Thursday, January 21, 2010

Rome Activities and Attractions

LA DOLCE VITA Italian for “the sweet life” (You can have everything.).



There is so much to do in Rome you couldn’t possibly see it in a single visit, however here are a few things to get you started. The list could include a visit to the PANTHEON which is a stand out because it is so well preserved it looks almost the way it did 2000 years ago. It is still the world’s largest un-reenforced concrete structure. As you walk through it you are probably walking right in Caesar’s footsteps. The Coliseum, an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome, was home to brutal gladiatorial conquests and public spectacles. An architectural and engineering wonder, the Coliseum was the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire.
Rome was built on 7 hills, the main one being Palatine Hill. If you have the energy climb up you will be rewarded with views of the Roman Forum’s crumbling walls. In ancient times the forum was the economic and social hub of the city. Look down on Circus Maximus the famous chariot racing stadium that could hold 250,000 people.
Remember Ben Hur?  Read More

This article was contributed by our travel writer Pat Anderson. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Why Choose Playa del Carmen Vacation Rentals?

Many thanks to our travel writer Pat Anderson for contributing this great article on Playa del Carmen.

With its perfect location on the turquoise Caribbean Sea combined with a climate that averages 80F (27C) Playa del Carmen is a fun and “happening place”. Playa boasts some of the world’s most pristine beaches. It is not only a charming place with a local fishing culture and artist colony but it is also one of Mexico’s fastest growing tourist locations jam packed with so much to do you will be hard pressed to run out of activities. This is only one of the many good reasons to choose Playa del Carmen vacation rentals. Read on.


Life in “Playa” revolves around the water. Beaches are a major draw bringing in tourists from all parts of the globe. Water sports include parasailing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. If you want to drop a line in the water, stroll down to the dock and check out the world class deep sea fishing charters. Just for fun why not try out flats fishing, reef fishing or fly fishing. If your lucky enough to catch something try taking it to one of the local restaurants and very likely they will cook it up for your dinner.

In and around Playa Del Carmen diving sites are plentiful. For a unique experience swim in one of the multitude of Cenotes. These are subterranean caverns that over the centuries filled with rain water that had filtered down through the limestone creating fresh water pools. There are over 6000 cenotes in the state of Yucatan.

Take the short ferry ride to Cozumel where Jacques Cousteau claimed that it’s beaches with their coral reefs, white sand and clear blue water to be among the most beautiful in the world After you have had your fill of activities, wander through the pedestrian promenade on Quinta or 5th Ave to get in some shopping or idle the hours away sitting in the Zocolo (main square) having a “cold one “ and watch the local comings and goings.

Golf courses? Of course there are! There are a number of places to play including the world renowned Playacar Golf course located right in town. Some of the vacation rentals and villas in Playa del Carmen are conveniently located right on a golf course.

The night life in Playa is rich with music, bars, billiard halls and restaurants. Youthful travelers flock here to party it up and to relax in the bohemian atmosphere . It is a popular destination for Europeans and it is a stop on the cruise ship route bringing lots of revelers along with it. There are many night spots and a good variety of entertainment. Watch fire dancers perform while you have something to eat and try out a tequila bar where you can sip yummy tequilas well into the night. Salud!

Find some great Playa del Carmen Vacation Rentals for your next trip to Mexico.