Tulum - The Mayan City of Trade on the Caribbean Coastline

As I prepare to embark on leading another group trip, I am looking forward to my surface interval adventure on the last day of our adventure before heading home.

Traveling Back in Time

Did you know in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, just a little over 80 miles south of the tourism metropolis of Cancun, you can step back into the ancient times of the magnificent Mayan world? Once a booming coastal port providing for the inland city of Cobá, Tulum still stands strong on a Yucatan coastal cliff above the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea.  A reflection of this once thriving city, the well-preserved ruins now stand as the perfect insight into the Mayan way of life from centuries ago.

Last of the Mayan Cities

Tulum got its early beginnings sometime between 250-600 AD, but further developed into

an important part of the Mayan empire during the years of 1200-1530 AD.  One of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya, it is believed the original name of this port city was "Zama", meaning City of Dawn.  The name was later changed to Tulum, the Yucatec word for "wall", "fence" or "fortification", most likely because of the defensible 26-foot thick, 9- to 16-foot high walls on the three land-bound sides of the city, with a 39-foot limestone cliff on the ocean side.  Entrance to the city was via one of five tunnels through these formidable walls.

Tulum - Vibrant Hub of Trade

Tulum - One of the few Mayan cities built with a wall

In its hay-day, with an estimated population of 1,000 to 1,600 inhabitants, Tulum was a thriving trade hub for obsidian, turquoise and jade. Maintaining trade routes all the way down to Belize, other goods imported and exported from Tulum included salt, textiles, ceramics, copper and gold.  The vast majority of the city’s residents lived outside the walls, leaving the interior for the residences of the ruling class and ceremonial structures. A small cenote near the northern side of the wall provided the city with fresh water.

The Prominent Structures of Tulum

El Castillo - the castle

The dominating structure in the city was "El Castillo", the castle.  Once covered in stucco and painted in brilliant reds, yellows and blues, it appears to have been built as the main tower to keep a watchful eye over both the city and sea.  A small shrine on the tower appears to have been used as a beacon for seafaring canoes. This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming in.  Other prominent structures were the "Templo de las Pinturas", the temple of the frescoes, which appears to have been used as an observatory to track the movements of the sun.  The third major structure appears to have been an important site for the worship of the "diving" or "descending" god known to the Mayans as Kukulcan.  Depicted as and upside-down figure on the "Templo del Dios Descendente", he is also known as the bee god and seems to be associated with the setting sun.

Kukulcan - the Descending God

The Mayans maintained occupancy of Tulum up until the early 16th century. The city managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.  However, by the end of the 16th century, thanks to the introduction of disease, and the disruption of the Mayan society by the Spaniards, this former stronghold had been completely abandoned.

Visiting the Ruins of Tulum

Being a relatively small archeological site, it is possible to experience Tulum in only a couple of hours, making it ideal to combine touring this site with another half-day excursion nearby like Xel Ha, Xcaret or Playa Del Carmen.  Unlike Chichen Itza further inland, visitors may escape the heat by traversing the stairs to the beautiful beach below and taking a refreshing dip in the sea.  That being said, don't forget to bring the basics - water, a hat, and sunscreen - with you to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, as temperatures in this area can get very warm during parts of the year.  Also, remember to wear cool, breathable clothing, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and insect repellent.  And don't forget your camera and money for souvenirs.  Even though it is one of the most visited Mayan ruins, Tulum is generally never over-crowded.  And for you wildlife admirers and photographers, you will be happy to know iguanas and butterflies are often in abundance here.

So don't forget during your travels to the Yucatan Peninsula to take some time out during your vacation to escape to the past and visit this majestic reflection of Mayan society perfectly placed as the only Mayan ruin to be found along Mexico's Caribbean coastline..."Riviera Maya".

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How Far In Advance Should You Plan A Scuba Vacation?

For all those scuba travelers out there who think the best way to get a great deal is to wait until the last minute - think again. Often times, you'll find the early bird gets the worm.  When you wait, you may find resorts in your desired destination are encountering high demand at that time, or worse, filled, and then there will be no bargains to be found.  And for those who do find that bargain basement deal, is it really all you wanted to experience in your vacation?

Those travelers who plan in advance generally have an advantage over the last-minute bargain hunters.  Working with a dive travel specialist, scuba travelers can mold their vacation to suit their tastes and needs. Creating the perfect trip that encompasses everything it should takes time.  Wait for a "deal" and be prepared to settle for something not so special.

So the question then is how far out should you start to think about your next adventure or relaxing getaway?  Well, there are 3 main factors to take into consideration:

1. Where you want to go.
2. What time of year you want to go.
3. How important is it to you to create the ideal experience.

Where you want to go

Ideal planning times firstly depend on the destination. International scuba trips by their nature simply require more lead time than your average domestic vacation.  Trips to Asia or the Pacific islands should be booked far more in advance than a trip to the Caribbean. As a minimum, I say a good general rule of thumb would be for trips to Asia or a Pacific island, book at least 9-10 months out; Caribbean or Mexican destinations 3-4 months out; Central American destinations 6 months out; and South American or African destinations also 9-10 months out.  Liveaboards, no matter the destination, should be planned 12-18 months out to have a better chance at securing the itinerary and the type of cabin you desire.

What time of year you want to go

Most destinations will have definitive "seasons" - those times of the year when levels of demand vary. Generally resorts base their pricing on high season, low season, and the in between shoulder season. Traveling during high season, with its greatest level of demand because of preferred conditions, requires advanced planning for obvious reasons.  This can hold true for shoulder season as well, though to a slightly lesser degree. If you opt to travel to a destination during low season, this is when you have a lot more leeway.  This is when the last minute deals are to be had, but at a different price.  You should be aware that you are being offered the lower price because generally this season is during less than optimal conditions.

How important is it to you to create the ideal experience

Was there a special occasion you wanted to celebrate on this trip?  Was there a particular event you wanted to experience that only happens a certain time of year? What normally happens to last minute shoppers, especially during high or shoulder season, is that you are not able to plan your perfect trip. Now you have to settle for what’s left or don't go. It is not unusual when a diver waits until the last minute to contact me, that I put together a great proposal, only to have to come back to them the next day and say that the last room was booked, or that unique experience no longer has availability.

As we all know, scuba vacations are rarely cheap.  That's not to say you can't find a dive vacation package that isn't a great value.  But the last-minute dive traveler may not find the ideal experience he or she was searching for.  That said, if it is a choice between last minute travel or not at all, let's go.  However, an ideal vacation is more than a financial investment.  It is an investment in the enrichment of your soul and well-being.  Isn't that worth spending time to craft the experience to what you need?

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter.  Join today.

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Flying Can Be A Real Pain In The Buttocks - Literally

Do you ever feel like a twisted pretzel when you get off of a plane?  I know I do.  My husband always laughs at me because, with my smaller stature, I can manage to curl myself into some interesting positions in a plane seat in my efforts to catch some zzz's.  But because of this, I often feel some interesting aches and pains when it is time to stand up and move.  

So what do I do to try to combat these plane pains?  Here are my hacks for those airborne aches.

Keep Hydrated

Drink plenty of water or other caffeine-free beverages, such as fruit juices to remain hydrated.  Make sure to do this while on the plane and off.  Keeping your body well-hydrated helps minimize muscle aches and keeps you feeling refreshed.

Do Some Simple Stretches

If you are on a long international flight, try to get up and walk the aisle a bit, when you are allowed.  If you can't do that, then do a couple of simple neck stretches like bringing your chin to your chest, or your ear to your shoulder.  Make sure you are sitting up straight when doing this for proper stretching.  Also, you might want to roll your shoulders forward and backward.

When you are waiting at baggage claim for your luggage, you can loosen up with a few quick calf or quad stretches.  Do a small backward lunge to stretch your calf and hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.  For you quads, grab one of your feet and pull it toward your buttocks and hold.  If you need, use a nearby wall, or the shoulder of your travel companion, to balance on.

Once you get settled in your room at the resort you can do a few more stretches for stretching your buttocks and relaxing the muscles in your back.  First, lay on the floor.  Cross your right ankle over your left knee in a figure-four pose, interlace your hands underneath your left thigh, and gently pull this leg toward your chest.  Switch sides.

Finally, you can do some classic yoga stretches like the cat-cow and the downward dog-cobra-child poses.  Always remember to breath through your stretches for better results and to feel more refreshed.

Change Your Clothes

Whether your are making that final connection for the short hop to your destination, or you've actually made it all the way to your resort, at a minimum, changing into fresh clothes can make you feel more comfortable.  Even your comfy old travel sweats can seem a bit binding after you've been compressed in a plane seat for a while. The act of just changing to something fresh, and preferably a little looser, will make your muscles feel a little less constricted.

Hot and Cold Therapy

If you have the time after you've settled in your room and your accommodations kindly provide you with a mini-fridge, then try this combo therapy method.  First, moisten a hand towel or washcloth and put it in the fridge for a few minutes to cool (do not freeze).  Take it out and massage your sore muscles with the chilled towel for up to 20 minutes (return the towel to the fridge as necessary to keep chilled).  After this, then you should follow up with a warm shower, or a nice soak in a hot bath.

Rub with a Rubber Racquetball

Maybe you've heard of or already use the technique of elongating your muscles with a foam roller, but this is not something you would give up valuable luggage space for; and you don't always have access to a gym at your resort which may or may not even have a foam roller.  So here is what I suggest, pack a firm rubber racquetball in your carry-on.  It is small and compact, and you can use it in small spaces to roll away any tight muscle knots you are suffering from.  Back in your resort room, you can place the ball between you and the wall, and roll it up and down to get to those hard to reach spots.

Try Arnica

Recently one of my coworkers introduced me to this homeopathic remedy.  There are oral doses available, but I suggest bringing along the gel formulation to apply topically to those achy muscles.  It may sometimes take a couple of days to fully kick in, but relief of inflammation and pain is on the way with consistent application.

Book a Massage

Finally, I highly suggest partaking of an exquisite massage.  I always schedule a massage or two on my vacations.  They are an absolute blessing after a long journey to your destination or at the end of an amazing scuba vacation.  Don't think of it as an unnecessary expense, but instead as an unforgettable addition of relaxation  to your getaway.  Plan ahead and ask your travel specialist to book a massage for you upon your arrival, and then you can always schedule another one with the spa while you are there once your dive days are done.
Trust me - you will never regret it!

How about you?  Do you have any tips you'd like to share to relieve those aches & pains from long flights?

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter.  Join today.

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10 Travel Tips & Tricks to Save You Time & Money

1.  Scan your passport, insurance cards (especially DAN), cert card (or better yet, get yourself an E-card), and credit cards you plan to take with you.  I keep a scanned copy on a flash drive, and I print a hard copy that I stow in the lining of my suitcase (and later in my room safe).  This way you'll have backup in case you lose anything while traveling.

2.  Pack your photo ID, medicines, prescriptions, cash, keys, jewelry, electronics, and cameras in your carry-on baggage — not your checked baggage. (For scuba divers, this should also include your dive computers, too.)  Make sure all prescriptions are in their original container with the prescription label. Do not put them in a pill box when traveling.

3.  Get yourself a refillable sport bottle.  Purchase one that will easily attach to your backpack or carry-on, or one that is collapsible so that you can easily stuff it into your personal bag.  When you get to the other side of TSA, just fill it up at the nearest fountain.  This is an easy way to avoid the over-priced water bottles at the airport.  Packing some nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit to snack on into your personal bag is also a good way to save on the high price of food while you wait for your flight.

4.  Pack noise-cancelling headphones (or ear plugs), eye mask, neck pillow, and jacket or thin blanket in your carry-on to make that long-haul international flight more comfortable and restful.

5.  Make sure to use a checklist when packing to avoid forgetting anything.  Make notes on this list upon your return home of anything you might want to pack the next time.  Scratch of those things  you found unnecessary.  (Get my handy dandy diver's checklist at the end of this blog.)

6.    Put a copy of your itinerary (with your name, hotel info, contact number, and home address) inside each of your bags (checked & carry-on) in case you should get separated from them for any reason.  This will make it easier to get your bags back to you.

7.  TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry can save you a lot of time in the security, immigration and customs lines when traveling internationally.  If you haven't signed up for at least TSA Pre-Check, I highly recommend you do.  It will save you a lot of stress at the airport.

8.  Another stress-saver is travel insurance.  You've saved up your valuable time and money for this awesome scuba vacation.  What are you going to do when the unthinkable happens and you can't make the trip, or have to head home from the trip early.  Travel insurance will give you that peace of mind that you are prepared when the unexpected happens.

9.  Taking cash with you?  Remember to break it down into smaller denominations.  This makes it easier to tip your taxi or porter.  Generally, no matter way you go, breaking anything larger than a $20 can be difficult in foreign countries.

10.  If  you decide to get cash in the local currency, use an ATM rather than a currency exchange desk for the best rate.  Check with your bank or credit card before you leave to find out if you will incur any foreign transaction fees when doing this.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our Diver's Packing List just because.    Join today.

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Forget Resolutions. Make Plans for 2018.

Travel More

The beauty of travel is it is a cure for what ails us.  The act of traveling provides us with a sense of escape.  An abandoning of the everyday stressors.  Travel helps us feel more relaxed, happier, healthier, rejuvenated and prepared to be more successful upon our return to work.

Worried about when to take that well-deserved vacation?  Pick a slow time of the year for your business.  Then commit.  Book well in advance.

Be a Global Citizen

Travel enforces the reality that we are all part of a larger global community.  Travel across international borders fosters a greater appreciation for other countries & cultures.  Make a concerted effort to spread your wings and travel farther from home.

Be Kind to the Environment

Select a destination that is eco-concious and offers sustainable travel and conservation programs.  Make a pledge this year to give back to Mother Nature.  Be conscientious, appreciate your beautiful surroundings, and be a good steward.  Be aware of and limit your plastic use, and choose coral-safe sunscreen and body-care products.

Conquer a Fear

Push yourself out of your comfort zone.  Broaden your horizons.  Voyage to a resort off-the-beaten path.  Go on a shark dive.  Zipline through a jungle canopy.  Be adventurous.  Be bold.  Try something new.  The options are endless.

Get in Scuba Shape

Outsiders and newbies may not realize this, but as an experienced diver, you know scuba requires strength, muscular endurance, and a good range of motion.  As divers, our experience with conditions like strong currents, cold water, poor visibility, and other challenging conditions can sometimes test our metal.  As a fit diver, we are more likely to dive more often, be safer, and push ourselves to advance our training.  The benefits of being a fit scuba diver include easier handling of gear, better use of air, and a greater enjoyment of the sport.

Strengthen a Relationship

Travel has a magic which brings people together and deepens relationships through shared experiences.  Whether it be a spouse, parent, sibling, or dive buddy, spending quality time together forges a lifetime of memories and strengthens those existing bonds.

Go Slow and Take Time

Go slow and discover things most "tourists" might miss.  You've traveled half-way around the world to experience this destination. Take time to soak in the sun, learn the history, absorb the culture, and savor a delectable delight as you encounter all the different and wonderful things this corner of the world has to offer.

Inspiration is the impetus for planning.  I hope I have inspired you to discover our big, beautiful world in a way that will satisfy your soul.  Time to make those plans.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.

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Discover Malaysia's Treasure Trove for Divers

For this week's blog I find myself focusing again on a destination in the Coral Triangle. So, you ask me, exactly what and where is the Coral Triangle I keep talking about?  Well, the Coral Triangle is an area in the western Pacific that includes the tropical marine waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.  Home to the richest reefs on Earth, it is sometimes referred to as the Amazon of the ocean.  Within the Coral Triangle you'll experience the epicenter of global marine biodiversity, not only for fish and corals, but many other marine organisms as well.  The Triangle's 2.2 million square miles is also a global priority for conservation efforts.

So where do we travel to today then?

Let's dive into the amazing waters that encircle a seamount carpeted in verdant rainforest and white sand beaches, surrounded by a coral reef that grew atop an ancient volcanic cone.  Found along the western border of the Coral Triangle, east of Malaysian Borneo, is the small wonder called Sipadan.
  

Diving the waters of Sipadan are what legends are made of. Most dive sites being walls, divers can gaze into infinity at the deep blue waters below.  Here calm waters reign, allowing for divers of all skill levels to experience the breath-taking beauty. Kick back and relax as easy currents transport you along the walls where you will see turtles noshing on corals, gray and white-tip reef sharks cruising by you occasionally shooting you a curious glance, and an endless kaleidoscope of reef fish and corals.  You may even find yourself engulfed in whirling schools of trevally, or enjoying the parade as a school of bumphead parrotfish march on by.  Take a moment to venture away from the wall and you could spy a scalloped hammerhead shark or observe the enthralling acrobatics of an eagle ray. Safety stops are even exciting view points as the top of most walls conveniently exist at safety-stop depths.

When should you visit Sipadan?

Since Sipadan is not in a monsoonal belt, diving is a year-round activity at the island.  However, if you prefer the "dry season", then you should visit between March and October when rains will not lessen the spectacular visibility.  Sipadan is a popular destination with divers, and there are a few "peak seasons" you may wish to avoid.  The months of July & August are considered peak season, as well as the holiday week between Christmas & New Year, and the week of Easter. The Eastern holidays of Chinese New Year in February, and the Golden Week which falls the first week of May and the first week of October are also considered peak times. The rest of the year is yours to choose from.

Book Early - Permits are limited to Dive Sipadan

Traveling during less popular times is important due to dive permit issues.  At one time Sipadan had at least half a dozen resorts on the island and was heavily visited.  This eventually took a visible toll on the reef's ecosystem, so in 2005 the resorts were forced to relocate to other nearby islands and Sipadan became a marine park.  A permit system began in 2006 which limited the amount of visitors per day and the number of resorts which could provide permits to divers.  Due to the limited amount of permits available, during peak seasons you may not be able to obtain a permit to dive Sipadan.  To ensure your best chances to dive this island, you should book during the low seasons, plan to stay for at least 7 days to increase your chances that one of those days you will be able to go to the island, and make sure to book early.  This give the resort more opportunity to obtain that precious permit for you.

The late Jacques Cousteau once described Sipadan Island as an untouched piece of art, while divers around the world have voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world. This crown jewel of Malaysia is a treasure trove of some of the most wonderous species to be seen and should definitely be on the top of your bucket list.

Want to learn more about Sipadan and the dive resorts nearby that have access to this amazing island?  Just contact me.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.

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CONTACT LIZ TO PLAN YOUR CUSTOM VACATION NOW

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