gtrekker

The BBC Profiles provide an economic, historical, and political overview, with a section on current leaders. The Profiles also list the media outlets, which include television and radio stations and the press.

Destination Mexico
Central Mexico's colourful towns have author Andrew Dean Nystrom's heart. He's still not sure about the chilli ice cream though.

Published May/June 2007
In Guanajuato, a colonial city in central Mexico, costumed children perform a work of theater/dance called "El Torito." ...click to view photos

Published September 2006
See the ocean depths from Moby Dick's point of view
In his September 2006 column, "Eye to Eye," adventurer Boyd Matson faces off underwater with a gigantic whale heading his way. With him in Mexico's Sea of Cortes are the researchers of National Geographic's Crittercam team. In this video clip, see amazing footage captured by cameras that the Crittercam team mounted to the backs of sperm whales and humpbacks....click to view video

Published May/June 2007
Riders rediscovering the road…
In the May/June 2007 National Geographic Traveler feature, "Born to Be Wild," contributing editor Patrick J. Kelly trades in his Barcalounger for a motorcycle—and heads to Mexico to relive the adventures of his youth....click to view video

National Geographic's People and Places feature provides a short overview of the destination and include a Features section with related articles, photos, and videos, depending on the destination.

Travel + Leisure Magazine's guide to the greatest hotels worldwide as selected by its team of reporters and editors.

Weatherbase provides historical weather information such as "average number of day above 90," "average number of days with thunderstorms," and other similar types of data.

A-Pod-Calypto: Mayan Ruins Tours (part 3)
Explore the popular ruins of Palenque, with its preserved frescos, delicate drawings and camera-shy agoutis.

From website: Mexico travel information and vacation guides. Discover the fascinating world of Mexico. There are several hidden treasure just waiting to be explored. Ancient Aztec pyramids, authentic foods and fantastic shopping. Whether you're looking to visit past civilizations or simply lay on the beach and work on your golf game... Mexico can accommodate...click for website

From website: Mexico is located in the northern region of the American continent between the Gulf of Mexico on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It is bordered by the United States on the north and by Guatemala and Belize on the south. Mexico's land area extends 1,964,375 sq km, which is divided into six tourist regions...click for website

Up-to-date information provided by the State Department on matters such as passport and visa requirements, safety and security, crime, health and medical issues, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It also links to Travel Warnings for that country, if there is one.

Frommer's Forums are divided into countries, and all the messages relating to a country are presented in a list that makes it easy to browse through the topics.

Review site with hotel reviews and candid photos posted by users.

Concierge.com destinations guides include information on getting there, getting around, lodging, places to eat, see and do, ... etc. Although Concierge.com may not have as many hotel recommendations as some guide books, they provide hotel photos along with the recommendations. The destinations guides also have links to articles about the destination published by Concierge.com or Conde Nast Traveler.

Frommer's has put a substantial amount of content online, making Frommers.com a good resource for travel planning. The site is easy to navigate since all the destinations are organized by similar topics such as "Getting There," "Restaurants," and "Suggested Itineraries."

USA Today's Country Guides have information on topics such as Money, Health, Accommodations, Entertainment, Top Things To Do and See, Getting There, Getting Around, Climate, and Map. You can also select the topics you are interested in and create a mini guide that puts all the information on one page for easy reading.

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published December 2003
Why settle for a country house when you can settle in a foreign country? Carolina Buia reports on making yourself at home in nine to-die-for destinations ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
February 2006
As you stand at the window in room 216 of Morelia's hotel Los Juaninos, the first word that comes to mind might well be divine. In front of you are the decorative dual bell towers of the glorious cathedral (one of the country's most exquisite) that graces this charming colonial city midway between Mexico City and Guadalajara. ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2006
Your indispensable guide to 35 rigorously vetted villa rental agents in 16 countries

Caribbean
Barbados
Timothy Roney, LaCURE Villas, Toronto
180 properties (low season, $2,100-$39,700; high season, $3,300-$46,500).
Overall portfolio: $$$
In the 20 years he has been operating in Barbados, Roney has amassed a collection of beautifully furnished homes in sunset-view beach locations. He recommends Barbados to families because its beaches are child-friendly, the water is calm, and there's plenty to do to keep kids entertained. He makes things easy for the parents, too: You'll be met at the airport and driven to your villa, where your rental car or jeep will be waiting. Each villa includes a maid, a cook, and access to a 24-hour concierge (800-387-2726; tim.roney@lacure.com; lacurevillas.com). ... click for full article

In addition to standard listings on attractions, restaurants, and lodging, Fodors.com has a section called "Features" that are specific to the destination. For example, the Features section for Paris has articles titled "Cheese Primer," "Bistro to Brasserie," "Pampering Spas," . . . etc.

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2005
Welcome to the real Southern California-a peninsular playground of migrating whales, tony resorts, and the continent's last remaining undeveloped beaches. Susan Hack dives in ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published November 2005
Finding plenty of room at the inn in Todos Santos, Tom Huth and family celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way

On the nights leading up to Christmas, towns all over Mexico come alive with processions-las posadas, they call them-that reenact Joseph and Mary's long-ago search for an inn. So on our first evening in Todos Santos, after settling into our three-bedroom poolside manger, we venture out, a family of six, to join the parade. ... click for full article

In addition to standard listings on attractions, restaurants, and lodging, Fodors.com has a section called "Features" that are specific to the destination. For example, the Features section for Paris has articles titled "Cheese Primer," "Bistro to Brasserie," "Pampering Spas," . . . etc.

IGoUGo is a travel review site. The reviews are organized into "journals," which are a collection of reviews by an author about a trip, such as reviews on hotels, restaurants, nightlife, experiences, photos, ... etc.

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published February 2003
Why are these turquoise waters the most popular? Here are 30 resorts, stretching from Cancun to Trinidad. Included are big, busy ports like Charlotte Amalie, but also a selection of the islands' best and prettiest little harbors and anchorages.

1. Basseterre, St Kitts
scenic area, easy excursions, good shops and galleries
2. Bequia, Grenadines
scenic area, safe and secure
3. Bridgetown, Barbados
scenic area, good beach, easy excursions, good shops and galleries, safe and secure
4. Cancun, Mexico
good food, good beach, easy excursions, safe and secure ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2004
The movie had it wrong. Bo wasn't perfect, the Mexican beach was-and most still are. Bob Payne tests nine world-class resort towns, from classic Acapulco to authentic Zihuatanejo ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published April 2004
How can you avoid the tourist mobs in a world that's quickly shrinking? Here are some of the most direct routes to the road less traveled

On a recent trip to Cozumel, I encountered more T-shirt outlets, knickknack shops, and Senor Frog's bars than anyone should have to endure. (Actually, there was only one Senor Frog's, but that was one too many.) Seven cruise ships were anchored at the docks, each having disgorged hundreds of American passengers who were trolling the busy avenue along the waterfront for souvenirs before sailing off to their next port. While I was having lunch in a noisy restaurant packed with other tourists, an American spring-breaker seated near me had one too many margaritas and got sick out the window. ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2004
The movie had it wrong. Bo wasn't perfect, the Mexican beach was-and most still are. Bob Payne tests nine world-class resort towns, from classic Acapulco to authentic Zihuatanejo ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published July 2003
Bonaire
A pioneer and the model for other islands, it's been charging divers $10 a year since 1992 to coffer management costs, including educational programs and patrols.

Bunaken, Indonesia
The local dive operators association lobbied to have a fee imposed, and the revenue has been used to reduce cyanide- and blast-fishing.
... click for full article

From Lonely Planet
If you think tequila was designed to give poor university students a quick drunk, a visit to the Mexican state of Jalisco - where the vast majority of the drink is made - will change your mind....click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published January 2004
The trials of taking a toddler on vacation
It should have been a dream assignment: Head off with my son, Charlie, on a week's vacation to the family-friendly resort of my choice-someplace that would take all the work out of traveling with a 16-month-old. It ended up being my most harrowing trip ever. And believe me, there's competition: I've slept in mosquito-infested dumps in Laos, biked through downtown Beijing at rush hour, and driven around the West Bank and Israel in a car with Palestinian plates. For sheer physical distress and anxiety, however, nothing beats my latest challenge: the Club Med in Ixtapa, Mexico. ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2004
The movie had it wrong. Bo wasn't perfect, the Mexican beach was-and most still are. Bob Payne tests nine world-class resort towns, from classic Acapulco to authentic Zihuatanejo ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published August 2006
For 750 miles, Highway 200 in Mexico tracks a coast that mixes great surfing, funky bars, cowboys, mountain towns, and beachside havens of great luxury. Ondine Cohane takes the trip ... click for full article

In addition to standard listings on attractions, restaurants, and lodging, Fodors.com has a section called "Features" that are specific to the destination. For example, the Features section for Paris has articles titled "Cheese Primer," "Bistro to Brasserie," "Pampering Spas," . . . etc.

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published June 2004
The movie had it wrong. Bo wasn't perfect, the Mexican beach was-and most still are. Bob Payne tests nine world-class resort towns, from classic Acapulco to authentic Zihuatanejo ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published October 2002
Queretaro and Morelia may lack beaches and significant pre-Columbian ruins, but they are rich in Spanish colonial treasures, while Pátzcuaro retains much of its indigenous flavor. (The country code for Mexico is 52.)

Morelia
High on a hill, the Villa Montana, Morelia's most beautiful and luxurious hotel, has spectacular views of the town from 25 terra-cotta-colored villas surrounded by gardens, terraces, and a pool (443-314-0231; villamontana.com.mx; doubles, $187). The comfortable Hotel Catedral, converted from a 17th-century mansion, is directly across from the magnificent cathedral (443-313-0783; doubles, $82). Two other converted mansions also close to the cathedral are the Hotel Virrey de Mendoza (443-312-0633; doubles, $111) and the Hotel Los Juaninos, with a pretty rooftop restaurant (443-312-0036; hoteljuaninos.com.mx; doubles, $144). ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published November 2003
Millions of Mexico's people seek protection and comfort from the Virgin of Guadalupe. Andrew Harvey seeks to understand why

From above, Mexico looked like pictures of the moon. Totally dead, dirt-colored, with little metallically gleaming lakes. Not at all as I had imagined from the line of D. H. Lawrence's that has haunted me since I first read it at the age of 14 in The Plumed Serpent: "And he saw Mexico lying like a dark woman with white breast-tips." As we landed in Mexico City-the plane shaking like a toy in gale force winds-my partner, Eryk, whispered to me, "It's like landing on elephant skin." ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published February 2005
It began as a rumor: Chic hotels had opened, classy restaurants. The downtown was clean-and so were the skies! Joel Simon needed to know how much his beloved Mexico City had really changed ... click for full article

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published October 2002
Where was Queretaro? A famous and grisly painting gave it mystique. Then somebody whispered to Gully Wells, "It's Mexico's secret jewel." And so, finally, she went ...

Sometimes a journey can be inspired by a single image, but in this particular case, it was two: one a painting, the other a photograph. The painting, by edouard Manet, was of an execution. The palette, like the image, was grim. A group of soldiers dressed in gray were aiming their rifles, with bayonets attached, at almost point-blank range, at three men standing in front of an inky wall. Clouds of smoke obscured the blood and gore but did nothing to stop your imagination from working overtime to envisage the true horror of the scene. And true it was, because the subject was the execution of Emperor Maximilian, the Hapsburg prince who had foolishly assumed the crown of Mexico, reigned for three years, and ended up before a firing squad in Queretaro in 1867. I never forgot the painting but had no idea where or what Queretaro was. That is, until I came across a photograph of the interior patio of a Moorish-looking palace called La Casa de la Marquesa, which, I guessed quite wrongly, must be in Andalusia. But the caption clearly read Queretaro. ... click for full article

Muy Bonita Vallarta
As Hurricane John moves on, Puerto Vallarta is again airing its considerable cultural charms.

A-Pod-Calypto: Mayan Ruins Tours (part 2)
Listen to the pounding rain and the hefty insects as you explore the ruins of Kohunlich and Dzibanche.

A-Pod-Calypto: Mayan Ruins Tours (part 4)
The Mayans took sun worshipping to a new level, sacrificing themselves to get closer to their god. Join Ray on his final Mayan ruins tour.

From Conde Nast Traveler
Published April 2007
Seven centuries after the collapse of the Mayan civilization, a new kingdom-of high-end hospitality-is rising in Mexico's far east. Sarah Kerr reports ... click for full article

From Travel + Leisure Family
Published November 2006
Some call it the Riviera Maya. Some call it the Mayan Riviera. We call it Mexico's ultimate easy vacation-especially if you park your clan at one of these four resorts, each with its own inviting take on beach living...click for full article

Destination Yucatan
It'll take more than Hurricane Wilma to dampen the Mayan sprit. Join Suzanne Plank in the luscious green heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A-Pod-Calypto: Mayan Ruins Tours (part 1)
Listen to the first instalment of our four-part podcast on the ancient Mayan ruins of Yucatan. This week, the beachfront city of Tulum. Did they wear bikinis back then?