Despite being viewed as a dangerous region to visit, leisure travel across the Middle East has thrived even in the post-9/11 era. In Beaches, Ruins, Resorts, Waleed Hazbun investigates this overlooked industry to show how tourism is shaping the economic development and international relations of the region in dramatic ways. Hazbun tells the new and surprising story of how the draw of glittering beaches, luxury hotels and resorts, and sightseeing at ancient ruins impact the Arab world--promoting both economic globalization and political authoritarianism.

From the publishers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World "A Tourist's Best Friend!" —Chicago Sun-Times "Indispensable" —The New York Times The Top 10 Ways The Unofficial Guide to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts Can Help You Have the Perfect Trip: Premier beach resort areas on Mexico's Pacific and Caribbean coasts described and evaluated, including Canc¿n, Cozumel, Acapulco, and Los Cabos Over 125 hotel profiles, from sprawling mega-resorts to secluded, romantic getaways More than 100 restaurant profiles, from fine dining to local cuisine In-depth descriptions and quick facts for each regional destination Maps that show how to get from your hotel to restaurants, beaches, attractions, and more Detailed information on the best sight-seeing and nightlife Expert guidance on selecting tours and packages The need-to-knows of traveling to Mexico, including booking airfare, required documents, insurance, and medical concerns Crash courses in how Mexican hotels, restaurants, and other institutions operate, including elementary Spanish words and phrases that will come in handy Insider advice on how, when, and where to travel in Mexico (and how to get around once you're there), with options for every budget or interest Get the unbiased truth on hundreds of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more in The Unofficial Guide® to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts—the resource that helps you save money, save time, and make your trip the best it can be.

When tourists travel, they often seek the exotic. The farther they venture, the more unique the cultures they gaze upon, the greater the prestige accrued; cross-cultural contact is commonplace. Yet despite the obviously transnational character of the tourist experience, national borders define existing studies of tourism. Spanish, French, or German tourism is treated almost in isolation and there are only hints of a larger transnational impetus behind the creation of national tourism products. This volume tells a different story. Although modern tourism first evolved in Europe changes were never confined to national borders. The Grand Tour, the birthplace of modern tourism, was consummately transnational in both its execution and its influence. Although seaside resorts originated in Britain, the aesthetic and scientific ideas that made beaches desirable emerged through conversation among Dutch painters, English travellers, and both British and Continental scientists and philosophers. When travel was finally available to the masses, Irish tourism advocates looked to England, Continental Europe, and America for ideas. The Nazi leisure organization, Strength through Joy (KdF), was based on an earlier Italian model, the Dopolavoro. World's Fair promoters raided previous fairs in other countries for ideas. European-wide demand and taste helped shape nudist practice in France and beyond. At every turn, practices and products developed because tourism lent itself to trans-national discourse. The contributors examine a wide range of topics that together make a powerful argument for the adoption of a new transnational model for understanding modern tourism. An essential addition to the library of academics studying the history of tourism, popular culture and leisure in Europe, the book will also provide interest to scholars of transnational topics, including Europeanization and globalization.

Want to relax and bask on sun-drenched beaches or dive in and enjoy great water sports? Drink in Mexico's rich history and heritage or drink up margaritas? Shop for Huichol art, Oaxacan textiles, Taxco silver, or precious gemstones or explore an eco-park? Explore the pyramids and ancient ruins or tee up for world-class golf? Stay in an incredible luxury resort or a handcrafted casa in a remote village? With information on the top beach resorts in Cancun, Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Southern Baja, and more, this friendly guide gives you all kinds of ideas and options, plus information on: The best beaches, most romantic getaways, best bets for families, and hottest night life The desert caves of Los Cabos, the Caribbean reefs off Cancún and Cozumel, and more Sea kayaking, sportfishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more Ixtapa with its high-class hotels and Zihuatanejo with its small-town charm Where to enjoy authentic Mexican foods such as beef filet tacos, pozole, mango éclairs, poc chuc, and more Like every For Dummies travel guide, Mexico's Beach Resorts For Dummies, 3rd Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best accommodations and restaurants for every budget Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages

In Cancun and the Yucatan, you can enjoy exquisite beaches, exhilarating adventures, or rejuvenating relaxation. You can go to Playa del Carmen with its hip social life or Isla Mujeres, where life moves along in a manana mode. Whether you want to explore ancient Mayan culture or modern day margarita culture, enjoy a siesta or a fiesta, stay in a luxurious resort or small palapa hotel, seek out best archaeological sites or the liveliest nightlife, this friendly guide is just the ticket with the scoop on: The best beaches, known for powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters Cozumel, a diver’s paradise with a myriad of water activities centered around its famous reef World-class scuba diving, snorkeling, cenote diving, fly fishing, golf, tennis, or birding Delicious local specialties Shopping for jewelry and authentic Mexican crafts Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cancun & the Yucatan For Dummies, Second Edition, includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss—and what you can skip The best hotels and restaurants for every budget Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages