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Riviera Maya Trip
It Can Be Yours-a Too
By Sheila O'Connor
Want an all-inclusive holiday and one you don't have to think about in terms of what to do and what entertainment to follow for yourself and the kids? Then think no longer, because the answer is in Riviera Maya, near Cancun, where all-inclusive resorts take the hassle out of thinking and planning a family trip
Facilities at the hotel
The all-inclusive tag means that all the food and entertainment is all taken care of (the only extra is the spa). Note that one such all-inclusive resort, the Bluebay Grand Esmeralda, sits in a mangrove area. Mangroves protect the coastline from tsunamis, storms and hurricanes and allow the habitat of a multitude of birds and plants.
Other trips
Adventure trips that all the family will love have to include visits to Xel-Ha and X-Caret. If you can do both of them, you won't be disappointed.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha calls itself the Natural Wonder and it's not surprising. This is a natural aquarium full of life. If you or the kids are feeling adventurous, check out the water jump or the dare-devil walk on ropes across part of the lake. Don't worry about falling in, the life vest will keep you afloat and the water can be invigorating. And even if you can't swim, you can get down low and personal with a lot of the marine life by donning a helmet that lets you walk on the ocean floor-- quite an experience! The park is open 365 days of the year and has been named one of the 13 natural wonders of Mexico. Explore the natural caves, inlets and lagoons.
"I liked best the swimming in the caves and the snorkeling over the reef. It was neat," says Issy Dahl, a 10 year old from Winnipeg, Canada.
X-Caret
X-Caret is the most famous eco-archeological park of the Mexican Caribbean and it offers activities for the entire family. Yet this resort, which sees over 1 million visitors per year, is also interested in the protection, conservation and reproduction of threatened or endangered species, including sea turtles, butterflies (it has one of the largest collections in the world), flamingoes, red macaws, parrots and manatees. Part of your admission money goes towards this conservation. Nice to know that you can do some good while having some fun.
Check out the dancing and the night show with its 300 performers. It includes a hockey game with a burning ball! Not to be tried at home!
The whole family will enjoy the Underground River Swim. And if you ever wanted to swim with the dolphins, now is your chance. You can join in as the dolphins reach out and touch your hand and show their prowess by leaping over your head. Coming into contact with these intelligent and beautiful creatures has been described as "like looking at your reflection in the mirror."
"The dolphins were one of my most favorite animal, I loved it!" smiles 8-year old Zoe Tucker, from Pennsylvania, after her experience of being in the water with them.
Alltournative
If more adventure is what you are seeking, then check out Alltournative. Start the day with a sea kayaking trip. You and a partner will row out to the coral reef (the second biggest in the world in fact - second only to that Great Barrier Reef down under) and then leave the kayak to snorkel and marvel at the colored fish below the waves. Don't touch the reef itself, it's a living organism and can die from being touched by humans.
Next you'll go visit one of the beautiful clear water cenotes. The Mayans worshipped cenotes since they were a source of fresh water for them. You can swim in the refreshing water but be sure not to wear any sunscreen. This way the water stays protected and so do the fish that swim here.
And for the piece de resistance, you will be taken to a large cave with stalagmites and stalactites. As if the formations are not awe-inspiring enough, put on your snorkel and mask and look below the surface. There's a huge expansive canyon down there that spread out before you with a multitude of fish so close you'll want to reach out and touch them (and you'll probably try but the fish wait till your hand is close enough and then defiantly dart away).
For this writer, the canyon below the surface was so deep, she was starting to feel a fear of heights! Luckily to escape that feeling all she had to do was lift her face out of the water and she realized she was floating on top of the underground cavern. The guides light up this hidden world with strong flashlights so you can see below the water.
All-inclusive resorts take the thinking out of where to stay and how to entertain the kids. In fact, the only thing you WILL have to think about is this…just WHEN can you get to come back and do it all again?
As 13 year old Erik Dahl from Larchmont New York puts it: "It was a great experience and I did a lot of things I wouldn't normally do on a trip."
And we can't say any better than that.
References:
Riviera Maya contact: www.rivieramaya.com
Alltournative: www.alltournative.com
Xel-Ha: www.xel-ha.com
X-Caret: www.gxcaret.com.mx
Family Friendly Resorts in the area:
BlueBay Grand Esmeralda www.bluebayresorts.com
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa: www.dreamsresorts.com
Hacienda Tresrios : www.haciendatresrios.com
Taiwan
A Unique Vacation
By Rita Cook
Taiwan, when people hear the name of the country many chuckle because for years it was known synonymously with the term "Made in Taiwan." These days, what's made in Taiwan, especially for travelers, is a unique vacation experience that is a good "first" if you have never traveled to Asia. Taiwan's population is made up of almost entirely Han Chinese, now called Taiwanese with about half-a-million indigenous peoples who did not migrate from mainland China.
At the head of the class in terms of friendly people and unusual things to do, the locals will make your trip a real experience beginning in the capital city of Taipei, where most travelers to Taiwan begin their journey. First things first, expect a subtropical climate, warm ocean currents and a fair amount of rainfall during the rainy season of March to October, so pack accordingly.
One thing you will especially notice in Taiwan is the number of temples and traditional Chinese-style houses. The oldest and best temple to visit in the capital city is most definitely Lungshan Temple, while the Lin Family Garden is
the island's finest example of classical Chinese landscaping and architecture.
Houses and temples aside, the most famous place to visit in Taipei is the National Palace Museum housing the world's largest and best collection of oriental art treasures. Pieces here date back 5000 years with a total of 620,000 treasures, not all on display at once. You might also want to stop at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which is quite an impressive monument to the late president.
For a more modern twist, Taipei 101 is one of the world's tallest buildings and a strong testament to the country's engineering abilities. Located in the Xinyi District, or the financial district, it was opened in 2003 and is home to a shopping mall and office space. At the top there is an observation deck with views that allow all of Taipei and beyond to be admired.
The Shihlin night market is a must to get a real feel for the local activity and to do some shopping. Local food is served at the market and if this one doesn't have what you are looking for you can also visit Raohe or the Tonghua night markets as well.
Get out of Taipei for a few days and head to Sun Moon Lake. Located in the center of the island and surrounded by beautiful mountains the lake is known as one of the country's best natural attractions. Also in the area is the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and Hsitou Forest Recreation Area. These are major sights that are worth a day of exploring. The largest city in the Sun Moon Lake area is Taichung, a major business hub for Taiwan
and home to museums, parks and more temples.
A third stop in southern Taiwan is in Tainan City. Again, old temples, homes and cultures that has stood the test of time. In Tainan City the Confucius Temple built in 1666 still stands along with an elaborate new temple of the Goddess of the Sea, located at Luerhmen. Fort Zeelandia and Fort Provintia, both built during the Dutch occupation in the 1600s, still stands as does the Eternal Fortress built in 1876 as well.
Since Taiwan is an island there is also a beach to enjoy - the best spot being in Kenting. At the southernmost point of Taiwan and offering a tropical climate, Kenting National Park is the only national park in Taiwan that includes both land and sea. You can surf here as well as look for migratory birds and enjoy other water sports during a day in the sun.
If you take a week or more you can visit Taepei and then get out to the countryside for some sightseeing that will make your friends envious. Nevertheless, for shopping, good food, a chance to enjoy nature and a friendly country that believes in hospitality, Taiwan should be a must on your next Asian trip.
Must Stay:
Grand Hotel Taipei
1, Chung Shan N.Rd.,
Sec.4,Taipei, Taiwan
886-2-2886-8888?
www.grand-hotel.org
The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake
No. 142 Jungshing Road
Yuchr Shiang, Nanton, Taiwan
886(049)285-5313
www.thelalu.com.tw
Getting There:
EVA Air
www.evaair.com