I Love Mexican Vacations

At one time, traveling by railroad was the best way for a first-class experience. Today, fewer people ride the rails, as it is often easier and more luxurious to fly. Did you know, though, that you can still find complete sightseeing vacation packages that have you travel via private railcar? These experiences can be quiet rewarding, allowing you to actually see the countryside and interesting tourist destinations without having to drive yourself. If you are interested in a private railcar journey, check out the following options for a unique travel experience:

The Orient Express

Contrary to its name, the famous Orient Express was actually a trans-Europe journey to the gateway of Asia: Istanbul, Turkey. You may be familiar with the romanticized tale of this famous journey from novels and movies such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Agatha Christie’s 1934 Murder on the Orient Express. Travellers could start in London, cross the English Channel and board the train in Paris, travelling through Munich, Vienna, and Budapest, Hungary. From Budapest they could choose the route from Belgrade (Serbia) to Athens, or alternately, through Bucarest, Romania, to Constantinople – what is now Istanbul, Turkey. From Turkey or Greece, world leisure travelers could opt to continue their journey by boat or other trains to destinations in the Middle East, India and beyond.

Today you can relive a taste of the past through at least one company that operates service along some of the same rail lines in restored vintage rail carriages. The Venice-Simplon Orient Express offers regular trips from London to Venice and less frequent trips between Venice and Istanbul. The same travel company also offers similarly-themed rail vacations in Malaysia/Thailand and across Australia.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Another Europe to Asia rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest continuous rail line in the world, running over six thousand miles. You can start your seven-day journey in Moscow and see the countryside and a number of Russian and Asian cities on your way to Vladivostok, or you can opt for a much longer trip, with stops in locations like Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Most people tend to think of a vacation as a trip to somewhere warm and sunny, but this railcar journey takes you into a beautiful winter paradise instead.

The Blue Train, Africa

Luxurious fine dining and unique African scenery come together on The Blue Train. Running through South Africa, this train is all about five-star luxury. The private cars are perfect for guests who like the finer things in life, and the dinner service, complete with fine local wines, is second to none. You can, of course, expect to pay more for a journey on The Blue Train, but overall, the experience is well worth the money.

Canada and the Canadian Rockies

VIA Rail of Canada likes to boast of “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World,” and they might be right. If you choose the full cross-continent journey across the world’s second largest country, you will experience a wide range of terrains from forests and farmland, rolling prairies and lake sides, to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On some trips you sleep on the train, while others you ride the train by day and stop for land tours and then stay overnight in a luxury hotel. The full-blown Coast to Coast vacation is 16 nights and 17 days – but well worth it if you have the time. Canada offers a rich variety of natural wonders and hospitality as well.

South America and the Andes

PeruRail is one of the highest railroad lines in the entire world, and these routes take travelers to a variety of destinations, including Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the historic city of Cuzco. The spectacular views from your railcar alone are worth the trip, and if you love culture, this is a great way to explore the ancient world of the Incas.

Almost all countries in the world, including India, Canada, Spain, Mexico, and, of course, the United States, offer railway tours. While some, like the Tran-Siberian and others listed above, can take up your entire one to two week vacation, others are great for simple day trips, or even just afternoon trips. For example, the scenic Stroudsburg Railroad on the east coast of the United States takes you into Pennsylvania farm country over just a short afternoon ride. Opportunities like this are available around the world. So, even if you do not want to spend your entire time on a train, you can add a railcar journey as part of your vacation.

When booking a trip by rail, keep in mind that not all trains offer private options. If you plan to make this the bulk of your journey, make sure that the railcar you are booking will allow for you to have a bit of privacy with your travel companions. Some trains only offer traditional seating, which can be uncomfortable and cramped on longer trips. Also, make sure you check on the accommodations for sleeping and eating. Although many lines offer eating and sleeping facilities, for some, this is about function not comfort. If you want a luxury vacation, make sure you do your research and choose a true five-star option.

The world is changing. With our fast-paced daily lives, most people are looking for the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes, though, the actual travel is the best part of the vacation. Do not overlook rail travel when planning your next vacation. If you are not sure which rail journey is right for you, work with a travel agent. Although we typically think of a travel agent as someone who plans cruises and resort vacations, they can also help you book a private railcar journey. These train trips can help you make memories that last a lifetime.

Cynthia Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/riding-the-rails-complete-sightseeing-vacations-by-private-railcar-692168.html

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Traditionally Christmas is seen as a time to spend with the family. However, more and more people prefer not to spend Christmas at home. There is no shortage of options for the Christmas break. It is important to plan your Christmas holiday in advance so that you are not disappointed. First you need to decide what sort of holiday you want. Are you looking for a traditional Christmas or do you want to experience something completely new? Do you want to go somewhere that is cold and where snow is likely? Or do you long for some warm weather as a complete contrast to the British winter? Do you want a holiday with plenty of activities or are you looking for a relaxing quiet time away from the bustle of the city?

Many hotels in the UK offer Christmas breaks, ranging from relatively cheap to very expensive. Rooms in hotels in Wales and Bath can be booked for as little as £45.00 per person per night. Alternatively if you want to spoil yourself then you can travel to the Scilly Isles and enjoy champagne, boat trips, helicopter transfers from Cornwall and gourmet meals. For those seeking some peace and quiet during the holiday season, Skye may be just the place. You can stay in a lodge in a quiet corner of Skye and enjoy the food and walks around the lochs. Devon offers everything from thatched cottages with real wood fires and inglenook fireplaces, to olde-world country inns, to 4-star hotels. Whether you want the bright lights of London or the quiet of the Cornish countryside there will be something for you. Check around mid-December as often this is when hotels begin to offer room deals.

Christmas holidays abroad are becoming more popular for those who want to escape the commercialisation of Christmas or just the British weather. A wide range of trips is available from stays in an Austrian castle to beach holidays.
A number of travel companies offer tours that depart during the Christmas period. You can spend a leisurely week in Andalucia, enjoying the local cuisine and Moorish architecture or tour through Northern India, visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal, the Pink city of Jaipur and the Ranthambore National Park. Perhaps one of the most beautiful places to spend Christmas is in Lapland. Many holidays feature Lappish traditions and luxury cabins with Christmas trees. They also include champagne breakfasts, traditional Finnish Christmas Eve dinner and a reindeer, husky or snowmobile safari. Of course no trip to Lapland would be complete without a visit to Santa Claus. If you are looking for something truly unusual then why not try an igloo in Finland? You can stay in a snow or glass igloo and enjoy a spectacular view of the northern lights, go on a reindeer or husky safari and learn how to ice fish. Guests can also visit the snow restaurant, the ice bar and the Ice gallery that features some amazing ice sculptures. If you are travelling to a city and want to combine your Christmas trip with sight-seeing you should check in advance which attractions will be open during the Christmas period.

If you would prefer to travel to somewhere warm for Christmas there are plenty of options. You can choose a luxurious hotel in the Caribbean or try somewhere a bit different such as Cuba or Costa Rica. Other great destinations for the Christmas holiday period are South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, the Maldives, Thailand and Malaysia. It is best to book early and it is cheaper if you can depart before December 20-21. You don’t just have to consider countries that are predominantly Christian; the Red Sea Coast is another good destination although you need to book before the end of October. In fact the Muslim countries of the Middle East are becoming more popular with British travellers wanting to escape the excesses of Christmas at home. Some of the most popular destinations are Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Dubai and Oman. Turkey and Jordan are also rising in popularity.

For those who want a more active holiday, skiing is a good choice. Again if you are considering a Christmas break in the Alps then you need to book sometime in September or October. Once the first snow starts to fall in November availability will fall rapidly. This is especially true if you have children. For the more adventurous, there is ski-sailing in Norway, a snowmobile safari in Canada and much more.

Amber Mike
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/where-are-you-going-for-your-christmas-break-691474.html

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Humor in translation – Mistranslations

v When Kentucky Fried Chicken entered the Chinese market, to their horror they discovered that their slogan “finger lickin’ good” came out as “eat your fingers off”

v Chinese translation also proved difficult for Coke, which took two tries to get it right. They first tried Ke-kou-ke-la because when pronounced it sounded roughly like Coca-Cola. It wasn’t until after thousands of signs had been printed that they discovered that the phrase means “bite the wax tadpole” or “female horse stuffed with wax”, depending on the dialect. Second time around things worked out much better. After researching 40,000 Chinese characters, Coke came up with “ko-kou-ko-le” which translates roughly to the much more appropriate “happiness in the mouth”.

v Things weren’t much easier for Coke’s arch-rival Pepsi. When they entered the Chinese market a few years ago, the translation of their slogan “Pepsi Brings you Back to Life” was a little more literal than they intended. In Chinese, the slogan meant, “Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Grave”.

v But it’s not just in Asian markets that soft drinks makers have problems. In Italy, a campaign for “Schweppes Tonic Water” translated the name into the much less thirst quenching “Schweppes Toilet Water”.

v The American slogan for Salem cigarettes, “Salem – Feeling Free,” got translated in the Japanese market into “When smoking Salem, you feel so refreshed that your mind seems to be free and empty.”

v General Motors had a perplexing problem when they introduced the Chevy Nova in South America. Despite their best efforts, they weren’t selling many cars. They finally realized that in Spanish, “nova” means “it won’t go”. Sales improved dramatically after the car was renamed the “Caribe.”

v Things weren’t any better for Ford when they introduced the Pinto in Brazil. After watching sales go nowhere, the company learned that “Pinto” is Brazilian slang for “tiny male genitals.” Ford pried the nameplates off all of the cars and substituted them with “Corcel,” which means horse.

v Sometimes it’s one word of a slogan that changes the whole meaning. When Parker Pen marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico, its ads were supposed to say “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you.” However, the company mistakenly thought the Spanish word “embarazar” meant embarrass. Instead the ads said “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.”

v Foreign companies have similar problems when they enter English speaking markets. Japan’s second-largest tourist agency was mystified when it expanded to English-speaking countries and began receiving requests for unusual sex tours. Upon finding out why, the owners of the Kinki Nippon Tourist Company changed its name. The company didn’t change the name of all its divisions though. Visitors to Japan still have the opportunity to take a ride on the Kinki Nippon Railway.

v When Braniff translated a slogan touting its upholstery, “Fly in Leather,” it came out in Spanish as “Fly Naked.”

v Coors put its slogan, “Turn It Loose,” into Spanish, where it was read as “Suffer From Diarrhea.”

v The Dairy Association’s huge success with the campaign “Got Milk?” prompted them to expand advertising to Mexico. It was soon brought to their attention the Spanish translation read “Are you lactating?”

v Scandinavian vacuum manufacturer Electrolux used the following in an American campaign: “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux”

v Clairol introduced the “Mist Stick,” a curling iron, into Germany only to find out that “mist” is slang for manure.

v An American T-shirt maker in Miami printed shirts for the Spanish market which promoted the Pope’s visit Instead of “I Saw the Pope” (el Papa), the shirts read “I Saw the Potato” (la papa)

If you want to get the translation done right contact www.chambersinternational.net

mona
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/mistranslation-704059.html

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Every day off the coast of Cancun, scores of visitors are introduced to the ultimate Caribbean sport. Aboard all types of boats - from tiny fishing vessels to luxurious private charters - tourists of all ages have a chance to experience some of the world’s best deep-sea and sport fishing. While these exciting sports took some time to catch on in Cancun, experienced anglers and general adventure seekers have come to love the vibrant Caribbean waters of the Mexican Riviera. For those hoping to reel in some fish or simply enjoy an afternoon at sea, Cancun is home to an ever-increasing array of charter boats and tour companies that cater to all tastes and budgets. If you want to witness the sights of the Caribbean Sea while in Cancun, there is nothing better than day of deep-sea or sport fishing.

Though Cancun is a young city, this ideal coastal location has been used by fishermen for centuries. Long before the birth of this resort hotspot, Mayan communities thrived with the fish pulled from the Caribbean Sea and inland lakes. After the fall of the Mayan Empire, small fishing villages along the Caribbean coastline supplied fresh fish to the cities of Mexico. Despite the proficiency of local fishermen, it wasn’t until groups of vacationing World War II veterans began fishing for sport along the Caribbean coastline that today’s style of fishing began to develop. After the city of Cancun started welcoming visitors in 1970, the local fishermen used the skills they learned from vacationing soldiers to provide fishing tours. Over the past several decades, the industry has developed steadily with more and more expert anglers offering tours in Cancun each year.

Most deep-sea fishing tours in Cancun last 4-8 hours and include the services of a captain and often a first mate. Aboard many boats, you will find fishing gear, bait and refreshments included in the price of your tour. While most tour companies help visiting families put together friendly fishing groups to achieve discounted rates, it is also possible to hire private charters for a peaceful day of Caribbean fishing. Most importantly, despite the fact that deep-sea Caribbean fishing promises one of Cancun’s most exciting experiences, fishing tours for families are often very affordable. For instance, 4-hour fishing tours for groups of four people average between $200 and $400, while groups of eight can enjoy the open Caribbean for prices averaging $500 to $700. If the quiet relaxation of fly fishing suits you and your family better, many of the same tour companies also offer affordable fly fishing excursions that visit the best sites along the Caribbean coastline near Cancun.

While the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea are certainly a sight to behold, so are the nearly 500 species of fish swimming in the nutrient-rich coral environment offshore from Cancun. For deep-sea fishers, much of the excitement lies in the fact that different species fill the waters throughout the year, ensuring that no two excursions are the same. From September to February - generally the height of the tourism season in Cancun - it is common to reel in fish such as barracuda, red snapper and mackerel. From February to April, it is common to find some larger fish such as blue marlin, kingfish and some small shark species. During the summer months, tuna and mahi-mahi appear in large schools in the Caribbean waters near Cancun.

As Cancun’s ideal coastal location has helped the city become a tourist Mecca, an afternoon of deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean Sea promises an incredible vacation experience. Even if you have never fished before or are concerned about your budget, there are plenty of options available in Cancun designed to fit your budget and help you enjoy the remarkable sights of the Caribbean Sea.

Justin Burch

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With the cost of everything from gas to food rising it only makes sense that going on vacation is starting to get prohibitively costly for many people and their families.  Fortunately for those who are considering a tropical destination there is one way you can save money and avoid all the hassles that comes with planning such a trip. Many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean offer what are known as all inclusive beach vacations where all you vacation needs are included for one price.

There are literally hundreds of resorts to choose from in these two regions and the vast majority offer all inclusive deals among fierce competition for tourist dollars. In fact many of these resorts specialize in specific types of vacation experiences which makes it easier to match your vacations wants and needs to a specific location. With everything from romantic couple’s only resorts to family friendly resorts to choose from you can find yourself enjoying the tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches at a reasonable price.

Here’s the really nice part of an all inclusive beach vacation. Once you pay everything you need for your vacation is included in the price of admission. This means your travel arrangements and resort hotel accommodations are taken care of. All your meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment, and beach side activities are also included in the overall price.

The family friendly resorts will also include in your price entertainment and activities for your kids. These activities and programs are usually age specific which means that your kids will be making new friends that are in their age group. You can also find babysitting and daycare services for infants and toddlers, freeing up the parents to enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

Because there are so many all inclusive resorts to choose from it is important to do a little background research to be sure to choose one that fits your needs. A couple looking for romance and intimate surroundings does not want to find themselves at a resort that is geared towards families with children. This is easy to do with a little research into what type of guests the resorts you are interested in cater to.

While one set price may seem like a lot when planning all inclusive beach vacations you need to remember that if you were to plan and pay for everything separately it would cost much more. Plane tickets, hotel accommodations, meals, activities, and tours can all add up. By packaging all these items into one price you can save a lot of money and ease the stress of planning your vacation.

Andrew Bicknell

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I was in Guadalajara 2 years ago and they had these free walking tours of the downtown area that started in the downtown square.
I can’t find any information about these tours now online. Can someone point me the right direction?
Also, does anyone know approx. how much the carriage tours cost in the downtown area? Muchos Gracias!

You can hire a calandria (horse-drawn carriage) in front of the Museo Regional, the Mercado Libertad, or Parque San Francisco. It’s about $15 for an hour-long tour for up to five people

If they still have free tours I’d ask the tourist police or tourist office or taxi driver

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I have been trying to search this online and haven’t come up with much. Similar advertised tours say to take passport (Which I will obviously have) and Multiple Entry Visa.
My Travel Agent never mentioned any of this when booking the Tour and I leave for the US in less than two weeks… HELP! Any advise would be great.

Citizen of countries that regularly require a visa to travel to Mexico are exempt from this requirement if they hold a valid visa for the United States. Citizen of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay or Venezuela, don’t need a visa to enter Mexico as tourists for up to 180 days. Although you must present a valid passport and fill out an immigration form for tourists and business trips, which can be obtained in travel agencies, airlines or at the point where you enter Mexico..
http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/usa/index.php/consular-services ..

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I want to take a guided tour to chitzenise mayan ruins we will be staying in tulum what tour or advice can you give me?

I guess you have to see Chichen Itza, and nothing I could say would change your mind! It is the most famous of the Mayan ruins. It’s far from the best Mayan city to visit though. Although it is one of the more convenient from Tulum.

But if you have time, consider Palenque, which is an awesome place. Uxmal is also a much nicer place to visit than Chichen Itza. Fewer tourists, cleaner, less vendors following you around…

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What are safe and interesting places to visit for a fortnight tour? Thanks for useful tips! :-))

I’d say that Germany, the States (Arizona) and Spain are 100% safe, HK is safe an Mexico is mostly OK (as far as you stay in touristic areas and avoid the border with the US). Philippines… mmm I’d not take my kids there on holidays. Visit http://travel.state.gov/ for updated information.

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Going to cancun next week, Would like to take a tour, any ideas of which one togo to?
would like to see the ruins and snorkel. Up for any suggestions.
Thanks!
We are planning to go to Cozumel also..so any names of a tour place would be great…or has anyone ever took the jeep tour?

Xcaret is a really good day out. You can swim in the underground rivers. So much to see and do. We really enjoyed it and there is a very good show in the evening there which is all included in the price. Dont forget to go in the butterfly place - they are big and beautiful !

Look it up on the net. You wont be dissapointed.

Take the ferry over to Isla Majeurs - hire a "golf Trolley" transport and go around the island.

We really enjoyed quad biking - through "jungle vegetation and out onto a beautiful islocated beach. Great Fun.

Where you can visit the Turtle place. Swim with Dolphins and see iguanas all over the place.

Do the Nighclub trip,(Whatever your age) and try and do one where you end up at Coco Bongos - its a really good evening.

We are a mixture of ages from 25 through to 64!) and we enjoyed everything.

By the way - Take a bus trip down to Asda Wallmart and book your trips in the Kiosk inside the shop - they are much cheaper and the more you book the cheaper they get !

Its the most fantastic holiday we’ve ever done.

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