Archive for September, 2007

cancun_hotel_articles

Your Cancun Vacation - 5 Things You Must Make Time

11 09 2007

Your Cancun vacation will be a memorable time for you. Most likely you will want to do and see many things during your stay. Let me help you not to forget the most memorable things about Cancun. Here is my must do list for your Cancun vacation.

1. At least one morning during your vacation set your alarm to wake up and watch the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea. It’s beautiful and it’s free. (Personally I do this every morning when in Cancun)

2. Take a leisurely walk on the beach or just sit for an extended period and enjoy the beach atmosphere. The water and sand are so amazingly beautiful you have to stop and purpose to enjoy it.

3. Snorkeling. There’s a whole new world under the water to see. Cancun has one of the largest reefs in the world. There are many tour companies that will take you snorkeling for a reasonable price. Just make sure you wear sunscreen or your backside will get burned.

4. Play in the waves. I always feel like a kid again when I do this. Just BE CAREFUL! The surf can be pretty rough. Don’t venture out very far. A water depth of waist deep is more than deep enough to enjoy the waves. (Only waist deep for very strong swimmers, otherwise stay shallow) Keep a VERY close eye on children if they are playing in the water.

5. Take a trip into downtown Cancun. This is the real Cancun. You will encounter a completely different culture than you see in the hotel zone. Just use basic common sense safety precautions. The same you would use in any other large city.

These things I’ve mentioned are basic activities, but in my opinion just as enjoyable as all the more expensive tours and recreation.

There are many things to do and see in Cancun, but no matter what you decide make sure you take time to relax and enjoy this beautiful beach destination.

mexico hotel article

Family Vacationers Seek Quality Time in Mexico

11 09 2007

Family vacations are quickly approaching and, for most busy parents, quality time with loved ones is long overdue. But amusement parks aren’t the only places kids can enjoy vacationing now-a-days.

For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, various destinations in Mexico offer a wide array of amenities, prices and activities catered to adults and children alike.

PUERTO VALLARTA Velas Vallarta features ideal family-style accommodations. This beach-front resort, located in Marina Vallarta, offers a year-round complimentary children’s program including a Kids Club for children 4 to 12 years old. The beautifully landscaped grounds, which include flowered walkways and rustic bridges, make this location a true family paradise. For more information, contact 1-800-VELAS -PV.

For those that enjoy larger family-friendly resorts, La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta features 303 luxurious suites with private terraces and an exceptional program for kids ages 5 to 11. The program features handicrafts, painting, singing, beach soccer, bingo, piñatas, treasure hunts, a kid’s parade, bobbing for apples and more.

What to Do Vallarta Adventure Tours offers an opportunity for families to swim with dolphins at the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center, watch Humpback whales at the Marietas Islands, take a brief flight up to the 16th century mining village of San Sebastian, explore the Sierra Madre foothills or simply relax on the pristine beach of Caletas.

CABO SAN LUCAS, SAN JOSE DEL CABO AND LA PAZ Fiesta Americana Grand offers a program known as Fiesta Kids. Specially designed for children, the activities include arts and crafts, table games and access to an air-conditioned area with television programs playing for kids. The resort also features a game room and arcade and provides babysitting services and cribs upon request.

Families looking for a little diversity can enjoy Hotel Cabo San Lucas where a variety of unique children’s activities and programs are available. Families can participate in a marine biology tour of the tide pool, sign up for a day of whale watching, play doubles on the tennis courts, sail, parasail, or even discover hidden trails on horseback.

What to Do Several local excursions are great for families interested in experiencing the rich eco-tourism offerings of the area.

The Baja Adventure Company offers whale watching trips, diving adventures and kayaking expeditions on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

Santiago Zoo: This small but well maintained zoo is located in Miraflores (about 30 minutes north of San Jose del Cabo). Residents of Parque Zoologico include petcarts, bears, coyotes, foxes, monkeys, parrots, and ducks, some which are Cape Region natives. The park is open daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. in summer and admission is free.

ACAPULCO Fiesta Americana Condesa Acapulco caters to families with on-site children’s activities and a Fiesta Kids Club program in the summer. Located right on the beach in the center of downtown Acapulco, families can easily stroll around town visiting many of the dozens of restaurants, stores and arts and craft shops.

At the Radisson Resort Acapulco you’ll find a spectacular view of the Acapulco Bay from the private beach, two swimming pools, and a children’s wading pool. A tramway takes you from the lobby down to the guestrooms and pool.

What to Do Parque Papagayo - This Pacific port playground is a kid’s delight and adults will love it too. It features a 52-acre playing field filled with an aviary, roller skating rink, mini racetrack, bumper boats, and replica of a space ship. Located at Costera Miguel Aleman, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Call 011-52-7-485-9623 for more information.

Swim with the dolphins, watch seal shows and glide down water slides at Cici Water Park. It’s located along the Costera Miguel Aleman, and open daily from 10-6. Call 011-52-7-484-8210 for more information. CANCUN Hyatt Regency Cancun offers something different and fun for kids: Camp Hyatt. This recreational program is designed exclusively for Hyatt guests 3 - 12 years old and includes a pin, t-shirt, hat, beverages and a special meal created by the Camp Hyatt chef. Activities are offered Tuesday - Sunday, with two sessions daily: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Prices range from $10 per child per session, or $15 for a full day. Other fun activities for kids include a game room, arcade and a private children’s pool.

Aquamarina Beach Hotel offers all-inclusive family accommodations with services such as a Children’s Club, where kids can play miniature golf right at the hotel. Up to two children aged 11 or younger stay free at the hotel with at least two accompanying adults.

What to Do Yucatan Ecotourism & Adventure Tours: Children can experience an adventure through bird watching, Mayan ruin exploration, jungle trekking, kayaking, scuba diving & snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and wildlife observing.

Xcaret ecological theme park is sure to amaze the entire family. Just a short drive away from the hotel zone, families can participate in a myriad of activities including swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, visiting turtle hatcheries, floating down rivers and watching displays of ancient Mayan dances.

About the Mexico Tourism Board The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Cancun Hotel Resorts

Hot Winter Travel Destinations for Canadians

11 09 2007

Ask Canadians where they are heading for a winter break and you are most likely to hear Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Caribbean cruises. These tourist spots are quite hot among Canadians, because of their sun-soaked beaches and mildly warm climate. Industry experts agree that tourism demands for all these locations are hitting their all-time high because of the lavish accommodation, sight-seeing arrangements, and the variety of travel packages, which these destinations offer.

Mexican Coastal Resorts

In Mexico, Mayan Riviera, Cozumel on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun, and Los Cabos on Baja Peninsula are the most popular tourist destinations. Particularly, the Yucatan has witnessed a spectacular rise in resort and hotel development because of its amazing beaches and Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum. The Mayan Riviera is also popular as the top destination for Canadian travelers. Climbing up the popularity charts are also Puerto Vallarta and a revitalized Acapulco on the Pacific coast. In Puerto Vallarta, the destination that is gaining rapid popularity is Nuevo Vallarta, which is located at north of the old town.

Growing Golf in Cuba

Cuba was devoid of any golf culture until the famous Varadero Golf was built. After it was set up, the island has just not looked back in terms of the sport’s popularity. Today, Cuba is the most sought after golf destination and is a vital attraction for the local as well as international sports lovers. Currently, the much famous Varadero Golf Club does over 32,000 rounds annually. It intends to add nine more holes to its existing facility, according to the management. A European has been given the responsibility to design the new golf site that is likely to have five holes on ocean, instead of the existing two.

Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive Packages

The growing popularity of The Dominican Republic as a tourist spot is reflected in a spectacular rise in its hotel rooms to nearly 40,000. The destination is among the favorite tourist spot for the Canadians, because of its all-inclusive vacations. In such packages, one up-front payment covers facilities including airfare, accommodation, unlimited alcohol, food, and resort activities like tennis and windsurfing. So much so that the popularity of the Dominion Republic’s all-inclusive packages have reached Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Canadian tourists heading to the Dominion Republic pay as low as $999 per person for an all-inclusive trip to a hotel/resort situated at just 10 minutes away from Puerto Plata.

Caribbean Cruises

Even the biggest tropical storms move at snail’s pace when compared with the cruise ships, which is the biggest reason for the growing popularity of the Caribbean cruises. The nice weather of the Caribbean serves like an icing on the hot cake. Even a hurricane in the cruise’s path seems like a vacuum cleaner that sucks the moisture out of the air, leaving behind bright sunny days for the tourists. Moreover, with the political uncertainties across the globe, the Canadians prefer holiday trips close to home, which is another reason contributing towards the increasing popularity of Caribbean cruises.

Cancun Hotel Artical

Cancun is Back and Better than Ever!

11 09 2007

On October 21, 2005, Cancun was struck by Hurricane Wilma, the most intense Atlantic storm on record. However, after little more than a year, Cancun has remerged as an even more enticing destination. With over $1.5 billion committed to the citywide rebuilding effort, resorts have not only repaired their structures, but have improved upon pre-storm conditions. Nearly all of the city’s restaurants and bars have reopened, many with sparkling new additions and renovations. However, Cancun isn’t finished. Many more improvements will be completed early this season, guaranteeing that this could be the best year ever to visit beautiful Cancun.

Perhaps the best upgrades in Cancun were performed on the world-famous beaches. Known for their wide stretches of white powder sand, Cancun’s beaches were reduced to rocks by Wilma’s storm surge. Yet, because of eroding beachfronts throughout the world, the technology of beach reclamation has grown by leaps and bounds. Belgian firm, Jan de Nul, used their latest innovations to extract 96 million cubic feet of pristine sand from the waters off the Mexican coast. After the sand was transported by a pair of vessels back to shore, giant pipes succeeded in reforming up to a half mile of beach per week.

Yet, Cancun didn’t settle for a copy of the old beaches. According to Cancun’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, “The white beaches are what Cancun is all about. So we wanted to make sure we were getting that same silky sand that people love and a lot more of it than before.” In fact, the new beaches of Cancun average 140 feet in width, double the 70 foot width visitors were accustomed to not long ago. This sizable upgrade means not only will the beaches of Cancun look better than ever before, but visitors will have much more room to play or relax in the sun.

Cancun’s finest resorts certainly didn’t spare any expense during the reconstruction either. In addition to necessary repairs and upgrades required as a result of the storm, tourists will also recognize a number of notable improvements at their favorite resorts, from new recreational facilities to larger rooms. The streets of the Hotel Zone have even been lined with 6,000 fully-grown palm trees.

Furthermore, most of the major construction and renovation in the Hotel Zone was completed by the end of 2006, so current visitors won’t be bothered. Though a few resorts will be remodeling through 2007, very few tourists have been distracted. Through August 2006, Cancun had already returned to 79% hotel room capacity, just below annual averages for the summer off-season. In fact, many of these visitors were unaware of the rebuilding that took place as nearly all of the resorts and businesses were open during the 2006 holiday travel season.

The nearby island of Cozumel, a popular cruise ship port, also underwent extensive renovations. One of the island’s primary piers reopened to cruise ships at the end of 2006, while the other will reopen later this year. Inland from Cancun, millions of acres of Mexico’s famous jungles remain undamaged. Most importantly, the historic Mayan ruins near Cancun were unharmed and remain open for tours. If you still had any doubts regarding the success of Cancun’s recovery, the leading travel publications have already returned the city to its lofty position. Conde Nast Traveler, Travelocity.com, 10best.com and many others have ranked Cancun as both a top beach destination and a leading choice for quick getaways. Furthermore, the American Express Travel Report, one of the most respected studies of upcoming travel trends, has rated Cancun as the fifth-most popular international destination for the coming year.

These accolades and the growing evidence of a successful rebuilding effort points not only to a miraculous resurgence for this luxurious resort city, but also highlights Cancun’s eternal allure.

Cancun Hotel Artical

Can You Really Enjoy World Travel On A Mini Budget

11 09 2007

Many people hold in their dreams to become a world traveler, or to at least go on at least one trip to a foreign locale. The reason most people do not act on their desire to travel abroad is of course financial. There are ways to enjoy world travel on a budget, but you have to know where to look and where to lay your concern when searching for the right vacation destination and flight.

Although in recent years there have been more students that request student loans and government grant so get through their college years, there is also a surge in the number of college aged students that take trips to foreign locations. These excursions occur partly because of a foreign studies program or missions trip that is offered by the school and often partially covered from the semester’s tuition, but also because Americans, as a whole, are more apt to spend money that they do not have than they used to be.

In order to break down how students and adult travelers can travel abroad on a budget, we have to first separate the travel costs into categories. If you break down the trip into three categories and search for bargains in those three categories separately, you will be likely to find a good deal on each. The first category would be travel. The main portion of this category will likely be the trip to and from your destination, but you can also include transportation while on your vacation in this heading as well. For example, if you are traveling through Europe, you may be more likely to need several flights while on your vacation, whereas a trip to the Bahamas or Cancun would require only local travel.

Begin researching flight costs. You should do this at no less than three locations. Those three would be a travel agent, the internet (sites like Priceline and Travelocity), and the airlines themselves. At separate times, you may get the best price at any of these locations. If you think the first place you find a price for a flight is a great price, keep looking, you can always come back and get it in a few hours, after you have checked around. Also, if you are planning several smaller flights while on your vacation, there are great deals for short flights throughout Europe. These can also be researched on the internet or through your travel agent. If you are planning to rent a car, check with local companies in your home country to see if they can recommend a rental place in your destination, but also check with the locals once you have arrived and see where they recommend. Many times, the locals know better than anyone where to find a good deal.

Searching for a hotel can be done in much the same way as searching for your transportation needs. You should always check at least three separate places before committing. Know also that hotels in other countries are likely not the same as hotels in your own backyard. Many hotels may have community showers, while others will have private baths in each room or suite. Make a list of questions to be answered before booking any hotel. Once you have decided that the hotel you have selected is satisfactory in both appearance and price, then you should book the hotel to insure a room is available for you and your travel companion.

Finally, we come to entertainment money, or spending money as some would call it. You will inevitably want to spend money on your vacation, whether it be for meals or souvenirs for grandma. In all money spending situations, use your common sense. In foreign countries, it could be difficult to remember the exchange rate and know what you are spending on certain items, so an electronic exchange calculator is a great tool for your outings.

mexico hotel article

What Every Family Should Know… About How to Enjoy a Great Mexican Beach Vacation

11 09 2007

What Every Family Should Know… About How to Enjoy a Great Mexican Beach Vacation

All-inclusive resorts abound in Mexico and if your family is looking for a beautiful setting to experience a new culture, Mexico could be for you! All-inclusive resorts are always a hit because everyone can do what they want, when they want, and there are plenty of organized activities for the kids as well as other children for yours to pal around with. Usually you can get bargain rates throughout the Caribbean until mid-December and then again from just after Easter all the way to Thanksgiving and beyond. A trip to Mexico can really be a bargain and will give the kids a chance to practice their Spanish! There is just so much to do on a Mexican vacation. Not only can you tour the Mayan ruins in Cancun, you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or just relax by the pool. At many of these resorts, kids age 4-12 stay free with their parents. Your hotel may also offer free passes to some of the local attractions as a perk for staying at their resort. Several places have “kid’s clubs” with activities and entertainment geared to the younger visitors. These are great places for kids to have fun while Mom and Dad relax. These all-inclusive vary in rate according to when you travel. They can often be found for as little as $600 per person including airfare. Just shop around and find the best deal you can! Vacation doesn’t have to be tropical or exotic to be fun. Go out west and explore! To find more great advice about traveling resources you can visit my blog http://www.theadventurecouple.com/online-resource-travel

cancun_hotel_articles

Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen

11 09 2007

Playa del Carmen is located 42 miles south of Cancun and a short ferry ride from Cozumel. Playa del Carmen lodgings are known for their high cuisine, professional decorum, and high-end.

The Gran Porto Real Resort and Spa in Playa del Carmen epitomizes high-end elegance combined with Mexican flavor. This lodging is all-inclusive. Included in this plan are meals, drinks, room, entertainment, hotel-planned activities, and the non-motorized water sports with limited instruction. Also included in this plan is the Oki Kid’s club. Parents can feel comfortable leaving their kids with supervised activities while they do more adult sports or have a romantic afternoon. There is waiter service poolside and on the sand, and food is available 24-hours per day. Standard spa services are available - massage, hair, nails, and facials. For more information, call (866) 878-7477.

Another all-inclusive place to stay in Playa del Carmen is The Reef Playacar. Whether you want family fun with themed nights and a kid’s club or honeymoon treatment and adult sports, The Reef Playacar offers both. The all-inclusive package includes a luxurious suite with a balcony, all meals, snacks, and drinks; swimming pools for kids, adults, and families; fitness center and classes; water basketball and beach volleyball; sailboats and kayaks; wind surfing and snorkeling; and nightly entertainment.

The Allegro Playacar is another all-inclusive place to stay in Playa del Carmen. Recently remodeled, the rooms are now reflective of their Mexican location. The Kid’s club is also newly revamped and boasts activities and day care for a wide range of ages.

Located just outside Playa del Carmen is the Bahia Principe Tulum Resort. Surrounded by un-developed beaches, crystal clear water, and quaint Mexican villages, this all-inclusive lodging gives a more truly Mexican feel while also providing luxury. The all-inclusive package includes meals and snacks, poolside and beach service, accommodations, a mini-club for kids, entertainment, swimming pool, and fitness center. Many sports are included, but some of the more involved water sports require an up charge.

Playa del Carmen is a good mixture of authentic Mexico combined with the luxury people seek during lodging vacations. With almost every imaginable water sport, bustling nightlife, accommodations for kids, and fine dining, Playa del Carmen may be the perfect vacation spot.

hotel_articles

Right Locations For The Perfect Marriage

11 09 2007

Are you or any friend of yours getting married then its better to be prepared to shun all hazards that may cost you a fortune? A marriage may well seem like some church proceedings followed by a reception and honeymoon yet involves a lot of other arrangements that has to be paid off. To save the time and frustration couples can contact the travel bureau to help them make a dream holidays wedding at almost half the prices.

Many beautiful places, like Torrevieja and Benidorm, are waiting for you throughout the world with their great accommodations and the exotic nature that would surely give your adventurous spirit a high. However selecting the best five wedding destinations was an even tough yet essential job as choosing the right location is the most difficult part of a perfect wedding. Here is a list of five wedding destinations that people love to explore:

1. Las Vegas. This unique place offers you the marriage license by a diamond engraved Elvis impersonator to call it the world’s wedding center with more than 1,00,000 couples getting married every year. Las Vegas, the dream world is truly loved by the couples and honeymooners as one of the hottest destinations you can elope to or can have an arranged ceremony.

2. Mexico. Mexico has two wonderful places to make it a dream destination. The undulations of the blue waves the vast white stretches of the powdery coasts in Cancun can take you up at the extreme peak of romanticism to have a perfect beach wedding. The Bahia de Mujeres and the Cancun Hotel Zone are two famous swimming spots. Some of the world’s best diving facilities can be available in Cozumel just away from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. An ideal destination that enjoys a tropical atmosphere with lovely resorts juxtaposes to the empty stretch of beaches.

3. Jamaica. Jamaica has a tropical climate, a rich culture with an easygoing lifestyle where the wonderful beaches can make your wedding a blissful one. The scenic beauty of the jungle mountain tops, the cascades and the pristine white sand beaches like the Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril are sure to leave you spellbound.

4. Hawaii. Oahu, the fun in the sun capital of Hawaiian Islands is all set to be explored for nature has poured its beauty through the steep sierra, long sandbanks and the turquoise waves of crystal seas to play a blue game of luxury, relaxation and royalty. Enjoy your honeymoon in Maui and be engrossed with the overwhelming memories for the rest of your life.

5. Bermuda. The island paradise Bermuda is adorned with attractive pink sand beaches, coral reefs and lush verdure along with the cordial hospitality to help relish your appetizing flavor. With a quixotic range of resorts, hotels and other accommodations Bermuda promises to make your stay savory. It is the island you would love to explore throughout your entire life.

hotel_articles

Best Holidays To Meet A Mate

11 09 2007

For many singles vacations are a little bit awkward. You want to see new places, but it would be more fun to see new places with someone else. There are a number of vacation spots that are very popular for singles, or those who just want to make a few new friends.

Winter Park, Colorado

This is a skier’s paradise. After a day on the slopes the people who visit this location often head into the sybaritic hot tub to relax and socialize. In addition the evenings are filled with social events that encourage mingling with good food, catered by a gourmet chef, and a very friendly atmosphere.

Island of Crete, Greece

It’s single travelers only at this family owned and operated hotel. Since you know everyone else there is single too, it’s a great location to meet new people, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, countryside, and mountains. Spend time on the beach, or wander through the local area enjoying local cuisine and nightlife.

British Virgin Islands

A trip to the islands is an automatic set up for a fabulous social environment. Once you are in the British Virgin Islands there are a number of luxury yachts that offer trips for singles that want to enjoy the island life above and below water. On some of the yachts you will travel island to island over night with endless scuba, snorkeling or shore activities every day.

Miami, Florida

Nothing says single like the nightlife on South Beach in Miami. This art filled community has a leisurely pace during the day of visiting museums and shops and really comes to life with a number of hot clubs and bars at night. If you stay at the So Nesta Hotel and Suites Coconut Grove your days can be spent sipping a cocktail or two at the Sailboat Bay Café while you watch the world move by..

Jamaica

For a real taste of the Caribbean, head to Jamaica. Montego bay is a bustling area with many convenient accommodations including The Half Moon which has 419 rooms and villas, as well as easy access to water sports and land sports such as golf. Hawaii

If you want a one-stop place to enjoy many aspects of the planet, Hawaii is it. If you stay at the Hilo Seaside Hotel it is a short trip to the Volcano National Park. The hotel is in the midst of Japanese and Hawaiian gardens including a Japanese Rock Garden and Hawaiian Tropical Garden. Taking advantage of the many water sports is a simple trip to the shore.

Mexico. Lounge or party in Mexico where you can choose beach, rain forest, or mountain destinations. You can also enjoy great food and drink while learning about a new culture.

Cancun

There are singles-only events at the Golden Crown Paradise Spa resort. Experience white beaches by day and a party atmosphere at night. New York

An upstate New York Trip may include wine tasting, a picnic lunch and horseback riding in the rolling hills. The Millbrook Vineyards and Winery offers the complete experience of lunch picnic with a wine glass keepsake.

French Canada

This area has the romance of France and England intertwined. During the day history and culture, at night it comes alive with a fast nightlife.

Cancun Hotel Artical

Discover the Best Kept Secrets in Travel

11 09 2007

You are a harried working parent desperately trying to balance work and family life. Your last real vacation was when bell-bottoms platform shoes were all the rage. Your passport expired in 1982 and was never renewed. You keep telling yourself, “Someday, I will take that well-deserved break (when money is not as tight, when the kids are older, etc.).” Somehow, that someday never comes and before you know it, it’s 2007 and you are STILL waiting for someday (or should I say Godot?) to come.

Well, wait no more. In this age of the Internet, you can price-shop travel vacation packages in exotic locations, book airline tickets, hotel accommodations and cruises, all from the comfort of your own home.

How does saving hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on international airfare strike you? Or how to get a $40,000 per week timeshare in Cancun for next to nothing? How about travel safety tips and tips on saving 50% or more on restaurants, shopping, etc.?

You will find answers to these and much more in the nifty travel secrets guide, which is jam packed with useful information on how to stretch your travel budget to the max without sacrificng comfort and safety. Check it out here Travel Secrets Guide.

« Prev - Next »