While the US celebrates with hot dogs and fireworks, freedom festivities can take many forms.
The Guatemalan city has persisted through its share of catastrophes – from the decimation of the indigenous population to a slew of eruptions – to become the country’s prized jewel.
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Glamping has taken on an ancient air in Guatemala, where couples willing to pay the price can make camp in the ruined city of Yaxha.
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A strong Maya tradition pervades this Central American country, where women weave traditional textiles and men make offerings to mystical wooden idols.
The 2013 list of the World’s Best Ethical Destinations gives travellers guidance on where their dollar is most needed and best spent.
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Actual Mayans do not believe the world will end on 21 December. But that has not stopped countries in the Mayan World from profiting off Western-born doomsday scenarios.
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Profiting off Mayan doomsday scenarios
Celebrate freedom in its many forms
See dramatic colours paint the horizon
Eight rare natural phenomena
Nature & Outdoors
How well do you know the world?
Where old and new worlds collide
Chile
Denmark discovers a new ancestry
Europe
China’s ancient capital rises again
China
Voices of Byron Bay, Australia
Australia
A very Hong Kong festival
Hong Kong
Our favourite images of the week
What’s brewing in Mumbai?
Mumbai
Lighting up Fog City
San Francisco
Living in... Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Affordable skiing near Vienna
Vienna
Business trip: New York City
New York City
BBC Travel's 2013 gift guides
Shopping
Five gifts for eco-travellers
Shopping
Five gifts for budget travellers
Shopping
Gift guide 2013: Gadgets
Shopping
Gift guide 2013: Luggage
Shopping
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