Page 2 of s branch Travel Blog Posts


North America » Mexico » Quintana Roo » Isla Mujeres August 1st 2013

So we got up, finished packing up and caught a coach to Cancun. We then caught a taxi to the pier and then jumped on a ferry to the Isla Mujeres. The ferry only took 30mins. We arrived at our final destination in Mexico, a small beach island. We checked into our hotel. We had booked a room with a balcony and sea view. It was lovely. We chilled out and relaxed, then went for a walk to explore the small island. Its busier than we would have liked but still lovely. For dinner we found some street carts and decided this is what we would eat till we left. Phill and me have fallen in love with Mexican street food. Its cheap and tasty, and every stall is different. We pigged out for less than ... read more
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North America » Mexico » Quintana Roo » Tulum July 27th 2013

So at the last minute we decided to leave Belize and head back up to Mexico in 1 day. We got up very early and jumped on the local chicken bus at 6:30am, which all use to be American school buses. The bus left and stopped every 100meters to pick people up along the way. The bus got very very full and the ride was very very bumpy. We did this first bus ride for 4 hours to Belize city. Here we jumped out with our luggage and asked when the next bus to Chetemal (Mexico) was? We were informed it left in 5 mins from platform 1. We ran to the platform and jumped on the 2nd chicken bus of the day with our luggage and it was more packed than the first. The bus ... read more
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So we packed up our bags again and boarded a small boat. This would be our home for the next 3 days. We had booked on the Raggamuffin island cruise. In total there was 17 of us on the boat and 3 crew. We came from the Uk, America and Australia. We set sail for our first full day of sailing not knowing what to expect and what the weather would do as more storms are due! The first day we sailed, caught barracuda off the back of the boat and went for a snorkel along the way. The reef was pretty and we saw barracuda, loads of different reef fish and a few small rays. As usual I got burnt! When ever I snorkel I manage to burn! That evening we docked at our island ... read more
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So we got a taxi to a travel agency then a shared shuttle that was full to the brim to Belize city. The shuttle took 7hours and was a little un comfy. The border crossing was simple and we entered Belize. Strange to be back in a country that they speak English! We got dropped at the water taxi rank and caught the ferry across to Caye Calker. Which was quick only taking 50mins. This would be our home for the next 4 nights. We checked into our hotel that was right on the cost. Called Barefoot beach Belize, (not that Caye Caulker really has a beach!) nothing special but clean. Checking in was not fun as there was mosquites everywere! Massive swarms off them, we rushed into the hotel. I got bitten on my arms, ... read more
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So after a mini bus back to Guatemala city, dropped in the eveing at a strange bus stop we boarded a coach to Flores. The bus wasnt as nice as the Mexico buses but it was ok. The bus left at 10pm and arrived in Flores at 6am. The journey was pretty uneventfull, except for a check stop at 4am to confiscate any fruit on board the bus? Very strangem as we didnt cross any borders. We arrived in Flores tired and were met by are taxi to take us to the small jungle town of El Remate. We had booked into a jungle lodge called Posada del Cerro. The place was pretty cool. A jungle hut with 3 walls the back was open to the jungle with a balcony on it. Fun by day but ... read more
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So after a short flight back to Mexico city then a short flight to Guatemala city then a private transfer we arrived in the cobbled town of Antigua. The town has a lovely feel, very small and colourful. We checked into our private room in a hostel called the Yellow house. Very friendly staff and looks a lovely clean hostal with a nice communal area, with phills favourite - hammocks. We spent the first night having a wonder round the small town, Looking at all the churches, and the clock tower over the road. Then went to a lebanese restaurant. Gorgeous food and place but they were playing disco music very loud which was a bit distracting from the lovely place and food. On the first day we woke up early and had the free breakfast, ... read more
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North America » Mexico » Oaxaca » Oaxaca July 4th 2013

So we left Mexico City by 1st class bus, the lounge was more like an airport than a bus station. Metal detectors check your luggage in and the board a bus for the 6 hour bus journey. I had been dreading this but it went very quick and was actually really comfy. We arrived in Oaxaca and after a short walk arrived at our new home Casa Angel. We have another private room which is new and very clean. The whole hostel is great. The staff are friendly and helpful. The hostel is very clean and they have a lovely free breakfast. Eggs cooked how you want, and very good price. Very near the main street. The first evening we had a quick wonder around the main street and headed to a pizza place, as we ... read more
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So after a quick, nice flight with Interjet (would recommend) we reached Mexico City Airport. First we had to stand in line and be sniffed by dogs bas we got off the plane, its pretty scary seeing all the police with guns. I had been a little nervous about Mexico City but I have to say I felt very safe and loved every minute of our 3 nights. Mexico City is full of culture, food and fun things to do. We arrived at our hostel which was right in the centre next to the big Cathedral. We were booked into a restaurant called Pujol so it was a quick unpack wash and go, our taxi driver was useless and got lost so we were late for dinner. Dinner was Mexican street food made posh, very yummy ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Cuba » Oeste » La Habana June 29th 2013

So after an eventful journey, my tip never fly on a long flight with Air France totally rubbish. We arrived in a very hot and humid Cuba. We jumped in a taxi and headed for the Casa in La Habana. The place we were staying was a lovely little flat looked after by a friendly lady. We ventured out the first night to have a look around and of course find some Rum! We visited a lovely bar and listened to some good music and drank some cocktails. Havana is an Interesting place to visit, spent the days walking around looking at the amazing old buildings that are being restored and watching the classic cars pass you. Drinking rum, smoking cigars and talking to friendly locals (even if they are all trying to sell you somthing) ... read more
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Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater London » Wimbledon June 16th 2013

So its nearly time for our next trip. Its been along time and im a little nervous but very excited. Looking forward to relaxing and visiting some very special places. So here is the plan, it may change. 1. Cuba, Havana 2. Mexico City 3. Oaxaca, Mexico 4. Antigua, Guatimala 5. Flores, Guatimala 6. Caye Caulker, Belize 7. Boat trip round the Islands of Belize, 8. Tulum, Mexico 9. Isla Mujeres, Mexico 10. Arenal, Costa Rica 11. Monteverde, Costa Rica 12. Playa Samara, Costa Rica 13. Galapagos Islands, Boat Trip 14. Lima, Peru, 15, Huacachina, Peru, 16. Arequipa, Peru, 17. Colca Canyon, Peru, 18. Cusco, Peru, 19. Inca Trail, 20. Easter Island, 21. Santiago, Chile, Then we will be home early September. We will have limited internet ac... read more




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