Snorkels

Is it absolutely essential for me to buy VISION CORRECTION (PRESCRIPTION) diving mask or is the same available in places where we generally Snorkel or scuba-dive .
They are not available in my country and have to order through my sister in the US . If I do , I am a wee bit apprehensive about the after sales service or repair incase of damage ,etc
..But if I have no other option but to buy the same ..someone please do suggest sites where I can get good deals .thanks all ..:)

http://www.seavisionusa.com/index.shtml

I have used the top link for my vision correction for a long time. I have since had eye surgery and no longer need them for general vision. Since I have need for reading, I do use then when doing close up work underwater (yep, they are bifocals)

I do recommend the seavision googles.

A couple other links are below, I have not tried them.

http://www.safevision.net/divinglead.html

http://www.discountdivers.com/fx/msf_masks_1.html

Comfortable snorkeling mask with corrective lenses allow you to see clearly underwater.One-size-fits-all face skirt, fits a wide range of facesHypoallergenic, silicone face skirt provides ultimate comfort”Pro Glide” buckle system provides quick and easy strap adjustmentsTwo-window low volume design provides excellent peripheral visionExpanded top-to-bottom viewing window.

Snorkeling-masks/us-divers-admiral-2-lx-optical-snorkel-mask/#more-386″ class=”more-link”>(more…)

St Lucia is a beautiful island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. The islands landscape is truly stunning with its famous twin ‘pitons’(two green mountains) that exceed 2,000 feet. St Lucia is a relaxed place and a perfect holiday destination to unwind.

Travelling There
St. Lucia is served both international and regional airlines. International fights arrive from both North America and Europe. The Hewanorra International Airport is located in the south of St Lucia. Taxis run frequently from the airport to all resorts on the island.

To get to the island by sea you have a number of options. The Caribbean Express has a hydrofoil service that runs between St. Lucia and Martinique. Also, cruise ships arrive daily at Port Castries and Soufriere.

Accommodation Choices
All the accommodation in St Lucia provides great service, elegance and a tropical atmosphere. Accommodation types on the island include hotels, resorts, villas, inns and guesthouses. Popular resorts to visit are Castries, Soufriere, Marigot Bay and Gros Islet. The best time to visit the Caribbean is from late December through to the end of March/early April, when the hurricane season has passed.

History
St Lucia was first inhabited by humans in 200 A.D. The Arawak Indians were the first on the island although by 800 A.D. they were fully removed by the Caribs. During the middle of the century the island was populated with French migrations. In 1778, the British attempted to invade at the “Battle of Cul de Sac.” Hey continued to try and finally succeeded in 1814.

Sights and Attractions
The main sightseeing feature on St Lucia is the La Soufriere volcano. A visit there will make you feel like you have ventured back to prehistoric times with its impressive natural features. If you are feeling energetic and are keen for a hike then climb up the 2,619ft Gros Piton. It is $25 for a guide to take you on this four mile route up the mountain. The views from the peak are magnificent and display the islands natural beauty. Other fun things to do and see on the island include rainforest tours, mountain biking and water sports. Be sure to get a mask and Snorkel and see the beautiful reef and its marine life that surround the island.

Shopping
St Lucia is a relaxed holiday resort so the shops offer tourist souvenirs and beach games rather than designer labels. However, there are some major shopping centres on the island and markets held every Saturday.

Dining Options
St. Lucia has vast choice of wonderful restaurants to choose from. Why not sample the local creole dishes. If creole isn’t what you are after then the variety of international cuisine on the majority of menus is sure to not disappoint.

Doug Scott
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-tourist-guide-to-st-lucia-115159.html

With its whitewashed beaches and azure waters, the Mexican paradise of Cancun balances the peace of the beach with a fun and fabulous nightlife, including clubs such as Coco Bongo and My Place.

When you are not lazing or dancing, you can swim with dolphins, deepsea dive, and Snorkel. Or golf, shop, ride horses, and drink in the ancient Mayan archeological sites.

In October of 2006, Hurricane Wilma devastated many areas of the Peninsula. But help has since rolled in from all over the world, and many areas of the city have been rebuilt. In some cases, they have been upgraded to higher quality hotels and wider beaches.

Best Travel Times

The hurricane season begins in September, so opt for cancellation insurance when booking flights during this time.

You might also want to consider planning your vacation during the off peak winter months, because airfares and hotel rates tend to be less inflated. Look for midweek bargains, which are generally most significant from Tuesday through Thursday. You can save a lot by shopping around for travel packages and discount air travel. Make sure you tell your travel agent about your budget and what kinds of attractions and experiences are most important to you. If you do not work with a travel agent, keep your eye on the major online travel sites to snag the best deals. Here is a web page that compiles and posts updated coupon codes from Travelocity, Expedia, Site59.com and CheapCarribean.com:
Keep your eyes and ears open for deals on the following popular hotels, in particular:

Le Blanc Spa & Resort
Royal Sands
JW Marriot Cancun Resort & Spa
Ritz Carlton Cancun
Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
Marriot CasaMagna Cancun Resort
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun
Riu Palace Las Americas
Royal Islander
Riu Cancun

Surrounding Attractions

There are so many things to do in the Cancun area, you can afford to be selective. Plan ahead for day trips and go early, before the sun gets too hot and the crowds come out en masse.

Here are some popular attractions in the area you will want to consider:

Chichen Itza: Ancient Mayan archeological structures
MayaVenture: A labyrinth with treasure hunts
Plaza de Toros: A bullring that has bullfights every Wednesday afternoon
Cenotes: Deep, water filled sinkholes in limestone
Isla Mujeres: A small and charming island 8 miles across the baby from Cancun
Playa del Carmen: Small resort town about 40 minutes south of Cancun by car
Xcaret EcoPark and Sian Kaan biosphere along the Riviera Maya
Xel Ha: Archeological site and ecopark, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Tulum: Best known for its Mayan ruins. Tulum is also the starting place for much ecotourism and adventure travel.

Other Cancun Travel Considerations

If your primary goal is to visit Cancun on the cheap, the best advice is to find accommodations out of the “hotel zone” which is located right in the middle of the city. There are plenty of things to do there and lots of great places to visit but the hotel and restaurant prices can get pretty steep downtown.

Here is a checklist of items you will want to pack for your Cancun vacation:

Clothing: Several pairs of comfortable shorts, tee shirts, dress slacks, a sundress, sweater or light jacket, socks, undergarments, sandals, tennis shoes, plastic bag for dirty clothes

First Aid: Pain relievers, eyedrops, necessary medications and prescriptions, bandaids, neck pillow

Protection: Sunglasses, eyeglasses and/or contact lens, sunvisor or baseball cap, umbrella or rain poncho

Snacks: Peanuts, crackers or potato chips, gum, candy and bottle of water

Equipment: Camera, extra film, batteries, portable compact disc player with headphones, favorite book

Documentation: Valid passport, drivers license and birth certificate, emergency contact information, money and travelers checks, computer printout of airline ticket confirmation. (Make sure to write the name of your destination hotel inside and outside of luggage and be sure to have an adequate lock on each piece of baggage.)

Vacationing in Cancun need not be expensive because it does not cost much at all to lounge on the beach, swim, backpack, picnic, take photos, walk along the beaches and the streets, and to simply sit still and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city and surf.

Jamie Jefferson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/visiting-cancun-on-the-cheap-118890.html

Speedo exclusive Anti-fog Max Dual colored translucent mask. PC lens for clarity High density resin seal for comfort. Speed Fit Headstrap System Snorkel. Translucent finish. Splash protected dry top Covered purge valve

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The Costa Calida is a 250 km long Mediterranean coastline which is located in Spain’s province Murcia. Temperatures in this region are higher than expected and this feature leads to its Spanish name which means “The Warm Coast”. It’s also exceptionally arid, with only 34 cm of precipitations on average. At its northern edge the coast is near El Mojon, close to Alicante, at its most southern point it early meets Aguilas, in the Almeria province.

A feature of this coast which catches the eye is the “mar Menor”, a 170 km2 large saltwater lagoon which is the greatest of its kind in the whole of Europe. It is I the 22 km long limb that cuts of the lagoons connection to the sea that most holyday spots lay. The two most significant towns of the region are called Cartagena and Mazzaron.

Here is a list of this piece of heaven’s sixteen finest beaches, each guaranteed for a holiday of a lifetime. They are not only the best from Costa Calida, but among the most brilliant of the entire world:

Villa Nanitos- a destination for water-sports lovers because it offers wind surfing, volley ball, kayaking and waterskiing. It is situated close to the mud baths of San pedro del Pinatar.

La Llana fit to those in search of calm water, fine sand lots of space, equipped with foot showers and of blue flag quality.

El Espejo the visitors of this place shall get a glimpse of the calmness of the Mar Menor lagoon, a sea in miniature with surfing, volleyball and kayaking.

Euromagna for those in search of calm seas and soft sands

Los Nietos made to spend lots of time on it, for it offers restaurants, showers, and a sandy coast as far as the eye can see.

Cala Medina/Las Melvas/Levante all of them small sized beaches, with more agitated waters, and terrains rainging from sandy to rocky: snorkelling.

Cala de las Mulas if you’re a nudist and don’t expect services.

Cala Cortina a sandy beach with gentle waves and toilets s well as showers, lifeguards.

El Portus quietness, showers, hard to reach.

El Belonte Grande and Salitrona you can reach them via boat or by foot; sandy.

La Calera and San Gines restaurants, shops, showers and a sandy, gravely terrain.

El Rihuete and Puerto de Mazarron sands, shops and restaurants.

El Cabezo de la pelea and Las Coviaticas you’ll get the chance to Snorkel and see nudists here!

Bano de las Mujeres and El Ciscar fishing, swimming, snorkelling, peace and relaxation too.

Abejerro and las Pulgas no services, just peace, sands and gravels.

Punta del Fraile you go there by foot and you can snorkel and watch the clear blue sky and sea.

For a wide selection of holiday accommodation in Costa Calida, including

Alison White
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/costa-calida-sixteen-jeweles-in-one-crown-75944.html

In the 1970s Mexicos tourism planners decided that a deserted sand spit on the Yucatan peninsula close to the small fishing village of Puerto Juarez was the ideal location for a major tourist Mecca and they set about building a brand new world class resort. Today Cancun, with a permanent population of 500000, is Mexicos premier tourist destination.

The magnificent resort city of Cancun now offers visitors over 25000 rooms in four and five star hotels as well as all inclusive. Just twenty years ago Cancun was a deserted, sun-drenched island off the northeast tip of the Yucatan peninsula.

Also known as Cancun City, the downtown area or Centro is a nine-block square connected to the island by a causeway. The commercial heart of Cancun, is where you will find lots of restaurants and some nice little shops, particularly along Yaxchilan Avenue. Flea market are on Tulum Avenue, the main street, where silver items and handicrafts brought in from all of Mexico.

Downtown is home to less expensive places to shop, including supermarkets such as Soriana and Walmart not to mention several Flea Markets like the one in the Hotel Zone.

Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For those who go out more for daytime than night time sports. The beaches are of powdery coral sand, is the place to be. Cancun is a Snorkel and scuba diving paradise, the lagoon enclosed by the L shape of the island, is ideal for sailing and water skiing. Deep-sea fishing and diving are fantastic in the open sea, which stretches out in shades of light-green to turquoise from the shoreline to the violet-blue horizon. Along the coastline of about 540 miles, there are numerous coral islands and a reef barrier, the second largest in the world.

Cancun is alive at night time up the Hotel Zone. Many clubs are divided into sections with techno dance music on one side and on the other live rock bands. These clubs usually open their doors at 10 pm and close when the sun rises.

The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history and a three-hour bus ride east from Cancun hotel zone. Chichen Itza is considered the capital of ancient Mayan civilization and home to some of Mexicos most important archaeological discoveries. The Pyramid of Kukulkan, El Castillo, a step-sided stone pyramid is the centre piece. Chichen Itza officials still allow tourists to climb up its 91 steps, but this opportunity will soon end due to the impact of the thousands of tourists who visit the site.

Douglas Scott
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/location-for-a-major-tourist-resort-is-cancun-123770.html