Cruising The World - 5 Great Cruising Destinations

Are you stuck and wondering where you should go for cruising next? A cruise is normally considered to be one of the best ways enjoying the holiday; without having the hassle of having to organize the entire trip. The only tough part of planning a cruise is usually deciding where to go. When it comes to deciding on where to cruise, all you need to bear in mind is what destination best appeals to you. Some of the five greatest cruising destinations attraction includes Alaska, Mexico, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Caribbean's.

1. Caribbean

Caribbean Cruise

The Caribbean is usually a picture perfect place as it is characterized by the sun, sand and the sea. It offers one the opportunity of hoping from one idyllic island to another. It is also coupled with a number of sporting activities which include jet skiing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking. It also features a number of itineraries. The sparkling blue sea and the white sands featured with the gorgeous sun makes you wish you were born in the Caribbean. It is of no surprise that the Caribbean is one of the greatest and most sought destinations for cruising. 

2. Hawaii

Cruising in the tranquil waters of Hawaii can be a really magical experience. Cruising in Hawaii allows voyagers to view the dramatically cleaved, green clad volcanic cliffs that seem to drop down to the sea. The good thing about Hawaii is that it is characterized by tropical climate; which means that you can visit it at any time of the year. 

Mexico Cruise

3. Mexico

There are usually different options for cruises when it comes to Mexico. Acapulco, Vallarta and Puerto usually come alive accompanied with strong margaritas and very lively mariachi bands. Each of these coasts does feature amazing beaches. The best time to visit Mexico is usually considered to be in November through April. This is because during this time the weather is less humid and cooler.  And if you are into cultural experiences, see The Story Of The Mayan Culture In Mexico And Guatemala

4. Alaska

Alaska is a great place to cruise for those who love adventure. It is characterized by the most awe-inspiring glaciers, wildlife and mountains. It is the perfect place for picturesque scenery. There is a host of activities which you can engage in which include dog sledding and wildlife tours. It is only in Alaska that you can best learn about the Americans who originated from Alaska. Are you looking for breath taking scenery, exploration, wildlife and a bit of history thrown in? Then Alaska is the place for you. It's definitely one of the best cruising destinations, attraction. The best time to visit Alaska is said to be between June and August.   See related article Alaska - The Fishing Industry and the Job Opprtunity.

5. Hong Kong

If you want to immerse your self in some of the greatest surroundings then Hong Kong is the best place to cruise. It is characterized by natural wonders and enchanting wildlife. The area is blessed with a all year round warm climate. There are also a number of itineraries that do cover the region. 

Before you decide to go for a cruise at any place of your preference it is always good to get more information about the place you are intending to go. You can also look out for offers and discounts which will save you some extra money.

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The Story Of The Mayan Culture In Mexico And Guatemala

Have you heard of the Mayan Culture in Mexico and Guatemala? This Mesoamerican civilization has been noted to develop a written language, an intricate art and architecture in the pre-Columbian Americas. Mayan influences are identified in other Central American neighboring countries such as Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and as far as Mexico. This is one great historic civilization in Central America that you don't want to miss.

Mayan People Created Books

If you will get the chance to see their books, it's full of pictures, dots, and lines instead of words. These drawings tell a story and the dots and lines symbolized numbers. Although they had books, not all of them were trained or literate enough to understand those books. Only the priest class had the authority to read and write those books. The Mayans had a lot of books but some priests burned them when the Spanish arrived and only the four original books which they called the "codices" survived.

The Famous Mayan Calendar

Mayan Calendar

The Mayan Calendar is actually three calendars in one. The First one is called the Tzolkin that has 260 days more or less based on the nine months birth period. The second is called the Haab which happens to have 365 days based on the solar year. And the third is called the Calendar Round which comprises both the Tzolkin and the Haab together that refers to a 52 years solar period. The solar calendar of the Mayan Civilization is very accurate, even more accurate than what we use today. In some parts of Central America, people are still using these calendars. And for that reason some believed that the end of the world will be on 2012, because the Mayan Calendar only has until December of 2012 and will then reset back to zero after that.

Mayan Temples and Cities in Guatemala

Tikal in Guatemala was one of the major and predominant cities of the Mayan Civilization. Mayans inhabited Tikal for centuries reaching its highest position of influence in the whole Mayan Culture between 200AD to 900AD. Today, Tikal National Park in Guatemala covers around 222 square miles of the ruins and thick Guatemalan rainforest that the Mayans left. The portions that were excavated in 2008 revealed five large pyramids and temples. And these temples are about 138 to 213 feet in height. You can almost feel their power and superiority at that time

Mayan Ruined Cities in Mexico

There are three areas in Mexico that were inhabited by the Mayans. The largest ruin of them all is the one in Chichen Itza and it's also one of the most visited places by the travelers today. Most the Mayan architecture in this place was an arrangement of Mayan and Toltec styles because of the influence of the Iztaes in the tenth century. Another area in Mexico inhabited by the Mayans is the Talum which is believed to be the latest relic of the Mayan Civilization. It is also the most well preserved among the Mayan cities and it has a very astounding view of the Caribbean Sea. The Palenque is considered to be the medium-sized Mayan site as it's not really a big area for a Mayan city. However, Palenque contained the best example of the Mayan Culture's architecture, sculptures, and carvings. 

Mayan Great Civilization

The End of Mayan Great Civilization

Mayan culture and cities stood for thousands of years until the Spanish came to conquer the whole land of Central America. It was assumed that the Spanish power and strength are more than the Mayan's control and authority that many were killed and many got ill. Mayan medicine couldn't withstand foreign power and fight illnesses that the Mayan Civilization eventually lost all control and mysteriously disappeared and that concluded their culture's downfall.

The Mayan culture was not really defined as one big ethnically similar people. They considered themselves as one group or community but with differences in ancestry, language, and geography. These differences made them a strong community but it was also considered their downfall because of the disunity among them.

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