A Journey through Mayan
Marvels, Rich Reefs &
Ocean Serenity

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Progreso

Progreso is a popular tourist destination located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is part of the state of Yucatan and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled exploration, Progreso has something to offer for every type of traveler.

The most notable attraction in Progreso is its stunning beach. The long stretch of white sandy coastline and crystal-clear turquoise waters make it a paradise for beach lovers. Tourists can spend their days lounging under the sun, swimming in the calm waters, or engaging in various water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you are a fishing enthusiast, Progreso is also a great place for deep-sea fishing, with chances to catch marlin, dorado, and many other species.

Progreso is also a gateway to some of Mexico's most famous archaeological sites, including Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin complex dating back to the 9th century AD and is known for its iconic pyramid, El Castillo. Other nearby ruins include Uxmal and Dzibilchaltun, offering visitors a chance to dive into the rich history and ancient civilizations of the region.

For those interested in the local culture, Progreso offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican heritage and modern tourist offerings. The Malecon, a waterfront promenade, is a vibrant hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and bars. Here, visitors can sample local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don't forget to try the region's delicious seafood, including ceviche and grilled fish, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

Progreso also hosts various festivals throughout the year, showcasing the vibrant culture and traditions of the region. The annual Carnival, typically held in February or March, is a colorful celebration with parades, music, dancing, and fireworks. The Progreso Fair, held in December, is another popular event featuring agricultural exhibits, live music, and traditional dances.

If you are in the mood for adventure, Progreso offers several exciting excursions. You can embark on a thrilling boat tour to explore the nearby mangroves and spot wildlife such as crocodiles, flamingos, and various bird species. The nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with clear water, offer a unique opportunity for swimming and snorkeling in an otherworldly setting. You can also take a day trip to the charming colonial city of Merida, just a short drive away from Progreso, to explore its architecture, markets, and museums.

In terms of accommodation, Progreso has a range of options to suit every budget. From luxury resorts and beachfront hotels to cozy guesthouses and vacation rentals, there is something for everyone. The town is easily accessible from the nearby city of Merida, which has an international airport and provides convenient transportation options to Progreso.

In conclusion, Progreso is a picturesque and welcoming destination that offers a blend of stunning beaches, cultural richness, and historical significance. Whether you are a beach lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Progreso has something to offer for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and proximity to archaeological sites, Progreso is a must-visit destination in Mexico.

Roatán Island

Roatán is an island in the Caribbean, about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. It's a popular destination for tourists, with its white sand beaches, clear blue water and laid-back atmosphere.

There are a number of ways to get to Roatán, but the most popular is to fly into the Roatán International Airport, which is served by a number of major airlines. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your hotel or resort.

Once you're on the island, there are plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea or snorkeling or diving in the reefs.

If you're looking for something a little more active, there's plenty to do as well. You can go hiking or biking in the jungle, go zip-lining or horseback riding, or take a boat tour to see the island's dolphins and monkeys.

No matter what you do, you're sure to have a great time on Roatán.

Belize City

In Belize nearly all journeys begin and end in Belize City, the
country's biggest urban enclave and port of entry, though in truth
it's not a very enticing tourist destination in itself. Belize City
sits in a swamp that stretches across Haulover Creek at the mouth
of the Belize River, criss-crossed with narrow streets and rather
smelly canals which are lined with a jolly jumble of buildings,
some little more than dilapidated shacks and others attempts at
rather pretentious modern stores. In between are some pretty wooden
houses and colonial landmark buildings.

The city has clung tenaciously to its muddy roots since it was
abandoned as a Mayan fishing camp in the 1600s and taken over by
pirates and buccaneers as a logging camp. Late in the 17th century,
the Spanish cut down the mahogany upriver, floated the logs
downstream and exported them from the motley little encampment at
the river mouth. Later the British established Belize Town, which
began the city's formal, rather tragic, passage into modern times.
Three times devastated by fires, scourged by disease epidemics,
flattened by hurricanes and tidal waves, the city somehow survived.
Today, in the new millennium, it subsists on tourism and fishing,
remaining the cultural, commercial, and social centre of Belize
despite the capital having been moved to Belmopan in 1969.

Most visitors to Belize City come ashore on tenders from dozens
of luxury cruise liners that include the city in their itineraries,
mainly to allow passengers to take adventure excursions to see and
experience the wonderful natural attractions of the interior and
coastline of Belize. Cruise passengers are welcomed at the
showpiece Belize Tourism Village, where courtyards and attractive
buildings contain a variety of restaurants, souvenir shops, craft
stalls, and other facilities to cater for their needs. It is the
departure point for numerous land and marine tours.

Independent visitors to Belize also generally start their
exploration of the country in Belize City, and can find some sights
of interest to fill a few days layover in the town, including the
world's only manually operated swing bridge, some colonial
architectural treasures such as the Paslow Building, the novel St
John's Cathedral built by slaves from bricks brought as ballast in
ships from Europe, and the art gallery at the Bliss Institute,
bequeathed to the city by British Baron, Henry Bliss, who died on
his yacht in the harbour. Also well worth a visit are the Maritime
Museum and Museum of Belize.

Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve

Graced with extensive beaches bleached white by the year-round sun and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters filled with varied and colourful sea life, the islands of the Bahamas are a major destination for divers, sailors and sun-worshippers.

Although often thought to be part of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is actually an archipelago of 700 islands with thousands of small cays strung out in the ocean, starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami in the Atlantic Ocean.

The islands' first inhabitants were the Lucayan Indians who lived here from the 9th century until after Columbus discovered the islands in 1492, making his first step into the New World. The resulting exploitation led to the native population being virtually wiped out. For two hundred years, until independence in 1987, the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony and a strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and culture.

The population of the Bahamas now consists mostly of Bahamians of African descent, who are mainly descended from freed slaves. The strong African cultural influence is evident in everyday life, and in events like Junkanoo, a traditional street festival held every year on Boxing Day. The laidback attitude of life in the Bahamas is infectious, as is the party atmosphere that comes to life in the lively bars and nightclubs of Nassau and Freeport. There is also a strong American cultural influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.

Due to its proximity to the US, the Bahamas has become an offshore banking and financial centre. Tourism, however, remains its most important industry. The long stretches of empty beaches, clear waters, and activities such as swimming with dolphins, hiking and bird-watching in Bahamas National Trust Park, scuba diving in spectacular coral reefs, and enjoying world-class resorts with facilities such as golf courses, casinos and spas have made the Bahamas an immensely popular destination throughout the year.

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.