Cancun is a must-see travel destination for many, and for good reason: great weather, beautiful beaches, and fantastic hotels and resorts. For those traveling without a budget, the fairly new JW Marriott is easily Cancun’s best hotel and resort. In fact, it has earned AAA’s coveted five-star diamond resort status.

The hotel boasts a comfortable 448 rooms and 74 suites; large enough to make it profitable to run with world class amenities, while small enough to provide great personalized service. The quality of the rooms are top notch, as is expected from any hotel baring the name JW Marriott. Each room features an oceanfront view, spacious private balconies, 32″ flat screen TV’s, and some of the more luxurious plush carpet we’ve ever seen. Oh, and world famous Revive bedding helps too.

Now, when you’re dropping this much money on lodging, you expect great service and the Marriott never fails to deliver. From the moment you walk through the door to the moment you walk out, you are made to feel like royalty. From the waitstaff, to the bellhops, to the valets and concierge, your happiness is their number one priority. However, don’t forget that you are, in fact, not in Miami; not everyone speaks English, so please try to be a bit understanding.

The hotel isn’t short on great food, boasting 7 restaurants and bars. At these restaurants you’ll be able to find everything from seafood, to Italian food. Not only is the food great, the service is impeccable, as you’d expect. Be sure to check out the lobby bar, where there’s live music playing every night during the busy season.

Guests frequently comment that the amenities at this resort are what brings them back. The JW Marriott has a spa that is an astounding 35,000 square feet large, and truly best in it’s class. The fitness gym is complimented by an exercise studio offering classes on everything from pilates to yoga. Not only does the spa have the usual amenities like a fully equipped gym, it features saunas, large spa tubs, “relaxation lounges”, and a full array of full service amenities as well. In the spa, you can get yourself typical spa treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. You’re in Cancun, why not pamper yourself?

If you want pools, the JW Marriott really sets the bar with a whopping 5 pools. The main pool is over by the beachfront, which is over 500 feet long of private beach. Besides the main pool, there’s a spa tub and another quiet pool by the south towers. However, the main pool is definitely not to be missed, as it’s an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a diving area; in fact, you could say there’s two, a shallow beginners area and a section 15 feet deep with it’s own coral reef.

The JW Marriott has got everything. Even when it doesn’t have everything, you can find it close by. For instance, if you wanted golf, there’s two golf courses within 5 miles of the resort. All these features really set JW Marriott above the rest, and is also why it’s one of the best hotels in Cancun.

Surprising as it may seem, the city of Bogotá in Columbia is actually a great place to visit. This amazing city is historic, culturally significant and also one of the highest cities in the world!

Being the capital city of Columbia, Bogotá has become a fusion of old and new, with towering skyscrapers gothic cathedrals as well as huge mountains. This makes for some inspiring views and the city of Bogotá really does inspire.

Bogotá is a rapidly changing and constantly developing city. It’s also extremely safe despite what people say and its crime rate is significantly less than for example, the United States. It’s a country where Spanish is the most popular language spoken however, the majority of young city dwellers are bi-lingual in english too.

The city of Bogotá has a lot going for it as a holiday destination, not only because it’s a relaxing place to stay but because there are countless things to do. Want to see a real soccer game? Visit an underground Cathedral, or perhaps visit the hundred-year-old Bogotá Street? It’s all in the capital and just a stone’s throw away.

When it comes to relaxing and having a good night out, there is great food and drink to be had in Bogotá. Everything is affordable in this Columbian city and most importantly, delicious. Local food is great, but be warned that oriental cuisine in Bogotá is nothing like the real thing.

On the subject of food and drink, Bogotá is also home to some of the best water supplies in the world. Its water is clean and safe to drink however tourists should start by mixing it with bottled water until they get used to the differences.

You’ve drank the water, ate the food and you’re ready to party. Where to go in Bogotá? With night clubs in abandoned buildings, rooftop parties and even a brewery that’s open for drinks, you can have unforgettable experiences in Bogotá. Safety is not a major issue when you’re going for a night out, generally the best advice people give is to stay out of poor areas, don’t flaunt wealth and get someone to call you a taxi instead of stopping one on the street.

For a while Columbia has been a tricky subject, but thanks to efforts by the Columbian government, Bogotá and Columbia in general is a relatively safe place to visit. It’s certainly not the war zone of drug runners and paramilitaries that we have been led to believe.

A trip to Bogotá is a trip to remember!

Times may be tough in the United Kingdom at the minute, but as the economy slowly recovers there is a perfect opportunity awaiting those who are keen golfers and also looking to escape to Europe for a quick weekend or even an extended holiday.

In past years there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of golf resorts being built throughout Europe and there is now so much competition in the golfing industry, prices are falling rapidly. A trip abroad to play golf can often be cheaper than UK golfing and with a change in weather and golfing conditions it can be a welcoming challenge.  Combined with rock-bottom prices it’s an unbeatable opportunity to experience some of the best golf in Europe.

Having seen prices drop by as low as 30% recently, golf resort owners are doing anything they can to bring in more tourists. With budget airlines getting even cheaper, this is the perfect opportunity to play a few perfect rounds of golf whilst also enjoying the opportunity of a well deserved holiday.

With famous courses throughout Europe in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Turkey to name but a few, your choice shouldn’t be so much on the course you want to play, but how much you want to relax!

Five-star golfing resorts are not hard to come by in Europe, and they offer all the services you’d expect such as kit rental, expert tuition as well as some amazing weather and unparalleled views whilst you tee-off on championship courses.

If you happen to be more of a budget golfer, than there are just as many opportunities available, such as at the Abama Golf resort in Tenerife which offers a truly unrivaled experience for avid golfing fanatics who are looking for both the perfect weather and the perfect golf course on a budget.

There’s nothing quite like playing round of golf in the perfect climate. At this time of year, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after the past year’s troubles thanks to the economic crisis.

Remarkable Rocks @ Kangaroo Island, Australia Image by timparkinson via Flickr

Australia, the land down under.  Home to Kangaroos and Opals,  Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Great Barrier Reef.  The only country that covers a whole continent, Australia is a vacation destination for everyone.

With the US dollar strong against the Australian dollar now is a very affordable time to visit Australia.  Purchase an Australia Airpass from Qantas Vacations and you get  a three city flight  package that is hard to beat.   Book your travel before October 20 and you can fly roundtrip from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Australia for as little as $999. Plus you get three flights within Australia, and a trip to Kangaroo Island.  For your interior flights choose from the following cities, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart.  Book your travel before October 20, 2009.   Travel dates are during the low season, May 1 through June 8. (Remember that is winter in the land down under!)

Kangaroo Island is a premier wildlife destination located off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia.  Inhabited by only 4,400 residents it is home to a large diversity of animal life, and offers the adventure traveler a wide range of things to do.   Winter is great time to visit Kangaroo Island.  The countryside is lush and green, the rivers are flowing, and the wildlife are more active during the day.  Winter is the time when the baby Koalas leave their mother’s pouch, and start traveling on her back.  Echidnas form mating trains of up to 8 males following a single female, and the Southern Right Whales are migrating past the coast.

Rain or shine visit  the Kelly Hill Caves and Conservation Park.  The park is open daily and offers guided both show tours and adventure tours of the unique and extensive cave system.

For something a little different try sandboarding at Little Sahara. Located off the South Coast Road, Vivonne Bay it is an area of  white sand dunes surrounded by bush.  Take your sandboard to the top of a dune and enjoy a thrilling ride to the bottom.  This area is free to enjoy and you can rent sandboards at the nearby Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action at Vivonne Bay (08 8559 4296).

Kangaroo Island is not just all about adventure.  You can also find a thriving arts community,  wine tasting, and gourmet, locally grown food.

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Stowe - Best in the U.S ?

The ever popular ski resort of Stow has just been named as one of the best ski resorts in Eastern America by a popular US Skiing magazine, and it’s clear why, because this really is one of the best ski-resorts out there.

As winter rapidly approaches and is now nearly upon us, now is the perfect time to get ready for a trip to the world famous ski county that is Vermont, which has remained the ultimate destination for winter holiday lovers in the United States for generations.  Stowe is just one example of many top quality ski resorts that exist throughout the United States.

But just why is Vermont so Special?

Vermont has earned itself a reputation because it really does stand apart from the crowd. Thanks to increased snowfall in the area, and the fact there are so many ski resorts here, this wintery state has become synonymous with skiing. With so many resorts catering to all sorts of people of all abilities, Vermont has also gained a reputation as a luxury winter destination affording one all the luxuries that come with the ultimate vacation in the United States.

In particular, Stowe has earned acclaim because of all the ski resorts in the USA; nothing has Stowe’s unique character, unforgiving nature and opportunities for skiing which has earned it the moniker of being the “Mecca of the East”.

Annually, Stowe receives around 600 inches of snow a year and it really is a great destination with all sorts of terrain.  Stowe has also developed loads of infrastructure with quad ski-lifts and also a Gondola to get skiers up to the top quickly.

For many people, Stowe is their second heaven. It’s one of the best ski resorts in America and this is clear in the regular ski patrols, the beautiful trails, and let’s not forget the fantastic nightlife.

Stowe has something for everyone, and whilst it is not be the cheapest ski resort out there, you can’t beat it for quality, performance and the sheer adrenaline that it provides.

Universal Theme Park, Orlando

Fans of the ever popular Harry Potter now have another opportunity to rejoice as Universal has announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring next year at The Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park.

This high-tech mini-theme park will fully immerse fans in everything Harry Potter.  From Hogsmeade to Hogwarts, Universal is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is a fully immersive ride and one of the best in the country.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will consist of a number of rides and activities, at the minute only a few definite have been announced, but we know for certain that avid wizards will be able to experience Hippogriff riding and also get a taste of the famous Triwizard Tournament.

With exclusive footage rumored to be filmed for the ride, the translation from the movies seems to be going well thanks to help from acclaimed designer Stuart Craig and Alan Gilmore.

Potter author JK Rowling was not available for comment, but as the literary mother to Harry Potter she is playing an instrumental role in ensuring that everything is 100% Hogwarts.

The mini theme park will focus around the school at Hogwarts Castle as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade. Visitors will be able to board the famous Hogwarts Express and then enter the world of Harry Potter.

Do you dream to become a wizard at Hogwarts?  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transport you to a place where you can immerse yourself in the world that is Harry Potter.

It may sound like a gimmicky theme park attraction, but with a budget of over $200 million dollars; this new mini theme park will cut no corners to ensure that guests can enjoy a Harry Potter experience like no other, and this latest innovation from the Universal group looks set to open in spring 2010 at their premier theme park, the Universal Orlando Resort.

The Universal Orlando Resort is Florida’s largest theme park resort and it consists of both Universal Studios Florida as well as the Islands of Adventure. With on-site hotels, cinemas, and countless restaurants, a trip to Universal Florida really is the vacation of a lifetime.

Belem Tower in Lisbon is a tribute to the Golden Age of geographic discovers

The city is build on 7 hills, resembling to Rome, and has a secret charm which is hard to explain. The history of Lisbon goes back to Neolithic, Roman Empire, Moorish Period, Reconquista, Empire Period etc. All these periods left behind some interesting remnants, or ruins or even city quarters ( or freguesias, as the locals say). The district of Alfama is very similar to an Arabian city, with narrow streets and plenty of little shops. Alfama was the heart of the city during the Moorish period.

Saint George castle in Lisbon

Further you can visit St George Castle, which is very old and very well kept, and the Belem Tower, dedicated to the Portuguese Age of Discoverers. If you really want to understand Lisbon, remember some important navigators and discoverers of Portugal, e.g. Magellan and Vasco da Gama. The city is oriented to ocean and to the rest of the world, and is unbelievable dynamic. There is a very interesting Orient Museum (Museum del Oriente), hosting interesting artifacts from all world.

Lisbon downtown

The Botanical gardens of Lisbon is very old, very big and worths a visit. You can go for a pick nick in this magnificent garden (Jardin Botanico) admiring the diversity of the flower and tree collections. There are so different, with so divers origins, that no one could think that they live in harmony together.
Tagus River (Rio do Tejo) flows through Lisbon and offers some unique views. E.g.: the Bridge of 25 April build in 1966 is a replica to the Golden Gate of San Francisco, and you’ll notice the similarities at once. But Lisbon has another distinctive landmark: the spectacular Vasco da Gama bridge, which is nowadays Europe’s longest!

The spectacular Vasco da Gama bridge is Europe's longest and a city landmark

Sleeping in Lisbon is quite easy. You can save in a hostel, or in Solar de Mouros, which offers in Lisbon downtown 5 stars views at 1 star prices. But you can also splurge in Pestana Palace Hotel, or in another luxury hotel.

Hotel Pestana Palace is pure luxury in Lisbon

Eating in Lisbon offers many possibilities. Eating on the streets is excellent if you are in a hurry, or if you are on a budget. Try for example the tasty pasteis at Pasteis de Belem, which have been made since 171 years according the traditional recipe, which is a well kept secret. They taste like sugar and cinnamon, and the locals use to enjoy it at noon assorted with white wine. You can taste a lot of wine in Lisbon, as Portugal is a wine country. There are many wine bars, and the Chafariz do Vinho should be on your must do in Lisbon. It offers wines from little unknown producers, which are cheap, but very good, assorted with some appetizers.Take care to the fact that in any bar or restaurants of Lisbon the waiter will bring some unordered things or meals etc. Don’t touch them, and they will not charge the bill. Similar, if someone is trying to drag you on the streets selling drugs or telling stories, say simply ” nao, obrigado” (males) or “nao,obrigada” (females).

Art lovers will surely find their way to the Gulbenkian Museum. Here a special attention for the fantastic Lalique collection.

You are going to love Lisbon, but you must first meet and know it.

One of the most popular Sichuan dishes is Huiguorou. This is a tender pork dish mixed with roasted peanuts and a spicy chili sauce. There are many variations of this dish, and each food purveyor is going to tell you theirs is the best. It’s quite hard to tell because all the food in Chengdu is excellent.

In different areas of China there are different priorities and regional customs when it comes to restaurants. In Shanghai, food seems to take a backseat to the atmosphere and decadence of the dining environment. In Guangdong, the focus is on authenticity and traditional preparation. In Chengdu however, the focus is simply flavor. Throwing pretension out of the window, the family style settings of Chengdu restaurants are like another world compared to its more glamorous neighbors. Chengdu seems much more like Sunday dinner with the family instead of an exotic meal on the other side of the world.

Another very popular leisure activity in China and especially Chengdu is drinking tea. The teahouses of Chengdu are like the neighborhood pubs and bars of the west. Neighbors and friends will get together daily for the daily news and gossip, enjoying a variety of locally grown teas and listening to all kinds of local performers.

Chengdu is also one of the cheapest areas of southwestern China to eat and travel. The Chengdu way of life is basically built around comfort and getting the most value out of their coin. Travelers to Chengdu can rest assured that they are in for a comfortable, cheap and laid back getaway with friendly people and great food.

Imagine going to a fair or carnival with food stands and stalls lines up everywhere. This is exactly what it’s like in a Thai street food market. Instead of corndogs and lemon shake-ups, Typical Thai staples that you’ll find on the street include marinated and grilled meat skewers, bowls of hearty soups and stews and even fried local bananas. All of which, by the way, are absolutely delicious.

Thai food is something special. By blending fresh herbs, indigenous spices and flavors they have achieved a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet that you just can’t find anywhere else. Unlike most street food that you eat and then forget about a few hours later (unless your stomach disagrees with you), Thai street food has a memorable flavor that hungry travelers come back for again and again.

When perusing the various shops and stalls on the streets of Thailand, make sure to use common sense. If something doesn’t look quite right its best to pass on it. Although you can find some of the best food you’ve ever had on the streets of Thailand, you can also find some of the worst food sanitation practices in all of Asia. Use your natural freshness detector (your nose) and only visit the shops that are busy. The cheap meat skewers the lonely food merchant in the corner (that isn’t getting any business) is selling might seem like a great deal, but there’s a reason his stand isn’t very popular.

For Americans that aren’t used to indigenous Thai foods take the advice of the locals. Our western digestion habits are vastly different than a Thai local. Foods they readily enjoy like nuclear-hot chilies, insects and other exotic specialties can cause a civil war in your stomach after a few hours. Most locals will let you know what foods Americans should probably stay away from.

Rustic Thai Street food can surprisingly be one of the best meals you’ve ever had or quite possibly one of the worst. Use your eyes and ears and don’t be afraid to talk to the locals. They are usually more

Livadia Palace hosted the Yalta Conference after the WWII, when Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt agreed the new world order

Yalta lies in the Crimeea Peninsula on the Black Sea and is a part of Ukraina, but the population (80 000 people) is mostly Russian, and this is also the most spoken language in Yalta. It is advisable that you learn too some basic Russian phrases, as otherwise the prices tend to go up!. Amazing in Crimeea is the mild Mediteranean climate: in the winter there is practically no snow, due to the mountain protection. Sometimes, October is magnificent in Yalta: high summer temperature, good bathing waters. Besides, is off peak season with price falls!

During the XIXth century Yalta was a luxury resort for the Russian aristocracy. The important Russian writers Leo Tolstoi and Tschechov had here summer residences, which they visited regularly. You can visit these memorial houses, together with the Voronsky Palace (Vorontsov was an army marshall fighting against Napoleon, who build his castle in Yalta).In the XXth century, after the communist revolution, Yalta became a target for the aparatchnicks, but also for the ordinary people which were not allowed to go outside. Nowadays Yalta tends again to become an exclusive luxury resort, but it is still possible to stay in Yalta on a budget. My tip: try to hire an apartment, instead living to a hotel. Private apartments cost between 50 and 200 $, depending on amenities and the easy reach of beach. And I have another tip: if you stay in a private apartment, don’t forget, or neglect, to disclose your garbage on a daily basis, otherwise huge roaches will come and visit you.

Yalta as seen from the sea

The beaches in Yalta are not sandy, but rocky, similar to the French Riviera. The best ones will charge you with a small fee, it really worths to pay it. On these exclusive beaches you can still make a trick: buying a coffee you got extra a chair.

Sea Promenade ( or Naberezhna) is a place where people must be seen

Very close to Yalta is rising the peak Ai Petri, which is only 1200 metres high, but offers an excelent view of the resort. You can reach this peak by cable cabin. Over there you can find Tartars, which will be very glad to receive you and to invite riding their horses. Actually, all the people here are very friendly and peaceful. The crime level in the city is very low, and you only need to respect the basic behaviour in a remote resort.

You can reach Yalta by train or by plane, which brings you in Simferopol. From Simferopol you take the trolley bus, which will drive you the remained 80 km within 3 hours! It is the longest trolley line worldwide, is very slow and uncomfortable, but offers nice views along this scenic way.

I think you are going to love your Yalta adventure!