Travel By Car VerseTravel By Plane

Sometimes you should decide before leaving your home whether to travel by car or travel by plane. But you never know what awaits you on the route nor what can happen at the airport. This was my longest travel to Veracruz. It took me 7.5 hours, okay, I took my breakfast in the beautiful city of Puebla. Not exactly in Puebla but in the Holiday Inn alongside the autobahn to Orizaba and Veracruz.

But it still was more than 6 hours travel time what normally takes me only 3.5 hours. More than half way to Veracruz I was seriously thinking if it would not have been better to fly instead of drive. But in my opinion you enjoy more of the trip and the country side by traveling over the autobahn.

Even so the temperature is very high at this time of year and especially when you come down the hills and enter the valley of Cordoba. When you are closer to Cordoba you are almost at sea level and the high percentage of moisture makes the temperature worse. You just feel how the sweat drops down your back. But the visit to Veracruz makes worth the sacrifices.

Veracruz has lots of places of interest, like San Juan de Ulua Castle. A visit to this colonial place takes us back in time and some how led us understand a little bit about the history of this beautiful port.

There are other places like Baluarte de Santiago one of the four bastions which still exists. This bastion was the protection against assaults of the pirates.

Another attraction is Sacrifice Island in front of the Port of Veracruz. This island was discovered in 1518 by the Spanish man Juan de Grijalva

Naval Museum

The Cathedral which dates back to 1662 and is called: “The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Asuncion”. It has a base with basilical form with five ships; the highest of all is the central ship.

Municipal Palace that is opposite of the park of the city; the construction was initiated in 1600.

Convent of San Francisco which is now the Holiday Inn of Veracruz Historical Center was founded by the first franciscanos that arrived at America and the building dates back to the end of century XVI and beginning of the XVII. It was reconstructed in 1715 with the sponsorship of the University of Merchants of Seville.

And of course for the Gulf-of Mexico-water-lovers there are the beaches. The port of Veracruz is and has been with all his beaches an important attraction of this region. The important beaches are called: Villa del Mar, Yacht Club, Iguana Beach, Marti Beach and Mocambo Beach.

For shopping-lovers there are the malls to acquire all kinds of souvenirs, beach clothes, postcards and lots of other items.

We should not forget to mention the restaurants of Veracruz where you can try the typical food of the region and of course international food. If you prefer the veracruzian atmosphere you should go to the famous ‘Café de la Parroquia’ with traditional food and also economic prices.

But the jewel of Veracruz is the people, with their friendliness and humor.

Talk to you soon

Anton

What Is The Obligation When You Win The World Travel Award For Excellence In Travel?

Dear Reader and Friend

The other day on my flight to Guadalajara I read an article about “Mexicana”: The Best Airline in Mexico and Central America.”

And further on it stats, “Recognition is among the best types of feed back that people and organizations can receive – and it is even better when experts are the ones noting the effort and passion that goes into our work.”

Let me ask you a question, “Wasn’t the world travel awards” created to recognize and celebrate excellence in travel.

I sometimes get confused about the word “excellence.”

What means excellence?

Is this word misleading in Latin America or are the patterns for excellence different than in any other part of the world. Or maybe people are not aware what excellence in travel means. Doesn’t mean to be “excellent” improving yourself constantly in your organization or business? Is apologizing to people not part of being excellent or is that a strange word for organizations in Latin America. Has a human creature no value – is a human creature part of a package, without value.

Why don’t experts use more often the travel service provided from award winning organization? Why can’t an organization and it doesn’t matter how big it is apologize and explain to their customers what happened? Is the word apologizing so difficult to pronounce?

Is the system so complicated to manage or are the people (employees) are insufficiently trained? It is ridiculous how sometimes excuses are made only to say something. You know it seems to me that the people open only their mouth to say something and to see if the listener is satisfied but on the other hand they get upset if you ask them something different they have no reply for it.

This day there have been cancelled two flights, first explanation – “fork” in Guadalajara. Why isn’t it possible to say it in the first time, why do you have to investigate what happened? Secondly they tell you the system failed because we where waiting almost an hour in the plane to take off.

You know it is easy to say the system failed. But as everybody knows a system doesn’t fail unless you have a power failure. A system only fails when it is managed incorrectly - that means human failure.

Isn’t it human to offer something to your customers after waiting 3 to 4 hours in the airport or is it normal to leave them all on their own. I understand that people are treated unfair in Latin countries mostly from all big organizations. But is that a reason to be quiet?

Is the problem in those countries lack of competence or is it just from the CEOs and managers because you have to use the service anyhow because you don’t have much Joyce because there are not many companies to choose from either.

In my opinion we should be more selective when giving our votes for awards. And the fact alone that you win a price doesn’t mean that one can rest on one’s laurels no, it means that you have to work harder to improve yourself as a company. We are human beings and make all mistakes but is that a reason to treat others inhuman?

In today’s economic situation every entrepreneur cares about his customers and treats them well, because he knows that he will loose them otherwise. Isn’t that a good reason to start with?
Respect and care your customers the way you like to be respected and cared.

To get the merit of the world travel awards for excellence in travel…a lot has to be done.

I like the slogan of the Hampton Inn Hotels, “if you are not 100% satisfied we don’t expect you to pay.”

Dear Friend, I never had to test it for real because I had never to complain – but I tell you this is excellence in travel.

Regards,

Anton

P.S. Maybe you can help me in getting my doubts off of my mind. I really appreciated your comment.

Hot Tips - Cancun Vacation

Cancun Vacations offer the chance to travel Mexico and stay at some beautiful Mexico resorts.

What Are Some Good Health Tips For Vacationing In Mexico

There are some important tips you should follow when traveling abroad. First of all no one should travel to Mexico or any place outside his home country with a cold or flu. Getting sick and missing work or school can be very inconvenient. But when you are on vacation, the last thing in the world you want or expect is to contract some sort of illness. When traveling for a vacation in Mexico, you should keep in mind these rules and tips that will help to keep you healthy.

It is also important before you leave for your vacation in Mexico be sure to hydrate yourself by drinking lots of fluids. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to drink only distilled or bottled water. Climate and altitude changes can have an effect on your body. Take in account that when you arrive in Mexico City you will get off the airplane at about 2400m above sea level. Therefore it is necessary to give your body time to acclimatize to its new environment and don't go overboard your first day in Mexico. Eat sparingly the first day and only what your body is fairly familiar with. Make sure that any fruits or vegetables that you purchase get washed in distilled or bottled water and peel them if possible.

Remember washing your hands often can also keep you remain healthy. Taking along some antibacterial soap would be a wise idea. To go along with that you should have a small first aid kit that would include several different sizes of band-aids, antibacterial ointment, alcohol swabs, and any over the counter pain medication you might need. It is advisable to check with your physician before you leave the country to see if there are any preventative region. This is an important step to take especially if you are over 65 years of age, have an acute or chronic illness, or are pregnant. And any prescription medications you have should be kept in their original bottles with legible labeling that will prevent any misunderstandings. Don't take the medication in your hand back because you might have problems with security check on the airport when leaving your country. Try to pack it in your heavy suitcases.

Try to avoid over-indulgences of alcohol while in Mexico, as this will lower your body's resistance to disease and raise the risk that you may become ill. If you do feel like you are coming down with something seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with the general population. This is especially true if you are on a cruise ship or staying at a resort that has buffet dining. Besides, you want to be able to remember the great times that you had on vacation, so drinking in moderation would be a good way to keep your senses keen. Sometimes it is difficult because of the hot climate and a good tequila or cool beer invites to satisfy your thirst but it can have a strong effect to your body. You have to keep in mind that the temperature in Mexico is high depending on the season and where you stay for your vacation.

In case you have any food allergies you should be especially careful about what you eat. The Mexican food is delicious but some bodies have to get familiarized with the different food especially hot food. Make sure you inquire of any restaurant staff where you dine about what is in each dish and if there are any items you are allergic to that it may be cooked in.

Many people work hard all year long just to be able to take a week or two off to enjoy relaxing and having fun. No one wants to get sick on his or her vacation, but we have all probably had that experience. becoming ill in a foreign country can have consequences that may be more serious depending on the circumstances, so do what you can to lessen the risks to your health while on vacation in Mexico.
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Authors Resource Box

Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.

Want to Have This Popular Caribbean Island All to Yourself

Dear Reader,

If you are a passionate scuba diver, there is a place in the southern part of Mexico which is still not so very popular to the crowd as Cancun. And which is a number one secret according to International Living.

The place I'm talking about is the coast of Cozumel Island in the Caribbean waters. The island is only about 12 miles east of Playa del Carmen another hot place in Mexico. The island is perfect for scuba diving lovers, but it is also a perfect place for snorkelers, fishermen and people who want to vacation in the most tranquil beaches on the western side of the island. You'll find crystal-clear waters and powder sands.

In case you like to know more about this beautiful island please, read the international postcard at Dodge the Crowds--Have This Popular Caribbean Island All to Yourself or if you like to know more about the most exotic places in Mexico and the Caribbean Coast you can subscribe to the international living and get more information about investing in Mexico, retiring in Mexico and more.

The Ultimate Vacation in Mexico

Mexico is today in many ways like the U.S. were many years ago - a relaxed, simple, and affordable placing to live. According to International Living Mexico is the world's top retirement haven. There are almost one million people from the States enjoying their retirement at a very affordable living. They call now Mexico as their new home and enjoy its rich culture, perfect climate and not to forget the mountains, beaches, deserts, and just everything you can think of.

But not only retirees enjoy this country with moon-light fiestas, playing mariachis, beautiful beaches, ancient colonial towns located in the Sierras of Mexico and visit more ancient Mayan pyramids rising out of the misty jungle on the Yucatan island.

Regardless of your age and it doesn't matter if you like to spend some unforgettable vacations or simply relax under the beautiful sun of the pacific coast or Caribbean coast you can have it and it won't cost you a fortune either. If you are a culture-lover, or you like to eat what you never will get in your own country you can travel through Mexico and enjoy the most exotic food without having to take care of your weight you'll find it in every town and village of this exotic country. You can try hot food, sweat food and what ever your stomach can keep up with.

For kayak-lovers you will find exciting and wild rivers near the golf coast, for surf-lovers you will find high waves in the southern part of the country. If you like to climb to the top of the mountains there are a variety and snow covered mountains. In case you love the exotic tour you can have river boat tours in the jungle of the Yucatan Island. And you also can spend your vacations in the best biosphere resorts of the world.

You just search on the Internet with the right keywords and you'll find almost everything. But if you feel more comfortably with your travel agency you just name what you are looking for and they will advice with professional help and search for you the best place regarding your dreams and you’re spending and eating habits. But you can be sure that you will find what you are looking for. Bon Voyage for your next dream-vacations or your gourmet-tour through the exotic and most beautiful country called Mexico.

Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.