Belize is located in Central America and is the only country not having a coastline with the Pacific Ocean. The country was a formerly a British colony and is nestled on the Caribbean Sea. The official language is English and is sandwiched between Guatemala to the south and west and Mexico to the north.

The majority of the population is Afro-Caribbean with many of the people are of Mayan heritage. Spanish is also spoken in the country, especially in the north and northwest of the country. There is also a large Mennonite population in the country and their common language is German.

The country is very much a tourist haven. The country has all the major attractions that lure tourists from all over the world. These include virgin jungles with exotic flora and fauna in its inland areas. You can even take a bird’s tour of the Belizean rainforest with the new Zipline tours provided near the edge of the area. With its rich Mayan history, there are many vestiges of this ancient people with temple ruins and other sacred sites dedicated to the now extinct culture. The places to go to are Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Xunantunich and Lim ni Punit.

When moving out to the coast, there are a whole host of activities that can be done. You can just laze around the beach and soak the sun. If you are into exciting adventure, you can go enjoy the treasures of the sea. The country is best known for its reefs and sunken ship tourism. Among the popular regions are Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Tobacco Caye. You can also go sport fishing where bonefish is the main attraction and game. You can also go snorkeling and scuba diving by chartering a sailboat or catamaran to get you to your dive spot.

Another tourist attraction in Belize is cave exploration. This is centralized in the Cayo district where the limestone caverns have a network of underground rivers, caves and sinkholes. These caves were considered divine by the ancient Mayan civilization, where many ancient artifacts and even human remains still can be found. Do be warned that spelunking without a licensed guide is illegal as the area is dangerous and treacherous to the inexperienced.

When in the country, do be prepared for the heat and humidity. Thus it is best to be hydrated at all times and have sunscreen handy at all times. If you do arrive in the country during the rainy season, which is June to November, be prepared for torrential rains and even flooding in some areas. This is because Belize is a flat swampy plain with its mountain region to the south of the country. When the rains come, much of the rain is not absorbed, thus causing flooding in many areas.

For a more comprehensive discussion on Belize, do visit us at Cost of Living in Belize and please visit the author’s site, The Gringos Forum.

CESiaK, Cancun, Mexico
Standing for ‘Centro Ecologico Sian Ka’an’, this resort is located near Myan ruins in Cancun, on the Yucatan Peninsula part of the Mexican coast. It doubles as an ecological protection area and also helps to teach other resorts how to run sustainable businesses in tropical areas. As you might expect from Cancun, it has terrain ranging from lush jungle to soft white palm fringed sands. The accommodation is in the traditional hut style, and is constructed right on the edge of the beach, giving you magnificent views of the bay and out to sea. There are a whole host of water and land based activities to keep you occupied, but you might not move from the beach, it’s paradise!

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Dominica, West Indies

Sticking with the tropical theme, the Jungle Bay resort and spa consists of 35 plush wooden cabins constructed on stilts deep in the jungle. They are mounted 20ft off the ground, so benefit from a wonderful feeling of being perched in the canopy, as well as marvellous views. The cabins are beautifully furnished, private and secluded, whilst the spa, restaurants and visitors centre are busy and lively. Jungle bay have been a member of the International Ecotourism society and National Geographic’s sustainable destinations for many years now, and pride themselves on using profits made from the resort to fund all kinds of local initiatives including literacy, health and heritage protection, as well as creating jobs for the surrounding area.

Green Magic Nature Resort, Kerala, India
Tucked away in the trees of a lush forest in this part of southern India is the Green Magic Resort. With rooms consisting exclusively of treehouses perched 85+ feet in the canopy, it is a magical place. Many of them are connected by rope bridges and serviced by a rattan lift, but they offer a surprising amount of luxury as well. They offer flushing toilets, shower, tv, telephone and running water! With the local cuisine being some of the finest and varied in all of India, you can really have a very special stay here, and all for under £180 a night!

John works for HotelshopUK, the premier supplier of cheap weekend breaks and hotel deals. He enjoys travelling all around the world and taking photos while he goes.

Antigua

Set in the scenic tropical climate of the Caribbean, Antigua is a surfer’s paradise – both in and out of the water. With a community of surfers to match the quality of the waves that it attracts, there is no better place for fans of this adrenaline filled sport.

The waves in Antigua are not as large as those found in other parts of the world, but the main attraction here is the amount of space that can be had. While other destinations are full to bursting point with different surfers, this location serves up what feels like the entire ocean just for one. With miles of room, avid enthusiasts can try out new moves away from an audience.

Cancun

Cancun is a bustling city on the east coast of Mexico and, more importantly, is home to some of the best surfing in the region. With waves up to three feet and a deceptively strong current, this is really a destination for just the top surfers to head to.

Cancun’s main attraction t is probably the huge community of fellow surfers that hang out there. This means that anyone can meet like-minded enthusiasts and hopefully learn a few tricks from them.

Miami

Although California is the definite home of surfing in the United States, not many people realise that there are some great waves to be found in Florida as well, especially around the Miami area.

Miami is great for beginners to the sport as – unlike other areas – there are plenty of lifeguards on duty. There are also a number of different surf shops and places to buy other accessories, meaning that there is no fear of being without an essential piece of kit when visiting this bustling metropolis.

Cape Town

Cape Town is a surfer’s dream! Tucked away on the southern tip of Africa and prone to some of the biggest waves in the world, this destination will test the skills of even the most hardened professional.

Although there have been many scare stories about the sharks in this part of the world, the reality is that they are extremely rare. This risk is worth it to most though, as there is nowhere else that provides such amazing surfing in combination with great atmosphere than Cape Town.

Sydney

When one thinks about Australia, one of the first things that comes to mind is surfing. The majority of the nation has a huge passion for this sport and for good reason – the surf here is among the best in the whole world.

Like Miami, Syndey  is great for those who are new to the sport as there are a huge amount of surf shops in the area. There are also a number of instructors too, meaning that every novice can get off on the right foot.

That’s not to say that Sydney is solely for beginners though – there are plenty of challenging swells that come in to keep the professionals battling to stay on their boards!

This post was written by Travel Expert Nadine Hallak from Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flights website. Photo Credits: casch52, Michael Dawes, stvno

When choosing a Caribbean island, look no further than St Lucia.  Holiday makers visiting this island country in the Caribbean’s eastern border with the Atlantic Ocean cannot help but love the scenery, atmosphere and luxury that St Lucia holidays offer. Travelers come to enjoy the natural, tropical landscapes, the white sand of the seashore and the friendly, casual atmosphere of paradise. The French were the first Europeans to colonise the island. Their treaty with the Caribbean people native to the island was signed in 1660. Then, from 1663 to 1667 the English took over, which started a switching of power where the island went back and forth under French and English rule seven times each, not wanting to surrender this lovely place. Finally, the island received its independence in 1979 and it operates as a state in the Commonwealth of Nations. Since that time, the world has not forgotten this jewel in the ocean and over three-hundred thousand people from all over the world come to enjoy St Lucia holidays.

The Island, St. Lucia

The Island is diverse in its flora and fauna, its cultures and industries. Travelers seeking St Lucia holidays can enjoy the beautiful, tropical birds like Flamingos, Macaws and Nightjars. Bananas are the main export from the island and the common currency used is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. Banking and luxury St Lucia holidays are important to the local economy. Those contemplating their first visit for St Lucia holidays will be interested to know that roads, water supply, plumbing, technology and communication are up-to-date, meeting contemporary standards. The official language is English, but many locals speak a Creole based on French with Caribbean and African influences. Many visitors who come for luxury St Lucia holidays choose to move to the island, most of them from Europe and North America.

Activities and Attractions

This popular tourist destination has a number of comfortable resorts and is a fascinating island to explore on St Lucia holidays. The Pitons are majestic, twin peaks and are major, natural landmarks noteworthy for photographs as they rise above the tropical rainforest. Many rock climbers on St Lucia holidays enjoy the challenge of climbing these steep rocky spikes. Other sites include the sulphur springs, the Pigeon Island National Park with its old British military base, and the Botanical Gardens. Hiking tours through the rainforest offer photo opportunities capturing the many colourful plants, flowers, birds and wildlife. Beaches offer ample water sports, and the reef is fabulous for snorkeling and scuba dives. Travelers will enjoy the accommodations of luxury St Lucia holidays as well as the many things to see and do.

Keen and enthusiastic travel writer who loved to share my experiences of traveling the world.

At some point in life, people dream of a nice tropical vacation in a romantic setting, and when you are actually going on such a journey, preparations have to start as early as possible. Can you actually get everything ready? What are the chances of forgetting something and not being able to make the best out of the sunny days there? Here are a few hints for things that you may have overlooked.

Insects are a nuisance in warm climates! You need to keep bugs and mosquitoes away in order to preserve health and comfort. Pack loose cotton clothes because there are fewer chances of being bitten through clothing. Perspiration is your enemy because sweat-soaked clothes will not protect you. For a good tropical vacation you should first of all care for your health.

The clothes and footwear that you pack need to match the climate conditions as well as the altitude. You won’t be able to wear slippers if you are climbing mountains even if the geographical position is in the tropics. Sandals and sports shoes are the right choices for tropical warm climates, with the mention that you’ll have to wear socks occasionally. As for cooler weather, get a good jacket in your backpack particularly if you’ll go sailing at night. Wind resistant and waterproof jackets are essential on such occasions.

A nice tropical vacation doesn’t have to be very far away from home. Long-distance journeys are a lot more expensive. Some tourists will be enthusiastic about the Caribbean, Bahamas and Hawaii while others prefer the mysteries of South Asia. The way you pack your bags should also reflect the activities you look ahead to. Make and use checklists to be sure that you get all you need.

A tropical vacations will require one further type of preparation. Paperwork can be important when traveling to the other side of the world, which is why you should learn all about the necessary documents. Check online forums to get tips for planning all aspects of your vacation. Don’t make the mistake of taking careful planning for a lack of adventure or for boredom.

Knowing what activities you will be involved in, will simplify the packing part. Have some cash with you, even if you buy all inclusive packages. Talk to the travel agency and find out what exactly is covered by the all inclusive package of a tropical vacation.

Instead of Florida, lets work out way up the Coast. The first stop will be Georgia. Georgia not only has some fabulous beaches, but it also is home to the large city of Atlanta. While visiting Atlanta you should try to take in a sporting event, since they have a professional team in all the major pro leagues. If you want to visit a smaller, and quaint little town then you should head to Savannah and get a true sense of southern charm.

Next stop would be South and North Carolina. These states also do not lack in beaches, but they are also home to many mountains and some of the most beautiful scenery. There is a lot to see and do in these states, and you can even stop at South of the Border, located in between the two states, for some family fun for all ages.

If these things aren’t enough, keep moving up the coast and I am sure you will find even more great things to do. Virginia is the next stop and has plenty of things to offer a traveler or vacationer. It also puts you really close to our nations capital, Washington D.C. With all the monuments and museums in D.C., it could take a normal person weeks just to see every exhibit in the Smithsonian.

Head a little further north and you will be in New York. While you are visiting New York you can take in a Broadway show, see where some of your favorite programs are recorded and even take a walk to Rockefeller Center. There is so much to do in New York, both day, night and wee hours of the morning, that you will never find yourself gong bored.

Cheap flights are easy to find now at Expedia.com. International flights can get to be pricey, but with the right company, like Expedia, you can find great deals.

For most of us, the winter months often bring on the winter blues. The cold and snowy months can leave one feeling less active and less motivated to go outdoors. One way of curing the winter blues is to take a Montreal travel vacation at a luxurious beach. There are many hot beach spots that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The following are a few of the best winter beach vacation spots:

Bahamas: Many vacationers consider the Bahamas a tourist’s paradise. The warm climate and lush beaches makes the Bahamas a very popular winter get away. The many elegant resorts offer fine dining, various tours of underground caves, and other amazing scenery. Windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular. There are also beautiful waterfalls and aquariums. There is an activity for anyone, no matter what the age.

Todos Santos, Mexico: Located on Baja Peninsula’s Highway 19, Todos Santos in Mexico is a very popular beach vacation spot. It is sparsely populated with a quaint artistic, farming, and fishing community. It is a very popular surfing spot. There are miles and miles of white sand beach and resorts that cater to every need. For instance, the Posada La Poza is located very near to the beach and has many luxury amenities.

Oaxaca, Mexico: This is a very popular beach vacation spot. In 2005, it received a ‘World Best’ award from Travel +Leisure magazine. This city features wonderful cultural attractions. The gorgeous beaches can be found in nearby Huatulco. There are many elegant hotels and resorts near the beaches.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: The inviting climate has temperatures that range from the mid 80s which makes this a popular beach vacation spot. There are a number of exotic and luxurious resorts where visitors can participate in such activities as sailing, fishing, golfing, spas, scuba diving, pools, and tennis.

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys contains an enormous amount of tropical beaches. Winter temperatures range in the 70s to mid 80s. One can bask in the warm sun on the beautiful beaches and participate in such activities as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing, surfing, taking an eco-tour, golf, or relax at a luxury spa.

Caribbean: The Caribbean is another popular beach vacation spot. The beaches contain beautiful white sand and warm relaxing water. As well, there are many fantastic resorts that come with gorgeous rooms, delicious food, and exciting activities. You can surf, snorkel, take a cruise, and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. St. Lucia in the Caribbean is a wonderful and affordable vacation spot. It is well-known for its outstanding beaches. The Coco Palm resort is a popular choice for vacationers.

Hawaii: Because of its wonderful climate and gorgeous beaches, Hawaii is always a popular winter vacation spot. Temperatures during winter on the islands of Hawaii range from the low to mid 80′s. There are a variety of activities such as parasailing, helicopter tours, eco-tours, windsurfing, boating, SCUBA diving, fishing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, Hawaiian luaus, and snorkeling.

Every year, many people dread the ice, snow, slush, and cold temperatures that winter brings. Fortunately, there are many affordable and relaxing beach vacation spots that one can escape to during the cold blustery winter months.

Get travel suggestions, deals and plan your next sunny vacation with Montreal travel agencies! With this business online guide, find also rapidly and easily Montreal cafe shop, Montreal restaurants, Montreal beauty salons and more in few clicks away!

The following paragraphs summarize the work of cruise to nowhere and cheap cruise experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of cheap cruises. Heed their advice to avoid any nasty surprises.

Caribbean cruise holidays allow you to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the many islands in the Caribbean from the sea. Onboard you can enjoy luxury where staff are on hand to meet your every need. Caribbean cruises are becoming more and more popular every day. You will find travelers from all over the world on these cheap to Caribbean cruises travelling to parts of the world that they would never see otherwise.

Cheap cruises allow the traveller to unpack one time and enjoy several days of different activities. The visitor to cheap cruises will find a historical reminder of the beautiful past. Cheap cruises are one of our many specialties. We offer cheap cruises from every cruise line. Cheap cruises 2009 can help you save more money. Take a look at some of the great offers that our cruise partners are offering and book a cheap cruise 2009 today.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of cheap cruises, let’s turn to some of the other factors about a cruise to nowhere that need to be considered.

Cheap cruises tend to be shabby; they come with no entertainment whatsoever. Children get easily bored, and what is worse, they also get seasick. Cheap cruises challenge the idea that cruises are always very expensive vacation getaways, which usually end up being merely a dream to ordinary people. A lot of people want to have a cheap cruise or honeymoon holiday, but they also want the romantic feel to be there. Cheap cruises are the perfect vacation for families, as well. Taking children anywhere can be expensive but many cruise lines offer discounts for kids.

Everyone dreams of boarding a cruise liner for the holiday of a lifetime. Some dream of Mediterranean Cruises, others dream of the Caribbean cruise of their dreams and some dream of a 6 month world cruise. Prices are still low so getting around India is a very viable option. Prices for cruises vary greatly depending on what time of year you choose to take your cruise. School breaks and Holidays are usually the most expensive time for a cruise.

Searching for the best deals? Are you excited for the premiere of Glee? Searching for cheap cruises and discount cruises can save you a lot of money when planning your vacation. After all, why not take the money you save on sailing and spend it on shore? Searches that include ‘cheap cruises’, increased by 20% comparing the 4 weeks ending 31 January 2009 against the same time period last year. Many of the recent search variations on ‘cheap cruises’ included local destinations, such as Cairns, Perth and the Whitsundays.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of cruise to nowhere and cheap cruises. Share your new understanding about cheap cruises with others. They’ll thank you for it.

Todd Gillam is the author of this article. Compare holidays, flights and hotels. Find a cheap Baltimore Cruise To Nowhere and cruise to nowhere philadelphia

For those wishing to get away from it all, cheap cruises to the Bahamas can be just the ticket. You can enjoy the natural beauty and the native culture of the Bahamas as well as the cruise ship amenities. On such cruises, there are opportunities for everyone in your party to have a great time.

Since the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is located so close to Florida in the Atlantic your cruise will most likely depart from ports such as Fort Lauderdale Miami or Port Canaveral. Some islands are so close that a lot of cruise packages will find you in your first port of call within a few hours. The Bahamas is actually a string of nearly 700 islands between Florida and Cuba. Even a cheap weekend getaway cruise will allow you to visit at least one island in the Bahamas.

What makes the culture of the Bahamas’ islanders so special? It’s the amazing blend of African and European influences. Steel drums are only a small part of the picture. While in the Bahamas you will probably hear lots of different music forms such as Junkanoo calypso scrape and rake. If your cruise happens to be in port during one of the many festivals you’ll get to experience the fantastic marching bands that are so important to island life.

If you are lucky enough to find a cheap cruise to the Bahamas you’ll have plenty of money left over to fully revel in the many fun things to do on each islands. Those looking for plenty of sun and amazing beaches will not be disappointed. But don’t forget to seek out the water sports snorkeling submarine and glass bottom boat tours. You’re sure to find fun markets where you can shop for bags hats and baskets made from palm fronds as well as other local crafts. Golf enthusiasts will encounter gorgeous courses while nature lovers can swim with dolphins.

Because Nassau is only about fifty miles from the coast of Florida, it is often the first island experienced by travelers. The British colonial heritage of this island and the Bahamas in general feel familiar and exotic at the same time. The modern resorts and gorgeous beaches make you very aware you are in the tropics. But the fact that everyone drives on the left side of the road and the English style uniforms of the police officers gives it a European feel as well.

A trip to the Bahamas is the perfect vacation for those who want to relax on the beach as well as those looking for more adventure. Cheap cruises to the Bahamas are available if you do some shopping around. It is definitely worth it to find a good deal on the cruise so that you have enough left in your budget to experience the culture and amenities available in the Bahamas.

Want to find out more about A Bahamas Cruise Vacation, then visit Horatio Schnoddgrass’s site on how to choose the best Bahamas Cruise Live for your needs.

More than two decades ago, Celebrity Cruise Line started off as a fledgling company. Now it has grown to one of the most successful cruise lines in existence. This is mainly do to the fact that Celebrity emphasized its quality of service. Celebrity’s service has been consistently improving over the years. The company has also upgraded its fleet in the past decade. This has increased Celebrity’s appeal to many travelers.

In the last couple years, Celebrity Cruise Line has seen significant changes. With the addition of the Celebrity Solstice and the Celebrity Equinox, the overall tonnage of the fleet has increased substantially. These new cruise ships have capacity for 2850 passengers. Another Solstice class cruise ship is set to launch in the summer of 2010. Perhaps the only drawback to such large ships, is the inability to cross through the Panama Canal. This means that that these ships will not make the exciting voyage between the Caribbean and Alaska.

Celebrity Cruise Line ships provide a beautiful environment in which to travel. The decor successfully walks the fine line between contemporary and classic. It is sure to impress any vacationer and provide relaxing yet stimulating surroundings.

The dining experience is outstanding. Michel Roux is the owner of a well known London restaurant and is largely responsible for the incredible menu. Additionally, the new cruise line has upgraded many of its facilities. The Concierge Class is a new addition. This class offers several new features to the already beautiful ocean view cabins. Of course, quality cabins and suites are standard fare, so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Environmentally Friendly

Celebrity Cruise Line ships boast the world’s largest ocean going spas and pools. Passengers also get to enjoy fantastic views from stunning all glass elevators. However, these ships are also designed with the environment in mind. For instance, the state of the art gas propulsion engines are very efficient and non-polluting. This is a relief for many traveler concerned about the state of the environment.

Celebrity Cruise Line offers a large array of potential itineraries. Although, Celebrity doesn’t have the greatest range of options. It doesn’t offer cruises around the world. It also doesn’t make stops at as many exotic locations as some of its competitors. Nonetheless, Celebrity does offer stops in many wonderful year-round ports around the world. Celebrity serves ports in Eruope, Canada, Bermuda, the Carribean, South America, and Hawaii. If you are looking wonderful cruise experience, then Celebrity Cruise Line is definitely worth considering.