Vacationing on Cozumel Island

Author: Jennifer Bailey

Cozumel an island paradise visited and adored by travelers from around the globe. It’s not just the beautiful white sandy beaches that circle the island or the almost perfect year round vacation weather, nor is it the plentiful supply of lodging, international food and variety of entertainment options that bring travelers back time and time again. Cozumel is the scuba diver’s paradise containing an abundance of coral reefs, brightly painted fish and crystal clear waters. Imagine being able to descend to minimum depths and see almost 200 feet around, gazing at some of the most unique and beautiful underwater scenes imaginable. Even for the less adventurous who don’t want to scuba dive, the 80 degree water and rich coral reefs teeming with wildlife, offer unforgettable experiences to snorkelers and swimmers.

Mexico’s largest island, just 28 miles long and 10 miles wide, Cozumel is located off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. For history buffs, this unique island is a beneficiary of the Mayan culture of farmers, fisherman and warriors that prospered on the nearby mainland. Day trips to ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba provide an exciting way to blend some educational memories with your ocean adventure. In fact, one of the lesser known but still fascinating sites can be found right on Cozumel. Called San Gervacio, the site has been turned into a beautiful park and was once the place where Mayan women journeyed to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

In addition to the fabulous beaches and ocean waters, Cozumel is home to a system of underground rivers that honeycomb the porous limestone of the area, providing the truly adventurous with some of the most beautiful cave or “cenote” diving found anywhere on the globe. Filled with fresh water that is almost as clear as air, the sights in these underground lakes are unequaled in their natural beauty and splendor. Truly, Cozumel has something to offer a wide variety of vacationers and pleasure seekers. From the exhausted city dweller who yearns for the peace and quiet of a beautiful tropical paradise, to the life challenging adventurous types who crave excitement and new, unique experiences, to the history buff who marvels over the ruins of past civilizations, Cozumel has something to offer everyone.

About the author:
Cozumel Info provides detailed information about Cozumel beaches, weather, vacations, real estate, hotels, and more. Cozumel Info is the sister site of Punta Cana Web.

Beware of Using Your Credit Card Abroad?

It’s summer. And for some lucky Americans, this means going vacation to a far off land in hopes of relieving the stress of everyday life. In general, it is a very happy couple of months for the regular American family but it can also be an even happier time for credit card companies. This is because of the fact that credit card companies are making a killing off the money Americans spend on their foreign vacations through questionable fees. Imagine this situation. You and your family are in Paris, France on vacation. Your wife sees a lovely pair of shoes that she “must have” and so being the good husband that you are, you purchase the $300 pair of shoes using your credit card. Two weeks or so later, your credit card statement shows up and instead of you seeing a charge for $300 dollars, you statement shows a charge for $309. How did this happen? The answer is that you were charge 1% foreign currency-conversion fee by Visa or Master to convert your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars and were also charged an addition 2% foreign transaction fee by your credit card issuer.

If you are form the U.S., when you make a purchase abroad with your credit card, your credit card issuer will convert the charge to U.S. dollars before it appears on your statement. Usually, this is done through the Visa or MasterCard networks, which charge a 1-percent foreign currency-conversion fee for converting your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars. According to Kristin Arnold, a writer for Bankrate.com, this is a good deal since changing your money in almost any other manner will probably cost you a lot more.

What is unsettling, however, is the additional foreign transaction fee which your credit card issuer charges. This fee can range from 2-3%. According to Linda Sherry, the editorial director for Consumer Action in Washington, "Banks have been making a profit off their customers for a long time, while providing no service." In Agreement, Ed Perkins, a syndicated travel columnist and author of "Business Travel When It's Your Money," says that these fees are “pure gouging that credit card companies know they can get away with”. Foreign transaction fees do not relate to any service that the credit card issuer provides but instead is buried deep in the fine print of the credit card agreement between the issuer and the customer. So in retrospect, while Visa or MasterCard may have done you a favor by converting your foreign-currency purchase into American dollars for a fee of 1%, your bank’s additional charges were driven by pure greed. So what can you do to avoid these fees? The answer is to do your research. Currently there is no standard rate at which all banks and corporations charge, so you could possibly find a card that does not add on any additional fees for overseas purchases. For example Bank of America, Citibank, MBNA and JP Morgan Chase all charge 2 percent on overseas purchases while Household Credit Services, Providian Financial Corp and Capital One do not.

Another way that one can protect themselves from being overcharged is to know and keep up with the latest currency exchange rates. Visiting currency conversion sites like http://www.gocurrency.com is a great way to do this. Having a general idea of the exchange rate will help you make more informed decisions when you purchase goods and services from local vendors.

In the end, credit card companies are in the business to make money, however, it is up to you whether they get it from you honestly or through underhanded practices.

About the author:
Gerron Woodruffe is a contributing writer for GoCurrency.com http://www.gocurrency.com. GoCurrency provides information on global exchange rates, movements and news related information.

Own A Slice of Paradise in Mexico Quintana Roo

Author: Doug Fowler

Is your heart set on a getaway home in Mexico Quintana Roo? Real estate Mexico Quintana Roo brokers offer a plethora of rental and purchase options from ocean front villas and bungalows to condos and apartments to make your Quintana Roo real estate dream come true.

Quintana Roo, the youngest state of the Mexican Republic stretches down the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and has an area of 50,212 square kilometers. This enticing state is bordered by the Bay of Chetumal and Rio Hondo to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east and the country of Belize to the south. It is the youngest state in the country.

Being the eastern most state, it is the first state to receive the morning rays of the sun. It is also one of the only states that can boast of magnificent underground rivers with limestone sinkholes, perfect for diving. Its beautiful natural landscape, idyllic location and wonderful climate make it the perfect holiday destination. The state of Quintana Roo with its magical beauty and mystical history lures all types of travelers.

From untouched beaches and large coral reefs to important archaeological zones and state-of-the-art spa-treatments, Quintana Roo has enough to offer both the luxury as well as the budget traveler. As far as accommodation is concerned, whether you are looking for a simple studio unit to rest at the end of long day, a large private vacation home for your family or a full service star hotel to pamper yourself; you are sure to find what you want at Quintana Roo.

Chetumal, lying on the shores of the Bay of Chetumal is the capital of magical Quintana Roo. Chetumal Bay forms the mouth of the Hondo River, the only river in Quintana Roo and the natural border between Mexico and Belize. Some of the most stunning Mayan ruins are to be found in this bewitching state, including Tulum, Coba and Kohunlich. Sian Kaan, the largest reserve in the state, and Holbox, a splendid place for bird-watching, are a delight for naturalists. The state is also well known for its pristine beaches and exclusive tourist facilities at other destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Aventura, Isla Mujeres, Akumal and Playa del Carmen. Activities range from ecotourism, horseback riding and golf, to fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and sailing.

Over the past five years, the Quintana Roo real estate has generated a great deal of interest from citizens from the United States. Its proximity to the US and gorgeous beaches tempt the holidaymaker to own a piece of paradise in this enchanting terrain.

Because Quintana Roo was, until recently, an underdeveloped region, the Mexican government has simplified real estate Mexico Quintana Roo acquisition by foreigners. Anchored by Cancun, Cozumel Island and Playa del Carmen, the entire Mexican state of Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coast of over 200 miles is rapidly being developed, and you too could own your own little apartment, condo, villa or bungalow in Mexico Quintana Roo.

About the author:
Terry Malone is the owner and developer of http://www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.

Mexico Baja California Sur – A Premier Tourist Destination

Author: Doug Fowler

Baja California Sur, one of the thirty-one states of Mexico, is known the world-over for its numerous tourist spots – breath-taking in their beauty and teeming with widespread life. The state is a unique combination of varied topography – ranging from mountainous land, desert lands, oasis, narrow canyons, islands and stretching coastlines being bordered by different water bodies. The state is steeped deep in the mysteries of the past.

Attractions La Paz, the Mexico Baja California Sur’s capital, is a premier travel destination. The perfect balance between unspoiled natural surroundings and the quiet ambiance of town life presents a welcoming warmth, which the tourists find hard to resist. The Sea Of Cortez, known as ‘world’s aquarium’ houses endemic life forms like dolphins, whales, hammer headed sharks, sea lions, manta rays and other marine lives.

Loreto is a fine blending of colonial heritage and modern structures. Magnificent cave paintings and the semi-desert niches sheltering endangered species add to the appeal of the spot. The gray whales, accompanied by their offsprings, boost the enthusiasm surrounding Loreto.

Los Cabos, a 32-mile corridor, is an outlandish beach of Mexico. It is the perfect place to chill out during vacations. The place is famous for its charismatic marinas and majestic golf courses.

These apart, Mexico Baja California Sur comprise a number of Islands and other attractions luring more and more visitors to this part of the world.

Activities Baja California Sur activities promise enough to unwind - lazing about in the peaceful bays or basking in the sun, strolling along its seaside waterfront or the white sandy beaches to hiking up canyons. Mexico Baja California Sur offers a bevy of activities that revitalize you mentally and physically. Exploring the underwater world while snorkeling, engaging self in sport fishing, diving with the dolphins, boating, etc. all guarantee good physical activity while a stroll around the historic museums or the handicraft shops are enough to stimulate the mind and the eyes. As regards excitement, Baja California Sur activities offer the best of the challenge sports like mountain biking and kayaking. The ancient cave paintings, remnants of the past era further add to the charm of the place.

Vacation Rentals As far as vacation rentals are concerned, Baja California Sur proffers excellent all-round facilities – lodging, fooding, and transport et al. The lodging facilities include five-star hotels and luxury condominiums like Casa Natalia, Danzante, Todos Santos Inn, Hacienda Santa Maria are only a few among them. In most cases, these vacation rentals are mansions or haciendas of the past eras remodeled/ reconstructed into vacation quarters. Recreational facilities are also part of the vacation-rental packages. Many professional tours covering the popular local attractions are conducted in the region. For these and your other transport needs, many car rental services maintain large fleets of cars and vans (economy to luxury
rentals) throughout Baja California Sur. As regards cuisine, Mexico Baja California Sur promises some very palatable and appetizing cuisines of the region.

About the author:
Terry Malone is the owner and developer of www.vrul.com. VRUL.com is an established vacation rentals by owner website with over 1000 listings worldwide. Rent directly from the owner and save money.