margaritas are ice cold, and the Mexican hospitality is second to none. So, come on down; you’ll find bargains galore while enjoying the time of your life on the Mexican Riviera!