Puerto Vallarta A Hidden Gem Among Exotic Travel Destinations

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 28, 2021

Mexico is a great place to visit at any time of the year. However, thanks to the mild climate, it is particularly popular in the colder part of the year, when the temperatures here in the USA drop below the pleasant zone. If you don’t know what to do for New Year’s Eve, you should really consider Mexico. Not only can you find a lot of parties and celebrations you are accustomed to here, but you may also experience some more traditional beliefs and rituals which will help you immerse yourself in the culture. Don’t forget, if you decide to drive there in your own car, your USA car insurance is not valid in Mexico so you will need to get a special policy from a company like. What Can You Expect From the New Year’s in Mexico: Go Out and Watch the Fireworks: Just like in the USA, Christmas in Mexico is very traditional and family-oriented. On the other hand, New Year’s Eve is very much a public party. Numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs have their own parties organized, but the heart of any celebration is in the town squares. Almost every town will have its own celebration on the central square, accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Naturally, the bigger the town – the bigger the fireworks. Put a Gold Ring in Your Champagne: Another very similar custom that Mexicans share with the USA and the majority of the western world is drinking some sparkly wine at the stroke of midnight. There seems to be something universal in the bubbly that tells us all to celebrate. However, Mexicans tend to add their own special taste to the tradition. They believe that you should drop a gold ring into your glass right before you start drinking it. It is believed to bring you good luck in the following year. Oh, and don’t forget to say ‘Salud’, when toasting. Wear Specific Underwear: Now, we come to Mexico-specific traditions. It is believed that the color of the underwear can help determine what kind of year you will have. For instance, if you hope to find love in the coming 12 months, you should wear red undies. If, on the other hand, you are after money or happiness in general, yellow is your color. White is reserved for peace and black stands for dignity. Pick your heart’s desire carefully, preferably before you get dressed for the New Year’s party. Eat 12 Grapes at the Countdown: This is probably the most famous strange Mexican custom related to the New Year’s in Mexico. In fact, it is practiced all across Latin America but it originates in Spain. Essentially, you are supposed to eat 12 grapes in the last minute of the old year, making 12 wishes as you eat. If you make it in time, you are expected to have a good year ahead of you. New Year’s Resolutions with a Twist: Just like in the USA, people in Mexico tend to make New Year’s resolutions, however, they have a very similar tradition as well. Namely, they want to purify their thoughts and hearts in time for the New Year. To this end, they write down everything bad that’s troubling them on a piece of paper. After the list is done, they burn the list, hoping that the bad things will disappear just like the paper did. Monetary Beliefs: When it comes to money, there are two traditions you can observe. The first is to keep a bill in your hand, the higher the value the better at midnight, for prosperity in the new year. Similarly, putting money in your shoes should do the same. There are a lot of great traditions and beliefs related to New Year’s in Mexico. If you plan to drive there for this holiday, don’t forget to be a responsible driver and to get all of your paperwork in order before you set off. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Is Mexico fun for the new Year? A: of course, it is a fun place. The natives enjoy New Year in a different way while lighting fireworks and tourists enjoy the same day in a different way, by just enjoying good champagne and watching the fireworks.  Q2: How hot is Mexico In Decemeber? A: In Mexico City, the temperature is 70 to 75-degree Fahrenheit during the day and at night it drops down to 40 degrees.  Q3: Is Mexico safe for tourists? A: Mexico has a high rate of crime like murder, robbery, kidnapping. So avoid getting out at night. Drug-related stuff is widespread there.  Read More: Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s what you should Know 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

BY  Mashum Sep 3, 2019

“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties” - Enrique Pena Nieto Mexico is a beautiful country filled with a rich bounty of natural, historical and cultural treasures. While Mexico is mostly famous for its breathtaking beaches dotted across the extensive shoreline, Mexico is so much more than just its beaches. It is one of the lesser-explored hidden gems of the world, which makes it even more affordable. There are so many things to do in Mexico that one trip would surely not feel enough! 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico: 1. Visit the Mexican Pyramids: If you thought that Egypt was the only place you could find pyramids, think again! Mexico has a huge array of stunning pyramids, which date back to the Mayan Civilization, as old as 300 BC. Some of the most striking among them is located in Cholula, Chichen Itza, Coba, etc. There are a number of pyramids from the Aztec civilization spread across sites, such as Teotihuacán, Tenayuca, and Tenochtitlan as well as those erected by several other civilizations. There are also a number of unexplored pyramids and it is yet to be determined which civilization constructed them. Some of these have been more recently discovered and it is only expected that there are more to be yet discovered. 2. Mayan Ruins in Tulum: Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the town of Tulum is a beautiful blend of the ancient and the modern. Its proximity to Cancun, beautiful beach and Cenoteshas gained it the moniker of being a popular resort town. It ‘s also known for hosting some of the best Yoga Retreats in Mexico, which are an exciting archaeological site with incredible Mayan ruins, such as Temple of the Frescoes, Temple of the Descending God, El Castillo and the famous Tulum's wall. 3. Puebla and Cholula: Take a day trip to Puebla and Cholula and witness the creations of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations. Cholula is where you can feast your eyes in the glory of the largest pyramid in the world. A part of it hidden by the mountain, this majestic pyramid is way bigger, although not taller, than the pyramid of Giza. Visit other archeological sites like Convent of Santa Monica, Chapel of the Rosary, and Church of Our Lady of the Remedies. In Puebla, you can witness magnificent colonial architecture, which will leave you spellbound. 4. Explore Aztec history in Mexico City: Right outside the capital of Mexico City lies the archaeological sites of Teotihucán with its majestic pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun being the largest. Other sites worth exploring are Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor, Cuicuilco, Calixtlahuaca, Santa Cecilia Acatitlán, Plaza de las tres Culturas, etc. Take a trip to the museums in the city for an informative and comprehensive educational tour. 5. Appreciate art and architecture: Mexico is a throbbing canter of art, culture, and architecture. When in Mexico make sure you check out the mesmerizing and moving works of Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Take a trip to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera to witness the famous mural along with Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo where the works of both artists are exhibited. The culture of art in Mexico is so widespread that you will find gorgeous street art pieces made by contemporary local artists, which are worth stopping by and photographing. 6. Iztaccihuatl: A hike up to the extinct volcano of Iztaccihuatl, popularly known as the sleeping lady, is a must-do for all nature lovers. Leave behind the noise and people of the city and witness the beauty of the sylvan flora and fauna, which exhibit a vast range of habitats from the forests of evergreen trees like oak, pine, alnusetc to the alpine. There are thousands of species of plants that you can see. These mountains are inhabited by a variety of animals such as puma, lynx, white-tailed deer, teporingo rabbit, coati and various species of birds. 7. Cenote of Hubiku: The cenotes of Mexico are beautiful sinkholes, which are filled with the bluest of the clear waters making them irresistible. Given the sheer number of cenotes the region has, swimming in one is an absolute must to on the list of things to do in Mexico. While the cenote at Hubiku is the most popular there are more at Cancun, Tulum, etc. You can also go snorkeling at these cenotes for a marvelous view. 8. Swim with sharks in Cancun: If the thrill is your love, swimming with the sharks is something that you would not want to miss out. The popular beach destination of Cancun offers its visitors a rare and thrilling opportunity of swimming with giant whale sharks of the Caribbean Sea. The largest sharks in the world, these only feed on plankton and hence, pose no threat to humans. 9. Relax with some yoga: There are a number of excellent Yoga Retreats in Mexico, which will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated before you head home or head off to the next leg of your vacation. Whether you want to lose some weight to look ripped in your vacay photos or you simply want to let go of stress, Xinalani Retreat, Spirit of Cacao Retreat, Jungle Taoist Retreat, Playa Viva Yoga Retreat, Amansalaetc are some of the Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico 10. Join in the festival fun: Festivals in Mexico are full of colors, sounds, music and so much life that you will not feel like an outsider in the celebrations. If there is one festival you must attend in Mexico, it is Día de Muertos or the day of the dead. Celebrating the life and journey of dead loved, thousands of people take to the streets decked up in vibrant attires and makeup, which represent the dead, such as skulls, something that is so uniquely stunning. Other festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo, Festival de México, Carnaval, Guelaguetza Festival etc are worth visiting too. 11. Pure food coma: Mexican food offers a vibrant burst of flavors, textures, and spices, which will leave your appetite asking for more. To have a real taste of Mexico, do try their tacos, chilaquiles, tostadas, pozole, enchiladas, mole, and tamales. There areseveral delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that make this country a paradise for foodies. Do try out their freshest beans, authentic salsa and guacamole. Make sure you end your meal with popular Mexican desserts, such as jericalla, nieve de garrafa, pan de elote, etc. 12. Party till you drop: Head over to the Guadalajara for the most epic parties one can ever witness! The hub of exciting nightlife, the city teems with clubs, pubs, discos as well as tons of other party options where you can literally party till wee hours in the morning. Cancun boasts of some of the most epic beach parties as well as a vibrant nightlife with some of the best DJs belting out popular tracks and foot-tapping music. Final words… Mexico is one of the most amazing and lively countries that you can visit. Explore the beauties of nature, rich history of ancient civilizations, heritage and culture, music, food, beach, parties and much more. There are so many things to do in Mexico that you will want to come back for more! Read Also: Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland) 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim Top 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

BY  Ankita May 24, 2024

Cancun is probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth that you have never heard of. However, if this is your first time hearing the name Cancun, then there’s nothing to worry about. I am certain that once you learn the history of Cancun, you will be willing to immediately pack your bags and head to this 21st-century paradise on Earth! Cancun is a part of the Yucatan Peninsula, and is also one of its most popular tourist hubs. The primary reason why you would want to go there is its white sandy beaches and clear blue seas. They are a spectacle to watch during sunrise or sunset! However, what do you know about Cancun History? Once people started learning about its history, Cancun’s tourism doubled. This prompted the Mexican government to transform this place from a dilapidated fishing village to Mexico’s most famous tourist attraction. Therefore, before you ultimately go and visit this place (I know you want to), read this post till the end! Ancient Origins: The Mayan Footprint in Cancun History Before you visit Cancun for its dreamy-white beaches and crystal-blue shores, you must learn about the history of Cancun first. Before this small Mexican town became one of the most popular tourist destinations, it was an important Mayan city. home to its vibrant and tragic history. Cancun was an important Mayan city. thanks to its location, which facilitated both marine trade and agriculture.  Therefore, the history of Cancun is intertwined with these ancient practices that delineated its early development. Among the testimonies of this great civilization are several archaeological sites that you can still visit today. El Rey, located in the heart of the hotel zone, was probably a ceremonial and trade center crucial for the interaction between different points of the Yucatan peninsula. Its ruins, though modest compared to other Maya sites, offer a direct glimpse into the region's pre-Columbian past. Further north, El Meco played an important role in Maya navigation and maritime trade. Located on what is now the mainland across from Isla Mujeres, El Meco was a key point on Maya trade routes, which is reflected in its imposing structures and pyramid, which still dominates the landscape. One of the most important recreational activities in Cancun is an Aquatour. This activity has been prevalent since the Classic Mayan Age. It’s also known as catamaran tours to Isla Mujeres in modern times. Moreover, its Mayan influence will attract you - which you will see everywhere. From its cuisine, architecture, handicrafts, and even its festivals - everything has a Mayan flavor to it. This is because the same existed thousands of years ago as well! Therefore, this cultural legacy enriches the experience of each visitor, connecting them with the history of Cancun. Cancun Transformation: From Fishing Village To Tourist Paradise Before it became one of the most popular tourist hubs in Mexico, it was a small and peaceful fishing village. It had very few visitors before the 1980s and was a quiet Mayan town full of fisherman and their families. However, when the government of Mexico decided to focus more on tourism, it set its eyes on Cancun’s beautiful beaches. Since then, the government invested a lot in developing this city, making it a Mayan paradise on Earth. This soon became a turning point in the history of Cancun, marking a period of massive transformation. Soon, Cancun became a famous destination for tourists from all over the world, no longer being a desolate fishing village. Therefore, the Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR) program was initiated in 1970. Its aim was to bring rapid development and turn Cancun from a Mayan fishing village to a global tourist hotspot. With a clear vision and state financing, the government built the first tourism infrastructure. The first hotels, roads, and basic services sprang up, whereas before, there was only vegetation and deserted beaches. This rapid development not only altered the physical landscape of Cancun but also boosted the local and regional economy. The arrival of investment and tourists generated jobs, attracted more businesses, and put Cancun on the road to becoming what it is today: one of the world's top tourist destinations. Finally, in just a few decades, Cancun became an urban wonder drenched in rich Mayan history and culture. Best Activities In Cancun Before visiting ths place, you must learn more about the history of Cancun. Therefore, you must take part in various beach activities. These activities have been prevalent since the Mayan ages and showcase the deep history of Cancun. Moreover, they act as a testament to how its culture can be found in modern-day Cancun. Therefore, some of the best activities for tourists in Cancun are: 1. The Mayan Ruins Of Tulum, Coba, And Chichen Itza While you will not find these ruins directly inside the geographical boundaries of Cancun, many tourists will eventually make it to these famous Mayan ruins because they are in Cancun’s neighbouring cities. Therefore, add the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Cob, and the legendary Chichen Itza to your itinerary! 2. Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Since you will visit the beaches of Cancun, can you stop yourself from participating in the water sports of Cancun? Of course not! When you visit the beaches of Cancun, you can either go snorkeling or scuba diving. Moreover, there are underwater swims as well that let you swim alongside whale sharks, dolphins, and even sea lions! 3. Tulum Express Tour The Tulum Express Tour is a must for anyone visiting Cancun. On this full-day tour, you will be unraveling a lot about the deep Mayan history of Cancun. Moreover, you will be visiting some Mayan ruins along the ancient Riviera Maya. In addition, you will also get lunch and visit the top of the magnificent Tulum Tower as well! Conclusion: Cancun, A Caribbean Paradise Today, Cancun is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. From exciting beaches, tours, tours in Catamarca, exciting night parties, and the interesting and vibrant history of Cancun, this tourist destination simply has it all. A very famous activity is exploring the famous Nichupte Lagoon, a small mangrove embraced by the Cancun Hotel Zone. Moreover, it has a connection to the wonderful Caribbean Sea. Additionally, Aquatours offers a variety of tours that you can enjoy in the company of your loved ones. Therefore, take advantage and experience the magic of exploring the mangroves from Cancun to Isla Mujeres! Learn More About: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico Mexico’s Top 4 Most Dangerous Cities For 2024: Data Repor Plan The Perfect Proposal: Romantic Yacht Charters In Cancun