Archive for the ‘Resorts’ Category
Monday, October 9th, 2006
The first time I ever saw a coral reef in person was on a trip to Fiji. It was actually just an extended layover; I was traveling from Auckland to Los Angeles and I was able to add a layover in Fiji for $20. I figured that I probably wouldn’t have another chance to go to Fiji for $20, so I took it. I started sweating the minute I got off the plane; after spending six months in rainy, temperate New Zealand I wasn’t prepared for eighty degree weather and ninety percent humidity.
After my first night in Nadi I caught a bus and then a boat to one of the outlying islands, where I was to spend four days doing essentially nothing. I brought a couple of books and my pack-able hammock, but when I made it to the island I found that the hammocks were already set up for me. The island was small, but gorgeous. It only housed two resorts, which were essentially right next to each other, and it took three or four hours to walk all the way around the island. Fresh water was somewhat scarce, and rain water collectors made up for the majority of it. The whole island ran on a large generator, so the lights went off at 10pm and didn’t turn on again until morning.
I had heard about Fiji’s great diving, but since I was there for such a short period of time and didn’t have a dive license, I opted to snorkel instead. On my second day on the island I hired a snorkel and a set of fins and set off to explore the coral reef right in front of our resort.
When I plunged into the warm water I felt like I was in a different world. My doctor used to have this big elaborate fish tank filled with fish of all different colors, large and small. Gliding over the coral reef made me feel like I was in a life-sized mock-up of the same tank. Big fish patrolled the shelf of the coral reef while little neon-colored ones flitted in and out of the coral heads. Sea cucumbers loafed about the bottom, while parrot fish nibbled and ground at the coral. I snorkeled all day, checking out the coral reef all around the island. By the end of the day I had a terribly sunburned back and salty hair, but I knew that I was going back in the water the next morning.
Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Holiday, Information, Island, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Review | No Comments »
Friday, September 1st, 2006
I will never forget all the beach vacations my family took when I was growing up. I live in the northeast, in New England, and the beach has always been less than an hour drive away from where I’ve lived. Even though I’ve always lived near the beach, and spent a lot of time there during the summer, I still love to go away on beach vacations to other places. You’d think I’d be sick of the beach by now but I find myself still as drawn to it as I’ve always been.
Probably the best of all the beach vacations I’ve ever taken was on my honeymoon when we went on a cruise to Bermuda. The beaches in Bermuda are absolutely beautiful, with white sand and sparkling clear water, it looks like something straight off the front of a postcard. Another of the beach vacations I am fond of is the trip I took to the Florida Keys, way down south where there are no giant singing mice who live in castles. Pretty much the only things to do in southern Florida are playing bingo or relaxing on the beach. I hate bingo so you can probably figure out how I spent my vacation.
For one of my next beach vacations I would like to stay at a resort in Jamaica, the kind where it is all couples and they don’t allow children on the premises. I love children, don’t get me wrong, but they do not belong on the beach with me while I sip rum drinks during my vacation. It’s too distracting and I’m sure it would make me feel guilty about my own child that I’d left at home so I could run away with my husband to a beautiful land far, far away. Also up high on my list of future beach vacations I would like to take are returning to Bermuda and a nice long trip to Australia during our winter. Since winter in the United States is summer in Australia, every time I imagine exotic beach vacations to the land down under, I picture catching a plane during a snowstorm and landing on a sun drenched airstrip.
It’s a bit absurd of me to be thinking about my next vacation when I just returned from a lovely beach vacation just a few days ago. But that’s the problem I have with the beach. Every time I go it only makes me want more. I am sure many people feel the same as me. Beach vacations always leave me feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Thursday, August 17th, 2006
Look at the advertisement photos for the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas and you can not only imagine yourself there but can imagine the place filled with classic celebrities. I see the likes of Elvis or one of his characters, like Rick conversing or conferring in the fabulous indoor pool room with the welcoming overstuffed chairs and matching footrests or better, do one of his classic group songs where he sings and plays the git while the go-go girls, clad only in fringed two-piece suits shimmy around him and the shimmering blue pool. One can also see Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. kicked back and tipping back clinking cocktails, or Wayne Newton and his entourage taking over this area of the Green Valley Ranch Resort during a break from sets in the lounge.
You can also see the likes of any celebrity at the outdoor pool of Green Valley Ranch Resort which is lined with symmetrically, artistically, and even ergonomically apt lounge chairs: you can imagine Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnez, or Jerry Lewis, or Jackie Gleason, relaxing in between sets or gigs, enjoying the cabana service, the fresh air and sun, the deep Mediterranean teal blue pool.
I get these nostalgic impressions from the decor especially that which is a delightful throwback to or simulation of the fifties and sixties, but the decor also changes, progresses, as do the amenities at Green Valley Ranch Resort. For example, the spa facilities are shown by photos with sleek women stretched out in meditative repose, smooth stones lining their backbones or special skin treatment solutions (that look like egg yolk batter or paint) being applied as they recline in quiet serenity. Therefore, I get the sense that if they were to visit Las Vegas and were to choose Green Valley Ranch Resort, big stars like Angelina Jolie or Michelle Pfieffer or Ving Rames or Brad Pitt would be in their vacationing element in spas like these.
Of course, big time gamblers like Ben Affleck would look and feel just as right in the Green Valley Ranch Resort casino (if he/they didn’t feel up to going a few hundred feet away to the strip and the other gambling houses); and the entertainment, which turns out to be advertised with a nod toward Hollywood, is both indoor and outdoor delight at the Green Valley Ranch Resort. So come to think of it, I can see myself lounging at the water, getting pampered in the spa, or gambling like all get out. Check out the photos and slide show of the Green Valley Ranch Resort and I would BET you can imagine yourself there, as well.
Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Las Vegas, Resorts, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Thursday, July 20th, 2006
If you are looking to spending time under the sun, doing nothing, Florida beach resorts can be a perfect location for a fun and surprisingly affordable vacation. Every year I go to Florida beach resorts, I am surprised at the quality of the experience I have there. I’ve never been much of a fan of Florida until recently. It is hot and muggy, inescapably so, with sudden downpours in the afternoon which leave you feeling drenched and feverish. Nevertheless, staying in a Florida beach resort, I quickly changed my tune. It was so pleasant to have a nice cool air conditioned room, only minutes from the sultry heat of the beach that I just couldn’t help enjoying the whole experience. And on top of it all, there was a jacuzzi downstairs where I could stay until late, just soaking my troubles away. Now that is luxury.
Of course, every one of the Florida beach resorts is different, and your experience won’t necessarily be just like mine. It is important to know what you are looking for in your vacation before you just run out and rent beach front property. Some people prefer a smaller beach resort, or one more isolated, because they find the crowds and the imposing buildings to be somewhat alienating, and really crave solitude.
I, however, much prefer to go to the biggest Florida beach resorts possible. I love the glamor of it, and I’ve always felt that the bigger the business, the higher the quality of service they can provide for me. This is certainly true in my beach resort as every morning a delicious breakfast, either eggs and bacon and pancakes or continental as you prefer. Every evening, the most lavishly stuffed buffet table which you’ve ever seen. Why, it could bring you back from the edge of starvation to a healthy round physiognomy inside of a week, easy.
And not only that, but the Florida beach resorts I stay at have, well, some of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Something about sunshine and water, just makes them look a little better, and it’s so easy to approach people on the beach I mean the beaches are so completely crowded, you’ve practically no choice but to approach them. And the beach resort, of course, has its own night club in addition, where you can dance, dance, dance the night away. There is no better spot in the world for fun, sun, and romance than the Florida coast, and that’s a fact.
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Florida, Holiday, Information, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Monday, July 3rd, 2006
Are you stress up? When the daily grind gets to be too much for you to bear, why not take a trip south of the border to get away from it all? With fabulous destinations such as Cancun, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and more just a short plane ride away, you can be sipping a cool drink on a sunny beach in no time. The Internet makes it very easy to put together a variety of Mexico vacation packages that you can then compare side by side, so you’re sure to be able to come up with a great plan that will allow you to enjoy the getaway of your dreams while remaining well within your budget.
The most popular type of Mexico vacation package by far is an all-inclusive plan. As the name indicates, all-inclusive plans cover everything from airfare to food to lodging, and also some activities as well. This is a great choice if you just want to spend your days on the beach or golfing. The specifics of each plan naturally vary, so be sure to read all the details before you decide to purchase one. In addition, many resorts have an open-door policy, meaning you can enjoy all the properties of a particular hotel chain so long as you are paying for at least one room in the resort. This is a very attractive bonus to many travelers because you’ll be able to experience a variety of activities in several different settings without having to pay any extra fees.
Of course your Mexico vacation package doesn’t have to be all-inclusive. In fact, you can often find exceptional deals by purchasing your plane tickets, hotel rooms, and meals separately. This is obviously a more flexible option, and gives you a lot more control over your specific itinerary. So if you plan on driving around to a lot of different cities, exploring various Mayan ruins, shopping outside of the resort area, or trying as many new restaurants as you can, then this is definitely a better way to go.
There are also special Mexico vacation packages that appeal to specific kinds of travelers. For example, if you want to go there during college spring break with a bunch of friends, then you should check out travel agencies or resorts that offer group discounts. Similarly, there are many different Mexico vacation packages designed especially for honeymooners, couples searching for a romantic getaway, and even for singles looking to meet other people.
The great weather all year round, beautiful sights, delectable food, favorable exchange rate, and proximity to the United States all combine to make Mexico one of the top destinations for vacationers across the country. Mexico has something for everyone, be you single, with young children, big group of friends. Book a Mexico vacation package online today and escape from the drudgery of school or work right now!
Posted in Advice, Beach, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Hotels, Information, Mexico, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Monday, July 3rd, 2006
If you are looking for a new and exciting place to go on vacation, and you love Mexico, why not try an Ixtapa vacation? Ixtapa is located on the Pacific coast approximately 150 miles north of Acapulco. Visitors can get to Ixtapa by flying into nearby Zihuatenejo and taking a taxi for the scenic twenty minute drive. Ixtapa is a relatively new tourist destination in Mexico, when compared to other popular Mexico vacation spots, such as Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. It is a quiet rural fishing village that offers tranquil beaches and modern resort facilities. An Ixtapa vacation is perfect any time of year; the temperatures average from 72 to 86 degrees with over 340 days of sunshine annually.
In addition to its rural charm, not yet overrun by mobs of tourists and corporate development, Ixtapa offers untainted inviting beaches with a variety of water sports, outdoor markets, and wonderful beachfront open air restaurants with the freshest seafood anywhere. There are also many nightclubs to choose from, if this interests you. Zihuatenejo is another place you should explore on your Ixtapa vacation, either by taxi or by bus; this historic fishing village offers experiences you won’t want to miss out on.
Even though Ixtapa is one of the newer Mexican vacation destinations, there are many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and clubs to choose from. From three to five star hotels, condos, and time shares, Ixtapa vacations offer some of the finest accommodations in Mexico. Several travel websites offer airfare and lodging packages at reduced rates, and some even offer all-inclusive packages as well.
If you are looking for accommodations for a group of people, perhaps a house, condo, cottage, or villa would be just what you’re looking for. Kitchens come complete with stove, refrigerator, microwave, and even an outdoor grill, as well as separate sleeping quarters for guests and spacious living and recreational areas. Some of these lodgings even have spas and hot tubs for you to enjoy when you’re not out and about exploring Ixtapa and nearby Zihuatenejo. Most are close to the beach, if not on the beach, and access to snorkeling, hiking, and other activities are nearby.
So if you are planning to visit Mexico, check out an Ixtapa vacation, an area that is quickly growing in popularity. Though Mexico is beautiful no matter where you visit, the Pacific coast and Ixtapa is spectacular and breathtaking, and offers visitors a taste of historic Mexico with a new luxurious flair. Check out the many travel sites that offer information on visiting Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo, and plan your trip soon. You won’t be disappointed with an Ixtapa vacation!
Bring your whole family and call along all your friends. Ixtapa is a suitable vacation spot for children and big family!
Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Air Travel, Beach, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Mexico, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Sunday, July 2nd, 2006
Looking for the same kind of style in the place where you want to take a vacation or own a second home. A five-star kind of person, right. Look no farther than an island whose beach was voted in the Top 10 beaches in America by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Before you start thinking that you can’t go because your private jet is in the shop, this beach is on the Atlantic coast of Florida, USA. That’s right; you only have to travel as far as Amelia Island.
Amelia Island is one of the last remaining unspoiled island paradise in America. Here you will find 13 miles of beaches that are pristine and not crowded. The Island is part of the southernmost of the chain of Atlantic coast barrier islands that stretch from North Carolina to Florida. Near the border of Georgia, you will find a natural, lush setting of old oak trees covered with moss, incredible sunsets, and the best recreational facilities you could ever want.
You can reach the resorts through the Jacksonville International Airport, only some thirty minutes away from Amelia Island by car. If you are driving to Amelia Island, it is only fifteen minutes off I-95. Of course, when you get to there, you will think that you are a million miles away from the dull hustle and bustle of the big city.
Amelia Island is one of the few remaining undiscovered resort locations in Florida. Expect all the activities and nightlife you could want, but do not expect to leave Amelia Island thinking, Too bad it’s so commercials.
On the island, you can find luxurious hotels, private condominiums, bed-and-breakfast, and family homes for your pleasure.
Visitors have been coming to the area since General James Edward Oglethorpe named the place in honor of Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II of England. The island has a rich history, having been owned by eight different countries over the centuries. Everyone wanted to come to Amelia Island; no one wanted to give it up. Part of the history can be seen at the Fort Clinch State Park, built during the Civil War and is the island’s camping facility.
Of course, water sports are a central focus. Sunning, fishing, boating, sailing, you name it, it is all for you here. However, the beach is not the only attraction on Amelia Island. There are five championship golf courses to fit all skill levels and all budgets.
Every place you go on Amelia Island is a piece of history waiting for you. How about lunch at an English style pub that was built almost 150 years ago? Or visit the lighthouse that is even older. You can even stay at the oldest surviving tourist hotel in Florida. Tell them President Ulysses S. Grant sent you; he stayed there also.
There is no end of things you can do at Amelia Island. It’s a vacation spots suitable for family and kids. Enjoy the sun, beach, sea and the history!
Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Beach, Family Vacation, Florida, Holiday, Information, Island, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Saturday, July 1st, 2006
Taking long vacation is not a luxury that everyone has. I’ve got a good job, but a kind of irregular one. You see, I probably work less than the average chap only 3 to 4 days a week, but I’m at work all year around. It is what comes of being a tutor; to make the bills, I simply can’t afford to take time off for an extended vacation. The best I can do is cheap weekend breaks here and there to cure the tedium of work.
The last of my cheap weekend breaks was a trip to Las Vegas. I found my tickets and my hotel through the internet and booked remarkably inexpensive travel all of the way there. You see, there are plenty of people like me who are catered to on the world wide web. People who have little money, but love to travel all of the time, who can’t afford to go all out and spend on luxury, but love to take cheap weekend breaks to a variety of destinations.
My trip to Vegas was really one of my favorite. I’m not a gambler, or much of one anyway, but I love the allure of glamor. The lights, the music, the high rollers and the broken dreams, all do something to me. It’s the exoticism of sensation, the immersion in the experience of a world different from my own, that forms the core of most of my cheap weekend breaks.
Before that, I took a mid-winter break to Charleston, South Carolina. In the Spring and Summer, this charming old southern town is a beach resort, booming with traffic and tourism, but in the winter, it’s mild weather, quiet beaches, and low tourist population make it one of the ideal cheap weekend breaks. I love that experience of sitting there on the water, when no one is around, I love the sleepiness of a town in its off season, and the beautiful southern architecture. The hotels are cheap, the food, inexpensive and delicious, and all in all, it makes one of the ideal cheap weekend breaks. There is not much of a music scene or nightlife during the winter, but if you are only going away for the weekend, that isn’t necessarily such a bad thing. You can always take another cheap weekend trip somewhere livelier, such as the aforementioned Vegas, another time. Besides, sometimes it is nice to get away from it all. And this is definitely a less expensive way to do it than Hawaii.
Being able to take regular weekend breaks has make me the envy of many of my friends who are tied down 6 days a week. If your schedule allows, I am sure weekend breaks will not make any strain on your budget.
Posted in Advice, Beach, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Hotels, Information, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Saturday, July 1st, 2006
The Mayan Riviera is a beautiful Mexican resort area south of Cancun along the Caribbean coast line. This stretch of lush tropical foliage and ancient Mayan ruins is the setting for a number of fine resorts and hotels with accommodations for every budget and taste. Many resorts are all-inclusive for travelers’ convenience, which includes airfare, hotel, and transportation to and from airport, food, drinks (non-alcoholic and domestic beverages), snacks, tips, and taxes. All-inclusive resorts are very popular and are located throughout Cancun and Mayan Riviera. There is something for persons of all ages and all types of vacations, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation you’ll find it on the Mayan Riviera.
There are many travel sites online that have a lot of good information for those considering a Mayan Riviera vacation. You can also enlist the help of a professional travel agent if you are not sure where you want to stay or what you want to do while on your vacation. Most travel agents have visited popular resorts throughout Mexico and the Mayan Riviera, and can give you their impressions of various properties and help you choose exactly what you’re looking for.
Vacations offered by Apple Vacations (www.applevacations.com), Sun Trips (www.suntrips.com), and Pleasant Holidays (www.pleasantholidays.com) can only be booked through travel agents, and motor clubs such as AAA offer discounts to members when they book their travel arrangements through the club’s travel representatives. You can also go it alone if you know what you want, and book online via a number of online travel sites. Expedia (www.expedia.com), Travelocity (www.travelocity.com), Cheap Tickets (www.cheaptickets.com), Travel Zoo (www.travelzoo.com), and many other online sites have great pictures and virtual tours of Mayan Riviera properties for you to browse.
You won’t be disappointed with your visit to the Mayan Riviera coast along the glorious warm blue waters of the Caribbean Ocean, nor will you run out of things to keep you busy. An abundance of water sports including parasailing and jet skiing, as well as shopping and tours of nearby ancient Mayan ruins. At the end of the day a variety of fine dining and night life options await; you will be overwhelmed by the selection. Fresh gourmet seafood dishes prepared by world class chefs enjoyed ocean side. Saltwater breezes and savory aromas, what a combination! What are you waiting for?
Make the glorious Mayan Riviera your next vacation destination, you won’t be disappointed. It is suitable for family vacation with young kids.
Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Ancient Ruins, Beach, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Hotels, Information, Mexico, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »
Friday, June 30th, 2006
Your kids been whining, crying and sulking. They want to go to Disney World. They have been driving you crazy with their pleading. Meanwhile, you want to experience a warm, tropical island. Life has been pretty stressful and you want to spend some time relaxing on a sunny beach. How can you please everyone? It’s easy! Plan a Disney cruise vacation. Everyone is happy. The kids meet some of Disney’s most popular characters. You get to visit the Bahamas. Finally, everyone get to spend a few days at Disney World.
With a seven-day Disney cruise vacation, you begin your vacation by spending either three or four days at all of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Travelers get to experience the wonders of Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. Guests stay at one of the Walt Disney World popular resorts. This is only the first part of your Disney cruise vacation. The fun has only begun!
The remaining three or four days of your Disney cruise vacation is spent aboard one of Disney Cruise Line’s cruise ships. This portion of your Disney cruise vacation begins at Port Canaveral. You will board a Disney cruise ship where delicious buffets, live entertainment, fun activities, and plenty of other luxuries await. The cruise ship sails to Nassau in the Bahamas. You get to spend a full day in Nassau. You can sunbathe on the gorgeous beaches, partake in some water activities, go shopping, or do some sightseeing. That evening, you board the ship and set sail for Castaway Cay.
A Disney cruise vacation includes a trip to Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is modeled after Peter Pan’s Neverland. Children love the wide array of tidal pools. Teenagers love the teens only beach where they can sunbathe or do some snorkeling. Adults love the pristine beaches. All areas of Castaway Cay are supervised, so parents can have some alone time while their children go off and have fun!
To go on a Disney cruise vacation, effective in December 2006, travelers will be required to carry a valid passport. The passport must be shown when entering the Bahamas, boarding your ship, and reentering the United States.
Rates for a Disney cruise vacation are very reasonable and include your activities, meals, and accommodations. Airfare can be requested for an additional fee. Taxes and airport surcharges are not included. It’s an economical way to take your whole family on an unforgettable vacation.
When it comes to booking a cruise you can handle the details yourself by visiting one of the online travel sites. If you’d prefer to leave the details to someone else, a travel agent can handle everything so all you need to do is enjoy the cruise, the Sun and the sea.
Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Cruise, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Resorts, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »