Sunday, April 26, 2009

Georgia on My Mind

If you are in the process of planning for an upcoming vacation you may have a few ideas as to where you intend to go. If not, then you should give a bit of consideration to vacationing in the state of Georgia. This vacation destination has much to offer the visiting tourist. Just give the state the chance to show you what it has available.

We have been to Atlanta many times and it is always exciting. Atlanta's major league sports teams offer year 'round attractions. Something is always in season! We have attended several college football events in the Georgia Dome. Always a fun weekend. There is a world class aquarium next to the convention center. And the kids always enjoy Six Flags Over Georgia.

As an example I would like to provide you with a short glimpse of what this small state actual can provide. Foremost in my mind is the opportunity to experience the most amazing adventure that you may ever have. The states activities are just about endless with its vast landscapes and inviting scenery that is certain to present rest and relaxation for the weariest of visitors. You can readily discover many relaxing activities such as hiking, cycling or even boating. Least of all let us not downsize the entertainment aspect associated with the state. Georgia nightlife represents a very vibrant side of the state with energetic or relaxing music as well as places to experience some undiscovered fine dining. These are all yours for the mere visit to the fine sate of Georgia. If you happen to be traveling with your family you will find an abundance of fun and exciting activities in the various amusement parks around the state, various tourist attractions such as zoos, resorts and museums. The list is actually too numerous to mention all of them here.

If you are up to the action and looking for some real fun you might wish to check out some of the small towns within this state for the various festivals and their monthly events. Take some time to mingle with both the other visitors as well as the locals. This is a sure fire means to get around to knowing the people and to acquire and insight into the local culture and history.

Generally you will find that there is something in this state for everyone. Actually this is a state where not only will vacationers find something to occupy their time but in the event that you may be planning a business meeting here your gathering will surely be a great success. You can readily find many different convention centers in Georgia which offer state of the art accommodations and facilities.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Perfect Villa Rental in Akumal

Akumal VacationExperience the vacation of your life in our private home that's right on the beach in South Akumal, Mexico. Our villa is truly a "house in paradise". The dazzling sun, blue water, sea wind and verdant jungle vegetation is breath taking. Walk through the orchid and bougainvillea filled main garden into a real Mexican home!

Villa Paraiso, a luxurious villa located right on the Akumal coast only 62 miles south of the Cancun airport, is the ideal location to spend your vacation with family and friends. It is a dream vacation home, located inside a secure gated community.

The property is surrounded by jungle foliage and white sandy beaches, complimented by the emerald clear waters of the Caribbean. Windows abound in the home, which offer breathtaking ocean panoramas and natural lighting from virtually anywhere in and around the villa.

Villa Paraiso is the perfect resting ground after a fun day of shopping, diving, snorkeling and dining in Akumal. These are all popular tourist activities in the Mayan Riviera, though a day of rest and relaxation on the beach might be preferable!

There is a new Robert Trent Jones 27 hole championship golf course, opening in the Summer of 2009 directly across the highway from the house. This beautiful golf course is open to the public, so bring your clubs! There is also a 9 hole Par 3 course and a practice course located there. Twelve miles north is Puertos Aventuras, where another 9 hole golf course awaits you.

Adventurous spirits will like a trip to see the Mayan ruins of Tulum only 6 miles away from the villa. Tulum offers a unique view into the lives and buildings of the elite Mayan civilization members. In contrast to the delicate carvings and superb architecture, the thick surrounding walls speak to the city’s resistance to influence from outsiders over several thousand years.

The home is equipped with central air conditioning, which is unusual for Akumal. A backyard pool and Jacuzzi allow visitors to relax and sun on the deck.

Upstairs, a wet bar is available to mix a delicious drink made with local tropical fruits. Downstairs, the breakfast bar, dining room and fully-stocked kitchen allow for comfortable dining. You can use the fully equipped gourmet kitchen to prepare your meals or have our chef prepare them for you.

In order to stay connected with the outside world, satellite flat screen TV and unlimited free long distance phone calls are furnished. A stereo, DVR player, CD player and high speed Wi-Fi service also allows you to entertain and work if needed.

Two electronic safes protect your valuables while away from the villa, though a private security service goes a long way in preventing unexpected occurrences. A daily maid service ensures you are never required to work while visiting Akumal.

Linens and towels are provided for all everyone up to a maximum of 8 guests. Ceiling fans are helpful in circulating the cool air from the central service for a relaxing effect after a day in the hot sun.

Outside, a barbecue grill allows you to grill for all and invite guests to enjoy a quiet evening at “home”! An outdoor shower also enables you to rinse off after a day of lounging in the sun, or just take a shower surrounded by nature.

Two free in house massages, hammocks and kayaks are all available to guests of Villa Paraiso to create the ultimate dream vacation package!

More information about our Akumal Villa for Rent

More Akumal articles are available here.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Peaceful Manitoba, Canada

Manitoba, Canada is one of the more peaceful of the Canadian provinces with many large open areas perfect for outdoor activities or simply for exploration. You will find a diverse landscape in Manitoba region which features a desert and even sub-arctic regions. Manitoba has all the requirements of a memorable vacation — four different seasons of sunshine, nature perserved from the ravages of industrialization and the love of life and culture by citizens who enjoy sharing their country with travlers.

Manitoba is a fun province to vacation if want to enjoy the pleasures associated with nature. There are several native animal species which will make your trip more enjoyable if you see the animals in their usual habitat. While the nature lovers in the family check out the wildlife the other members can tour the forests and rivers of the area. There are several kind of animals which every member of the family will enjoy watching including whale and moose. You should be careful in the northern areas of Manitoba since there are polar bears and large moose present which could present a hazard or danger to you.

If you want more adventures than animal watching would give you then you can enjoy in a wide variety of sports or camping activities that are offered in Manitoba. The largest event of the region is the summer festival which honors the regions history. This festival is commonly known and referred to as Folklorama. Here you will experience the energy of Folklorama, the largest and longest running multicultural event of its kind in the world! From traditional home-cooked meals to electrifying nightly performances by local, national and international entertainers, Folklorama will create a lasting memory as you tour the 44 cultural pavilions. Take home a souvinier of your visit by shopping at the booths found in each pavilion.

There are many cultural activities in Winnipeg the capital city of the ProvinceManitoba. There are zoos, museums, pro hockey and even ballet and opera performances available throughout the year in Winnipeg. Art galleries are available the year round and are especially enjoyable when the weather has turned too cold to properly enjoy the outdoors. If you are in the mood for fine dining or shopping while in Winnipeg then you will not be disappointed. There are several shopping centers which are filled with the most popular stores in Canada.

The outdoors is the main puropse of many trips to Manitoba. There are many different ways to enjoy the outdoors including camping and hiking in the Arctic region of Manitoba. You will discover several national parks in the province which offer fine camping facilities or you can choose to go boating on one of the participate in the water sports of the region. You will usually want to reserve the water sports activities for the warmer summer months since Manitoba can be quite cold during its winter months. The resort towns in Manitoba area have boats that you can rent complete with guides or you can venture out into the rivers and lakes on your own. Fishing is also a common pasttime in the area in warm weather.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all visitors, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.


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Saturday, April 11, 2009

Learn More About Beautiful Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha photo by ®oberto

Xel-Ha is a world famous eco-park located north of Tulum, about 15 minutes from our house in Akumal. It's located on the eastern coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, the location of the Mayans in ancient times.

Multiple leisure, ecological and natural attractions offer activities for the entire family. The delightful open-sea aquarium allows you to view sea life in its natural abode unchanged and not bothered.

Swimming with the dolphins is also a popular activity for visitors and it is not found easily in most places. Animal and nature people like to spend time in the water with these gentle mammals, and they will have a great story to bring back to their family and friends!

Snorkeling is also ideal in the local lagoon. The coral is dead there, but regular feeding keeps the many types of beautiful fish coming back for more. Some snorkelers will have another person feed the fish so they can see the fish from below.

There is a river which starts in a natural spring, and inner tubes are available to float down the stream. This is a relaxing complement to an afternoon nap in a hammock on one of the sandy beaches.

More adventurous spirits can climb up and dive from the high cliffs in Xel-Ha, touring the Mayan cave, and viewing the adjent Xel-Ha ruins. These ruins are largely untouched and totally original, with a unique view into the history and architectural contributions of the Mayans.

Hammock Island, Xpa, Bay of Caprices and The Beach are favorite areas for those who want to rest and experience the leisurely activities at Xel-Ha. Chacah Garden, the Mayan Wall, the Apiary and Plant Nursery provide unique natural locations for fauna lovers. Many examples of nature are also seen at the Inlet, El Dorado Cavern, Ixchel’s Gulf, the Mayan Cave, Chaac Mangal, and many lakes.

When staying in Akumal, Xel-Ha is an easy day trip that will please the entire family and offer plenty of varying activities for all. Tickets are affordable. Xel-Ha is a one of a kind eco-park with things to do centering around relaxation, fun and exploring historical and natural wonders.

People who like water will enjoy the inner tube ride, cliff diving and snorkeling in the lagoon. Naturalists will enjoy swimming with the dolphins and exploring the many forms of plant and animal life there, and those curious about the historical roots of the Yucatan Peninsula have plenty of opportunity to visit the Mayan ruins and see the architectural influences of that era.

Our kids and grandchildren usually plan on spending the entire day at Xel-Ha every time they visit Akumal. There is so much to do they never get tired of going back. They enjoy riding a bicycle through a path in the jungle, jumping off the cliffs into the limpid blue sea, swimming with the dolphins, and walking through stingrays on the bottom of the sea.

This is th first year they signed up for the Sea Trek. They wore a futuristic underwater helmet that looks like deep-sea diving equipment. Sea Trek required no previous training , diving or otherwise. Experts will be close at hand at all times during the walk, aiding them in every way and easing any concerns about the aquatic walk of your life. Everyone says it was a walk they would remember forever!

We highly recommend you visit Xel-Ha on your next trip to Akumal.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

6 Ways to Save on Your Vacation

Most people today often find that the act of going to a new and exotic location for various leisure activities is a much anticipated happening. Whether the trip is for a summer vacation, a ski trip or for that matter any special trip you need only to decide that it would be a good time to go on a trip and simply pack up. The problem is that can be an costly proposition. Not everybody can afford to purchase an airplane ticket or can they afford to stay in a deluxe hotel or in many cases they just do not have the required money to spend when they arrive at their chosen destination for their planned trip. If you know where to look for it traveling need not be expensive. If this idea interests you then you should read on.

1. Use the 'net! People with access to the Internet will find it very easy to search for discount travel offerings ranging from airlines, motels, villas for rent, cruises or even automobile rentals. Almost all tourist related businesses every where now have a web site so that you can go to and get the desired information prior to actually finishing your travel plans. You can always call the sellers directly and obtain additional information.

2. Be flexible about the day and time you travel. During the slow days of the week you can easily find many special deals or discount prices for both airline tickets and places to stay. Airlines may have seven or eight flights to your destination on a particular day. If you have to leave in the morning, check out the three or four departures that leave in the morning. Since airlines charge for tickets according to the availability of seats on the plane, changing your time by just one hour or so may save you a large amount of money.

3. You can also save is by traveling with a group such as a tour group, travel group or travel club. Group travel is usually arranged ahead of time by travel agencies. They purchase in bulk, often chartering a whole airplane and booking a large block of rooms to get the very lowest price.

4. Book early! Make your travel plans well in advance. Book your cruise a year in advance for the best discounts, and get the lowest rail fares just after the holidays. If you make your arrangements several months before you travel you typically get your choice of flights and rooms at the lowest rates.

5. Travel during the off-season. For example, go to the Caribbean and Mexico in the summer because in the winter rates for accommodations and plane fares go up. Caribbean cruises are less expensive when you go in the fall versus winter or spring. Hawaii is least expensive from mid-September to mid-December. Europe's best deals are offered between Thanksgiving and Easter when the Europeans are not on vacation.

6. In a foreign country exchange money at a local bank for the best conversion. ATMs affiliated with major credit card companies are great, but watch out for foreign ATMs. While they usually won't charge you a fee, your bank may charge you one! Learn your bank's policies before you travel.

These are but a few of the many ways you can make your vacation less expensive. All you need to do is be resourceful and pick the best time to travel and you can have that dream vacation that you have wanted so long without destroying your family budget.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

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Friday, April 3, 2009

Link Building with a Entrecard Daily Drop List

Travel on the TideI'm a frequent Entrecard Dropper. I usually drop over 200 cards a day and tend to drop on sites who reciprocate. While not everybody you drop on always drops back on you, I receive a great deal of traffic from Entrecard. BigDaddyRichard came up with list of frequent droppers who reciprocate. This list will definitely improve the drop rate on your blog.

BigDaddyRichard says:

"I prepared a list of 200 of dropaholics like me who I have proven not to miss a chance to drop back ec credits on you if you happen to drop some on them. I'd like to share this list with you just in case you have not prepared one yet for yourself. I thought I can be of help to other entrecarders by sharing this list with everyone.

"While preparing this list, an idea struck me - I figured the list can be the start of a link building network among Entrecarders! It will not only provide entrecarders with immediate links but the network of linkages has the potential to continually grow and improve your ranking as well as your Technorati Authority."

"Here is how I envision the scheme to work. First, to join, you need to copy the list below and add your own site to the list. Publish the list (which now includes your site) in a post similar to this one. If your site is already on this list, then just go ahead and publish the list in a post. Encourage your blogger friends join and do the same thing. As more and more bloggers add themselves to the list, the bigger your link base becomes."

"In the future, in order not to occupy too much space in your blog, I shall place the list in a scrolling widget once the number of participating sites nears 400 or more. Of course, you are free to start your own list if you wish, but if you opt to be part of my list, you need to let me know via a comment on this post or an email message through Entrecard so I can include you in updating the widget every time a new blogger joins the network. Every time a blogger publishes the list in a post, it viewed as a blog reaction by search engines and by Technorati. If the linkages mushrooms, your page rank as well as your Technorati Authority will zoom up with it."

"Don't waste time. No need to buy links or do cumbersome solicitations. A little typing and a little copy and paste is all that it will take! "

So just go to http://bigdaddyrichard-swirlingthoughts.blogspot.com/ and sign up and get dropping!

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Entrecard Advertising Exchange for Bloggers

Entrecard is an advertising exchange network for bloggers. Bloggers earn one Entrecard credit when they click on "Drop" on another Entrecard site. By putting the 125x125 Entrecard widget in your blog, you can get free advertising on other blogs and they can advertise on yours. In effect you both introduce your readers to new blogs.

I'm a member of Entrecard (the little box on the left with my Blog of the Day). Entrecard is a great place for bloggers to advertise their blog, network with other bloggers and discover new ways to improve their blog. It brings many new visitors to Travel on the Tide~ everyday. The only problem with Entrecard is that I spend too much time reading a lot of other interesting travel blogs. They also have many other categories so you can spend hours exploring various blogs.
Here are 5 things I have learned about Entrecard:

  1. You need to drop lots of your cards. The best way to improve your Entrecard exposure is to "drop" your card. Drop your card on sites owned by active users. Always return the drops in your Inbox. If they dropped their card at your blog, you know they are active. I also drop my card on the popular Entrecard sites in my category.
  2. You need to have an attractive, eye catching ad. After all, you want an ad that reflects your site and that people will want to click on and visit your site. That's the reason for advertising!
  3. Good Entrecard Widget Position. Make it easy for droppers to find your widget. You want them to come back and they will if it is easy to find your Entrecard widget.
  4. Watch Your Statistics. Check your Entrecard statistics often. You can see which ads are genereating the most clicks for you and you can advertise again with the sites that provide the most clicks for the least cost.
  5. Advertise Everyday. If you drop lots of your cards, you will have lots of Entrecard credits to spend on advertising. Advertise on several blogs a day. Pick the most popular sites you can afford and advertise with them.
I have been most pleased with Entrecard. If you are a blogger check them out at http://entrecard.com/.

A couple of my other sites:
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