May 28

You have decided that you are going to take the vacations of a lifetime and your next stop is Beijing!  Well, you may already know that Mainland China is a land with a large population that is eager to show you around all the beauty they possess, say the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry. You don’t have to worry if you don’t speak Mandarin, as there are English-speaking tour guides to help along the way. In addition to that you will find foreign language tapes, which will be of great help for the elementary communication.

Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry say that there are so many attractions in Beijing alone that you may find it very difficult to decide what you want to see first.

Among the most well-known and important sites are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, the Hutongs, the Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, and last but not least, the Summer Palace. Grupo Mayan experts say these are just suggestions for you to consider and great starting points to have a look into China’s great past and present. Beijing is well-known for being a complex and simple city and you may find yourself wondering why you never thought to do this visit before.

You will find yourself trying the best food here compared to the one you may have already experienced in the best China Town in your city. This is because it is prepared in the real traditional manner with all the original herbs and spices used to make the traditional Chinese food, say the Grupo Mayan professionals in the travel industry. You will be able to also experience tasting exotic foods that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.

If your passion is to visit historical sites, make sure you do not leave Beijing without visiting the Forbidden City. The Grupo Mayan experts are sure it will amaze you and the story on how it was constructed with no aid of machinery that we can find in our times. Another site that will take your breath away is the Great Wall. Take the walk, say the Grupo Mayan traveling experts, and see what these tenacious people accomplished. The scenery will take your breath away and when you look down in the valley, you will be able to get a glimpse of the strength the Chinese builders had for its construction

May 27

The Grupo Mayan resorts travel experts say that you will need to be organized at the time of packing for your beach vacation, remembering to put in your bags all the things you will need for your days away in the sun. There is nothing worse than getting to your chosen destination and finding out you forgot your favorite flip-flops or top. If you keep in mind some useful tips, your packing will be simple, advice the Grupo Mayan travel professionals.

  • First thing you have to do is to make a list of all the things you will need for your trip, advice the Grupo Mayan experts. Put your list in a good location so you can mark off items as put them in your bags. Go over your list one last time the night before you travel.
  • It will make things easier if you pack a separate bag for each one who is traveling with you. If you combine bags it can lead to mass confusion and although it can save space, it is much better and organized to have all things in separate bags when you are on vacation, say the Grupo Mayan experts.
  • Find out with your airline what the current security restrictions are, as they may have changed since you made your booking, and the number of bags you are allowed to take per person traveling.
  • Good thing to do before traveling is to find out what the average weather is in the city or place your are visiting, advice the travel professionals within the Grupo Mayan Resorts. By doing this you will be able to pack accordingly.
  • If you are traveling to a beach location put in your bag two swimsuits for each person going with you. It will allow you to leave one drying while wearing the other one, as you are expected to spend lots of time in the beach and in the water, say the Grupo Mayan travel experts.
  •  It is highly recommended to pack at least one modest outfit, no matter where you are spending your vacation. Better to have an appropriate outfit at hand if the city or place you are visiting has very different customs from the ones of your own.
  • It is also a good idea to pack at least one dressy outfit. You may find yourself going out to a smart place and this will come very handy, as it will save you from having to buy something suitable at the last moment, advice the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry.
May 26

One thing that we always hear as children is to mind our manners. Parents and teachers have used this encouragement for many years to urge children to behave, say the Grupo Mayan experts. And if you are a frequent traveler you will need to mind your manners as you visit different cities in the world.
First thing that is important to remember is that, when you travel to a place, you have to be familiar with the customs of those places, advice the travel experts within the Grupo Mayan. There are different actions, ways of dressing and even words that at home are considered within the norm but it can be very different in another country.

For example, if you are going to a country such as Mexico one may think that it is all about sun and swimsuits. This applies if you are on the coasts, but if you decide to visit cities that are not located on the coasts, then the story changes, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals. It will not be appropriate to enter a church wearing shorts.

You will find even stricter traditions in other countries, comment the Grupo Mayan travel professionals, such as countries in the Middle East, where women must cover some portions of their bodies. In Saudi Arabia even tourist women are required to cover themselves.  It is a sign of respect from the western people to adapt to their customs when visiting their countries, say the Grupo Mayan professionals in the travel industry.

It is important to make a research about the customs of the countries you are planning to visit before travelling, advice the Grupo Mayan travel experts. An important fact you should not overlook is the way people of the country you are visiting address each other. Very formal and sometimes antiquated forms of addressing people are used by some countries and these forms can seem odd to westerners.

Another mannerism that differs from culture to culture is touching. Showing affection in public is not allowed in some countries. This includes holding hands or touching each other by accident. If you are visiting a country where this is the custom, it will be respectful to not show affection in public, say the travel professionals of the Grupo Mayan Resorts.

In countries such in India, it is considered offensive to touch another person’s right hand, as the right hand is the one used for eating and it has to be kept clean. So make sure that before shaking someone’s hand in a foreign country you make sure you do not cause offense.

May 25

If you live in a country where snow, wind and cold are part of the weather most of the year, then you will have the desire to go to a sunny place for your next vacation.   Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry suggest that Jamaica may be then your next holiday destination!

The experts in the tourism and travel industry like the Grupo Mayan professionals assure us that in Jamaica you will be able to find something for everyone.  It has the perfect atmosphere to enjoy yourself, the beaches and the sun.

For people who enjoy physical activities, Jamaica offers plenty of that to occupy their time away from home. You can find here activities such as deep-sea fishing, golf, snorkeling, tennis and obviously, swimming. If you, on the other hand, are one of those people who prefer to take it easier and have a more inactive vacation, there are plenty of local artisans, lots of craftwork, and you can make some purchases of the native coffee to take home as gifts for your friends or relatives, say the Grupo Mayan travel experienced professionals. If you love music, you will find in Jamaica many popular music festivals, which are famous all over the island.

You will find in this island that the people who live here are a unique blend of cultures.  You will be amazed to see that all these people seem to be happy all the time, demonstrating it with their songs. It is not surprising then that Jamaica is where reggae music was born, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals.

You will learn very quickly while staying in Jamaica that music is the heart of this island and that you can find it wherever you go. Every year there are many different musical festivals that take place in the capital city, Kingston. If you love Jazz, you will definitely have to plan your vacation around the dates the Jamaican Jazz and Blues festival takes place, as you won’t like to miss this great event, say the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry.

In summer you will find the Reggae Summer Fest, which lasts a whole week.  Grupo Mayan travel experts advice that the Festival times may have some variations depending on the weather conditions, so it is best to check out the dates before traveling.

After your days full of activities you will need some food and Jamaica offers delicious snacks and meals seasoned with the typical Jerk sauce, say the Grupo Mayan experts.  You will not regret heading to Jamaica for your next holidays!

May 22

We all know that some families have a reduced budget for vacation, so they know very well that they have to look for very good deals when traveling together.

Good planning makes possible to make lots of savings and at the same time not losing on the quality of accommodation. According to the Grupo Mayan Experts in the travel industry, the key is to learn when, where and how to look for these deals.
Consider the following tips give by the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry when you are looking to save money on your next holidays with the family:

  • Contact your local travel agent and ask for advice in order to get the best prices available.  Remember, these has to be done well in advance as they will be able to offer you better deals and more discounts, say the Grupo Mayan experts.
  • If you have access to Internet, then use the search engines to make your research and find good deals.  Usually Internet offers are not available at local branches, so it is very likely you can find very good deals online.
  • If you are a regular traveler you must have a card that accumulates miles or points.  Well, this is a great opportunity to use them, say the Grupo Mayan travel experts.
  • When in a tight budget, the best thing to do is to plan well in advance.  By doing this you can save lots of money as many hotels and airlines offer great prices when they are booked several weeks in advance.  But be careful and read the small print.  Some may not refund the money if you decide to cancel, advice the travel experts within the Grupo Mayan resorts.
  • If you are on a low budget you may consider some other alternatives on the ways to travel. For example, instead of staying at a hotel you can think of camping.  It can be fun to do it with your family or, if that does not appeal you, then you may consider renting an RV to travel in, say the Grupo Mayan professionals in the travel industry.  This is a good way to have fun especially if you have small kids and at the same time save lots of money.

These are just some of the many different ways you can make good savings on your next vacation.   Remember, holidays don’t have to be expensive!

May 21

If you think about it, planning a vacation is great fun.  However, you can easily forget something important, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals, when you are trying to leave.  So in order to avoid this, make a list.   Do not wait until the very last minute to decide what to put in your bags.  You will also nee to think about your pets and plants (who will take care of them while you are away).

When you have made up your mind on the dates you want to travel, start looking for the holiday package or the flights and accommodation you will need in order to grab a bargain.  Internet is a good source of great vacation packages, say the Grupo Mayan travel professionals.

Once you have chosen your vacation dates, start making that list of all the things you will need for your days away from home.  Don’t forget to include in your list the smallest things (which are the easiest to forget) such as sun block cream, sunglasses, etc.  If you need to take medications either for you or your kids, try to prepare a special bag for them and keep them together and at hand, say the Grupo Mayan experts in traveling.

Next thing to do is to put all your family’s passports and insurance information together in one place.  If you are traveling to some tropical countries you may need immunization records.  If you need to revalidate your passport, make sure you do it with enough time in advance to avoid missing your flights due to late arrivals or any inconvenience that may arise, recommend the Grupo Mayan experts in traveling.

If your children are not coming with you because they are older, then leave all the relevant contact information at hand in case something comes up and they need to get in touch with you.  Make sure to include alternate contacts in case they cannot get in touch with you.  Some cell-phones do not work in other countries so do not rely only on it.  Tell your children what they have to do in case an emergency happens, although the best thing to do would be to have an adult to look after the children while you are away, say the Grupo Mayan experts within the traveling industry.

As mentioned before, the smaller things are the easiest to forget, so make sure you pack, bug spray, band-Aids and extra cash, say the Grupo Mayan experts.

May 20

If you are looking for a great deal on a hotel, there are some things you can do to make your search easier, say the Grupo Mayan experts in the traveling industry.  Here are some useful tips brought by them to help you find a great hotel deal.

1.    Buy a Vacation Package:  With a vacation package you will most certainly get reduced rates on hotel accommodation.  These packages include the cost of the airfare, accommodation, and sometimes attraction tickets or meals, all put together at a convenient price, say the Grupo Mayan experts.  It will make things easier as you will save lots of money (so more money to spend while away) and you won’t have to worry about different confirmation numbers and reservations.
2.    Plan to travel in the Off-Peak Season:  Off peak seasons offer hotel accommodation and airfares much cheaper than peak season, say the Grupo Mayan professionals in the travel industry.  There are huge discounts when traveling to places when it is not the most popular time of the year (beginning of the summer or end of the summer season – for example if you are going to a beach destination).  Another great benefit of doing so it is that you will not find so many tourists where you decide to go.
3.    Join a Travel Club:  Travel clubs offer discounts for hotel accommodation to their members, so it is a good way of finding good deals and bargains, say the Grupo Mayan experts.
4.    Consider traveling with a Group:  The rates offered to groups are often much cheaper than single rooms at hotels.  It will also mean that you can save on airfare and attraction tickets, as there are offers for groups as well, say the Grupo Mayan experts.
5.    Use the Internet and book online:  Most of the largest travel sites purchase a number of rooms at different hotels at discounted prices, so they pass the savings to the clients who make the bookings online.  Make sure you enter the right dates, room choices, and rate restrictions before you finalize your reservation.

These are not the only ways you can save on hotel accommodation when traveling, say the Grupo Mayan experts.  But with these you will be able to get started and save lots of money in your next vacations, so you will be able to take more money and spend more in souvenirs and having fun.
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May 18

You are having holidays soon and you decide that you want to go on a cruise. You have done your homework, made your research, but what next?  If are not sure about what you should do in this part of the process, don’t be, advice the Grupo Mayan Resorts travel experts.

After you have made up your mind about where you want to go, you must realize that half of the process is done.  Now you can keep your mind busy on your dates and what you need for your trip.  The following tips from the professionals in the travel Industry within the Grupo Mayan resorts can help you plan the perfect cruise vacation:

Step One:  Make up your mind about your Destination
Where do you want to go?  Would you prefer a cruise to the Mediterranean Islands or the Caribbean?  Would you like a cruise to Alaska so you can delight yourself watching the whales?  Deciding your destination can be difficult when there are so many different places available, say the Grupo Mayan travel experts.  Once you have made up your mind and decided your destination, you’ll have to concentrate on the clothing and other things you may need for your cruise.

Step Two:  How much money you can spend
There are cruises for all budgets.  They can cost from a few hundred dollars, if you want a weekend cruise, or much more if you want to spend a week or more.  Your budget will be affected on your choice in cabins as well.  Another factor that will affect the cost is the number of stops the ship will make.  While you may be eager to visit many different cities on your cruise, if you can cut as little as two ports it could make a huge difference on the money you spend, advice the Grupo Mayan travel professionals.

Step Three:  What cruise line will you choose?
Nowadays you can find several cruise lines available.  Some are casual but others will require more formal attire.  You can also find cruises that are theme based, such as singles cruise or ladies only.  It all depends on what you are looking for, say the Grupo Mayan experts.

Step Four:  Choose the city you will depart from
This is very important as it can increase the cost of your vacation, especially if you have to take a flight in order to get to that city or stay there a couple of days before your departure, say the Grupo Mayan experts.

May 15

Everybody knows that packing for a vacation can be a bit of nerve wracking.  You are nervous because you do not want to forget anything you think you might need, but at the same time, you don’t want your suitcases to look as they are going to pop open any time!  So, the question is, how do you pack for your vacation and at the same time not take everything you own at home?  The Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry have put together some useful tips to help you make the best of your suitcase space and still take all you need for your vacation.

1.    Make a List

First thing you have to do, say the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry, is to make a list of all the items you think you may need for your trip.  Consider everything, from trendy nightclub clothes to casual clothing.  And don’t make the mistake of forgetting the swimsuit, if applicable or the heavy coat if you are having a winter break.  Write down in your list all the toiletries, medications, and paperwork you will need for your trip.  Try to figure out which belts, shoes, hats, or any other accessories you want to take with you.

2.    Cut the List in Half

The Grupo Mayan travel experts recommend to cut your list in half two days before your departure.  This may be one of the most difficult things to do of the packing process, but you will be surprised that it is not as difficult as it seems.

3.    Pick up the right luggage

The increasing costs charged by airlines for checking in additional baggage and the security measures now airports have in place you will have to choose the right luggage, say the Grupo Mayan experts.  So try to fit all your belongings in a small suitcase so you avoid extra charges at the airport.

4.    Check the Security Restrictions

Security restrictions may change from one day to another without any previous warning, so you have to check them before you travel.  All airlines now have restrictions in place regarding the amount of liquids you can carry in your hand luggage.  You’ll also be not allowed to take certain items in your hand luggage such as scissors, lighters, and nail clippers.  Read the security requirements before you travel, say the Grupo Mayan experts in the travel industry, so you avoid delays and even possibly missing your flight.

May 14

Grupo Mayan experts are aware that you can find most medications in Mexico but it’s always easier to bring your own pills while traveling. This applies to tampons and maxi pads as well. You will be able to find these items at the Grupo Mayan Mexican resort gift stores, but know that they will be more expensive than in the United States at local convenience stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. When you’re used to a particular brand, it’s cheaper and much simpler to bring them from home.

Women who often suffer from yeast infections need to bring their own medicine. Grupo Mayan health experts suggest that if by some chance that you get a yeast infection in Mexico (they are quite common) to go to a pharmacy. If you are unable to find a pharmacist who speaks English, try to find a local English - speaking woman to write out the word yeast infection for you in Spanish to avoid being embarrassed any more than you already are.

Pregnant?

Grupo Mayan health care representatives feel that if you’re traveling during your first pregnancy that it’s always helpful to bring along literature about the stages of your pregnancy that you are currently in. It is hard to find basic information in English about pregnancy.  Climbing all the stairs will be exhausting so packing light is essential. It may be easier for someone to travel in you second trimester since your body will be used to being pregnant.

Grupo Mayan health experts agree that you must wear comfortable shoes. Shoes with arch supports and loose clothing with elastic waistbands will be most comfortable for you during your pregnancy overall but especially while you are traveling through Mexico.

Make sure that you pace yourself. It is detrimental that you allow yourself plenty of time for rest. If you become ill make sure that you contact an English speaking doctor. Unfortunately, medical care in Mexico can be hit or miss.

Grupo Mayan health and travel professionals recommend pregnant women seek out nutritious foods. Instead of dining in restaurants, make yourself a picnic lunch. Be sure to carry nutritious fruits and vegetables while you are site-seeing incase you get hungry. Bring your prenatal vitamins and calcium supplements.

Grupo Mayan experts agree that it is quite pleasant to be pregnant in Mexico. The natives are particularly kind. Whenever your child is old enough you can let them know that she or he has already been to Mexico and hopefully you will be taking them again.

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