The benefits that come with crossing the border in your RV are now better than ever. You are sure to save money especially while traveling along the western coast cities where hotels and resorts are often high priced. You will also save on dining expenses since you have the ability to cook from the comfort of your RV. With the dropping costs of diesel fuel, your gas prices will be lower than you’d expect. You are sure to enjoy the stability of a permanent bed, bathroom, and kitchen, avoiding the need to “live out of your suitcase.” With an RV, you aren’t restrained by a hotel reservation; you can choose spontaneous trips, staying or leaving an area as you want. By staying out of the crowded tourist areas when parking, you will be sure to meet some wonderful local people and experience a side of Mexico you may never see otherwise.

There are a few potential complications that can easily be avoided if you plan ahead and go prepared. Unlike the US, there will not be multiple RV parks in every city, particularly as you venture away from the Pacific Coastal area. You will want to research and download or buy camping maps, RV travel guides, and toll road maps. There are plenty of parks to stay overnight when you know where to find them. When taking your RV to Mexico, you will need to purchase Mexican RV insurance, so shop around and find the best rates before you leave. With a little bit of planning, you’ll find your vacation enjoyable, economical, convenient, and flexible.

The list of beaches, cities, and rural areas you can visit is extensive, but there a few top destinations you might want to look into. If you long for gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and a full and exciting nightlife, Acapulco is a place for you. To find the highest quality in water sports, fishing, golf, and more, make a stop at Los Cabos. For a glimpse of rich history, culture, and entertainment head to Mexico City. The opportunities are vast when you are vacationing to Mexico in your RV.

A Chance to Relax

No matter how many games you stuff into the car, podcasts you upload onto our mp3 players or detailed preparations you make, traveling always ends up being the most stressful part of a vacation.  It tends not to be until you swipe your hotel key for the first time or sink your feet into hot sand that you can exhale fully and think, “Ahh–vacation has officially begun.”

When you take a cruise, however, the relaxation and fun begins as soon as you set foot on your ship. Offering you the luxury to sit back and relax or party like there’s no tomorrow while drifting to such beautiful and exotic places as Panama or the Mexican Riviera, cruises are like several vacations in one, both on the ship itself and at several vacation hotspots along the way.

Accommodations

Though the least expensive cabins on any cruise ship will be located near the center and most likely be windowless, cruises of the Panama Canal and Mexico, which tend to be longer, are a perfect time to splurge on more spacious quarters with a window or even a balcony so that you can relax and enjoy the view in the privacy of your own room after a long day of activities or excursions.

On Board Amenities

Cruise ships are something akin to giant floating hotel resorts, and feature all of the amenities and activities you’d expect to find at one and then some. For fun seekers, ships host a constant stream of deck and cocktail parties every day in addition to Broadway style musicals and theater, first-rate live bands and other performances. Some ships even offer unique venues like ice skating rinks and large studios where you can catch cooking demonstrations or even game shows.

For times of relaxation, passengers enjoy spending some time at one of the ship’s full service spas for a massage or a facial before chilling out in a sauna or hot tub, or simply lazing in the sun next to a pool.

Of course, when speaking of cruises, one can never forget the food — usually covered in cabin fare. On a typical large cruise ship, famished revelers can expect to find all sorts of delicious morsels to satisfy their palettes, from bottomless buffets to both casual and fine dining restaurants.

Cruises to Mexico

Mexico-bound cruises usually set off from California ports — oftentimes San Diego but also Los Angeles and San Francisco. The most common destinations ports you’ll visit include the Cabo area, located at the southern tip of Baja California and offering the perfect place to relax with some sea fishing, world class golf and beautiful beaches. Most cruises also visit Acapulco, with its vibrant night life, warm bay waters and amazing SCUBA adventures. From Acapulco, many visitors may choose to head a bit east to Cancun, located on the Yucatan Peninsula and featuring a plethora of activities like swimming with the dolphins, guided jungle expeditions and touring the ancient ruins of the extinct Mayan civilization.

Panama Canal

Cruises that visit the Panama Canal offer travelers a few options. You may choose to do a seven to fourteen-day one-way sailing with both Mexican and Central American stops that begins in Florida and ends in California, an even longer round-trip or a seven-day jaunt that includes a partial crossing of the Canal and returns to its port of departure. Whichever journey you choose, you’ll be sure to have the time of your life.

Most cruises to the Panama Canal set off from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or another large Florida port. Regardless of which trip you take, the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean portion of any cruise to the Panama Canal will generally take up seven days and features stops at ports including Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Cartegena, Colombia and the Panama Canal.

An unforgettable highlight of a Panama Canal cruise, of course, is the passage through the canal itself. The canal first opened in 1914 and is to this day one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. Passengers will be thrilled at getting such a close-up view of one of the most important and revolutionary man-made bodies of water in history.

Make sure that your next vacation is exactly what it should be — a fun, relaxing experience that lets you visit different places, experience different cultures, eat new food, get some sun, and not have to stress about any of it. Slip into a pair of sandals, put on your shades and book a cruise to remember to Mexico and the Panama Canal now.

History – Phoenicians first settled here in the 11th century BC founding several coastal colonies among them Gadir which is now Cadiz. Greeks and Carthaginians came in the 6th century BC. The Romans expelled the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and they in turn had their rule ended by the Visigoths in the 5th century AD. 711 saw the Moors cross the Strait of Gibraltar and establish the centre of their western emirate here in Cordoba. The Moorish period was the golden age of Andalusia. Agriculture, leather working, mining, pottery, textiles and trade were all fostered and brought great prosperity. Cordoba, Granada and Seville, embellished by the greatest Moorish monuments in Spain, the Mezquita, the Alcazar and the Alhambra Palace respectively were celebrated as centres of arts, culture and science. It remained under Moorish rule until the 13th century when, with the exception of the Moorish kingdom of Granada, most of it was conquered in by the kings of Castile, who in turn fell to the Catholic kings in 1492. Andalucia declined along with the rest of the country from the 16th century onwards. Although trade with the New World enabled the ports of Seville and Cadiz to continue to flourish. In 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Britain and in 1833 Andalucia was divided into the present eight provinces. The region was a stronghold of anarchism during the Spanish republic. It, however, fell early to the insurgents in the Spanish civil war. Recurrent demonstrations against Franco were seen across Andalucia during his dictatorship. It became an autonomous region in 1981and elected its first parliament the following year.

The region has some interesting contrasts. The deserts of Almeria in the east are the driest part of the whole country, while Sierra de Grazalema in the southwest, because it exposed to winds of the Atlantic, is the rainiest part of Spain. Both the cities of Cordoba and Seville are notorious for their stifleing heat during the summer months but the peaks of the Sierra Nevada remain snow capped all year round. And contrast the rugged coastline of the Cabo de Gata or the Atlantic coast of Cadiz, both with their comparatively deserted beaches, with the intensely developed area in the province of Malaga. Yes the beaches are still there – you just can’t see them for the tourists.

There is still a strong Moorish influence in the character, customs and language of the people. With its tradition of bull fights, flamenco music and dance it is one of Europe’s most strikingly colourful regions. With the abundance of Moorish architecture and it’s pleasant climate it is easy to see why the growth of tourism has been so strong in recent decades. Agriculturally, barren lands contrast with richly fertile regions where cereals, citrus fruit, grapes, olives and sugar cane are produced. Industries, based generally on local agricultural produce, include flour milling, olive-oil extracting and wine making. Cattle, bulls for the ring, and fine horses are bred. The rich mineral resources, exploited since Phoenician times, include copper, iron, lead and zinc. But despite all this poverty is widespread. Farm labourers are among the poorest in Europe and many unemployed people have migrated to the industrial centres further to the north.

Semana Santa – Easter is Andalucia’s major festival and is celebrated for a full week. It features processions of hooded penitents alongside floats decorated with scenes from the passion travelling through the streets of most cities and large towns. Accommodation can be difficult to find during the week and booking ahead is advised.

Flamenco is believed to have been introduced to Andalucia, it’s home today, in the 15th century by gypsies arriving in the region. It is a combination of music, predominantly the guitar, song and dance and is played at fiestas, in bars and at private parties. Audience participate is very much encouraged.

Almeria – Probably founded by Phoenicians, Almeria flourished from the 13th to the 15th centuries as the outlet of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. In 1489 it fell to the Christians. Today the sunny, mild climate attracts many northern Europeans both as tourists and permanent settlers. The capital, also Almeria, is a busy Mediterranean port. It exports significant amounts of agricultural produce, as well as iron and other minerals mined nearby. The city has refineries, chemical and cement plants, and light industries.

Cadiz – In 1100 BC the Phoenicians founded the port of Gadir, known today as Cadiz, which became a market for silver and tin. Some 600 years later it was taken by the Carthaginians and passed in the 3rd century BC to the Romans. It flourished until the fall of Rome, but suffered from the Visigoths and unlike much of Andalucia declined further under the Moors. Its fortifications were rebuilt following it’s reconquest in 1262 by Alfonso X of Castile. Following the discovery of the New World, Cadiz revived its prosperity, as many ships from America unloaded their cargoes there. Columbus sailed from Cádiz in 1495, his second voyage. Inthe late 16th century both Sir Francis Drake and the earl of Essex led attacks on the fleet anchored there and the city respectivly. When in 1718 a sandbar blocked Seville’s port Cádiz became the centre for New World trade. The city declined after Spain lost its American colonies .Cádiz resisted a two year siege by the French from 1810 to 181212 unti lthe Duke of Wellington’s forces relieved it. Cadiz fell to the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War. Today the city, which lies at the southern end of the bay of Cadiz, has an abundance of parks promanades and squares. It is chiefly a port exporting wines, notably the local sherry which has a worldwide reputation and other agricultural items and importing coal, foodstuffs and iron. There is a large fishing fleet based here and some shipbuilding on a limited scale takes place. At the northern end of the bay is the US naval base at Rota.

Cordoba lies beside a loop in the river Guadalequiver upstream from Seville. During the time when the Romans ruled Cordoba was the largest city in Spain and enjoyed great prominence during the time of the Moors. They built the Mezquita, the most beuatiful mosque in Spain.

Granada – Originally a Moorish fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the hieght of Moorish rule this kingdom encompassed both the nieghbouring province of Malaga and Almeria as well as parts of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a centre of art, commerce, industry and science. As the christians drove south the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, surrending eventually in 1492. In the 17th century Granada owed it’s exi prominance to the fact that it was a major silk centre. It stands at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local surrounding area is given over to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada acting as the commercial hub for these. The city is a major tourist centre with attractions such as the Alhambra Palace and other notable Moorish buildings. Facing the Alhambra across the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill is honeycombed with gypsy caves. The nearby ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the locality. South of Granada lie the valleys of the Alpajarras bounded to the north by the Sierra Nevada and to the south the sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa and Gador. The area is very picturesque dotted with the traditional whitewashed villages. Fertile soil provides good farming with citrus fruit, bananas and avacadoes amongst the food grown.

The city of Huelva which is the capital of the province of the same name lies on the Odiel river. It is a busy port exporting copper, cork and sulphur. Like most Spanish ports it has it’s fishing fleeet and in addition some oil refining and ship building. It has a limited tourist trade during the summer months. The city is supplied with water via a Roman aquaduct. Columbus planned his voyages at the nearby La Rabida monastery. The Coto de Donana National Park, Europes most important and largest wildlife sanctuary, lies in the delta of the river Guadalquiver. 60,000 acres have been fenced of to provide the perfect habitat for varied speices of wildlife, birds in particular.

Jaen was once the seat of a small Moorish kingdom and played an important role in the conquest of Granada from the Moors by Christian forces during the 15th century. During the Peninsular war of the early 1800’s the French won a major victory here. Today it is the commercial hub for a fertile agricutural area producing olive oil and wine. Europes richest lead mines are nearby and copper and iron are also extracted. The town Alcalá la Real is known it’s mineral springs. The Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, over 2,000 square kilometres, is the biggest protected are in Spain. Here you might see ibex, red or fallow deer and wild boar.

The city of Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians and passed through the hands of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors when it prospered as a major seaport for the kingdom. It finally fell to the Christian forces in 1487 Málaga is situated on the bay of Malaga and is a major port. Exports include the local wine, almonds, dried fruits, olives and iron ore. It’s beaches, luxurious vegitation and mild climate make it one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Picasso was born in here and you will find a museum of his works.

Seville was important in Phoenician times and favoured by the Romans. It continued as the major city of southern Spain under the Visigoths. It fell to the Moors in 712 and became a prominent centre for culture and commerce. After a drawn out siege it was captured by the Christians in 1248. Some 300,000 Moors are reputed to have fled the city following it’s capture. Seville entered its greatest period of prosperity with the discovery of the Americas and was the main trading port with the new colonies. In 1718 a sandbar closed the port to shipping and Seville went into a steady decline. The French sacked the city in 1810. Throughout the civil war Seville was held by the Nationalists. Today Seville is both capital to the province and the region of Andalucia. Standing on the river Guadalquiver, which connects it to the Atlantic, it has returned to be a port of note accessible to ocean going vessels. Exports include minerals, cork, fruit, olives and wines. Armanents, chemicals, explosives, machinary, perfume, pharmaceuticals, porcelain, textiles and tobacco are all manufactured locally. It is a major cultural and tourist centre. Seville has kept much of its Moorish aspect and one of the world’s largest cathedrals occupies the site of a former mosque. The Giralda tower and the court of oranges remain from the original Moorish structure. You will also find the tomb of Christopher Columbus within the cathedral. The 14th century Alcazar, built by Moorish artisans stands next to the cathedral and is superseded only by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. It is recognized as Spain’s leading centre for bullfighting.

More information about Spain can be found at the Spanish Travel Guide

Almeria Mini Guide:

Almeria International Airport is situated 10km east of the city centre close to the AL-12 dual carriage-way. Almeria International Airport offers a range of facilities and shops including a fine rooftop café, perfect for cheap last minute snacks.

Things To See/Do:

Walking through Nicolás Salmeron Park along the seashore offers a free unrivalled view of the marina and port. It’s impossible to ignore Almeria cathedral in the centre of the city, as well as the churches of Santiago the Elder and San Pedro. Follow a guide or explore the city’s ancient walls at your own leisure.

Itchy feet? A self-drive to the nearby Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve is one option. Here it is possible to enjoy white sandy beaches and nature trails at the first marine-land reserve in Andalusia. Another destination worth visiting by car is nearby Sierra Nevada.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accomodation:

Almeria’s fertile lands produce cheap home-grown ingredients which feature heavily in the local specialities. Fish is also a major feature on Almerian menus, given the city’s coastal location. One way to get a taste for the local culture is to sample the local specialities like “ajo colorao” a stew made with potatoes, red peppers, cod, egg, sausages, garlic and olive oil. ‘Breca a la uva’-Pandora fish with grapes and ‘rape a la barraca’- monkfish with leek and mushrooms are other local favourite dishes. The area around Avenida de Frederico Garcia offers plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from.

Almeria has a buzzing nightlife with a host of music bars, discos and pubs springing up in the heart of the city. There’s always a good choice in terms of atmosphere and music. Getting around the city at night is easy as there are a range of bars and summer terraces conveniently located around the Fraga Iribarne and Concepcion Arenal area.

It’s easy to find pubs and discos to suit all sorts at districts like Real, Martines Campos, Trajano, Pedro Luque, Eduardo Perez, el paseo de Almería andl Nicolás Salmerón park.

In summer, fiestas and festivals take place at El Zapillo (sailor district).

Almeria offers a range of both luxury and budget accommodation. Good deals are to be had for travellers on a budget at hotels such as Hostal Sevilla, located at Calle de Granada 23, which has basic facilities including a TV and bath.
For those looking for a little more luxury, Hotel Residencia La Perla, located just off Puerta de Purchena has single and double rooms in the mid price range.

East of Cabarete, a famous tourist resort for kitesurfers, opens the Costa Verde. You enter via Gaspar Hernandez whose main street is constantly bubbling of life. The road continues through increasingly exuberant vegetation, remains of a thick forest untouched until the second half of the 19th century. Very soon small colored wooden cabins arise along the road, offering bags of local almonds.

A few kilometers away hides Playa Magante. A trail divides itself in two and leads to both ends of this beautiful grey sand beach. Few bungalows, right on the beach, welcome the tourist; you will sleep soothed by the murmur and eat fresh fish offered by the local restaurants.

Back on the main road, to Rio San Juan, the most famous town on the Costa Verde. Its Laguna Grigri is a must; boats slide in the mangrove to reach the sea or the cave of swallows and Playa Caleton.

Finally, comes Playa Grande, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. A magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones overlooks the beach and offers a stunning ocean view.

Before reaching Cabrera in the province of Maria Trinidad Sanchez, the road runs through Cabo Francés Viejo, a small national park of 1.5 km2. The white limestone cliff stands out in the background of Playa El Bretón.

Cabrera is a small city on the Atlantic coast, but also a province of 276 km2, offering numerous beautiful natural landscapes. Cabrera is located on a promontory of limestone terraces going down to the sea. In some places the land reaches the sea, while, in other, 400-meter cliffs overlook the ocean. The province of Cabrera offers a wealth of amazing sceneries and striking ocean views. Samana peninsula can even be seen from Cabrera on clear days.

There is a typical Dominican atmosphere in the little town. For a long time Cabrera was just a passage between the Amber Coast and the Samana Peninsula, and only a few foreigners were lucky enough to get a glimpse of its beauty and tranquility and built in their vacation or main residence in Cabrera.

The city is planted along a coastline carved by the centenary assault of waves. On stormy days, the landscape has something reminding of Britain or Ireland. Going either east or west you are not very far from beautiful beaches. Each one has its own style, between a hiden creek and a long stretch: Playa Bretón lying at the feet of limestone cliffs; Playa Caletón de Dario hidden behind a luxurious residence, Orchid Bay, where homes are caressed by the sea breeze; Playa Diamante, a small closed bay where the Ocean enters gently, bringing joy to the children with no fear of the deep sea; and Playa La Boca in the small fishing village of La Entrada. The latter, little known by tourist guides is a long stretch of fine sand. To access Playa La Boca take the royal alley lined with palms, alongside a river flowing into the sea. On their days off, Dominicans can enjoy either freshwater or saltwater, to the beat of tropical music. If the sea is generous, the inland is no less. On the outskirts of La Entrada, Laguna Doudou and the blue lake invite visitors in their green and blue, soft and fresh waters, a great way to escape the bite of the sun. Further up peaks and valleys succeed one another, as green as meadows in Normandy; from the heights you can enjoy the sea without growing tired. Nagua, where trade and agriculture dominate, is the exit door from the Costa Verde.

From Cabarete to Puerto Plata

East of Gaspar Hernandez begins Costa de Ambar (The Amber Coast), named from its large deposits of the fossil resin. Cabarete is a resort known worldwide for its strong winds (one of the top 10 world spots) for the enjoyment of kite windsurfers. It is also a pleasant place for swimmers with 3 miles of beach and a buoyant nightlife with its bars and restaurants right on the sand under the coconut trees. This is definitely an international spot! Further west lies the town of Sosúa, tourist mecca and melting pot. Dominicans and foreigners get to know each other in the district of El Batey (name formerly used only for the Haitian district), while other Dominicans stay in the Charamicos, the poorest district, however undeniably full of the joie de vivre of its inhabitants. The beautiful bay of Sosua, with its translucent green waters joins the two districts. Under the coconut and palm trees, small local shops display Haitian art, jewelry and local multicoloured pareos. You can also indulge yourself with a fresh fish and “tostones” (fried plantains) under the shade of a parasol, lying on a lounge chair.

Walking around in the district of El Batey you will discover the synagogue and the Jewish Museum. During the Second World War, the dictator Trujillo opened the doors of the country and offered to Jews in exodus to settle in what was then a village. The Jewish community established itself on this land and participated in the development of the town.

To get to Puerto Plata, the road runs through sugar cane fields. At the entrance of the city, the road is lined with the large hotel Playa Dorada lying along the long beach, which joins the “Malecón” (walk) in the city. There is a heavy traffic in the city: cars and motorcycles compete for the road, be careful and have eyes everywhere to avoid any accident.

The town is overlooked by the mountain Isabel de Torres, named by Christopher Columbus in 1492. You can climb by cable-car to admire – when the weather is clear – a magnificent panorama of the city and its bay, and a statue of Christ, more modest, though, than in Rio de Janeiro.

In the center one can still admire the ancient splendor of the city and its wooden Victorian houses, notably around “Parque Central” restored in spring 2008. You have to lose your way in the adjacent streets and get caught by the charm of this city rocked by the Atlantic Ocean; you have to sit down and start a discussion with a Dominican, they are always smiling and happy to share with you; you have to visit the museum of amber that tells the story of a marriage of the fauna and flora in the sap of the trees 30 million years ago; you have to enter the Fortress of San Felipe at the end of the “Malecón”, the oldest relic of the 16th century, which once defended the city against pirates’ attack, and housed prisoners at other times of his long history.

Puerto Plata to Monte Cristi

The exit of Puerto Plata towards the west is as lively as its entry; everything becomes more peaceful approaching the Bay of Cofresi named from the famous Puerto Rican pirate. Slightly aside from the beach, toward Imbert is a magical place, Damajagua falls. Go there light with your material well-packed in sealed bags to climb down natural water slides and plunge into the 27 waterfalls (”charcos”) of the river.

Further west you reach the Bay of Luperón offering boats a natura creek shielding them form the storms. It is a quiet place where lies a small fishing port. A few kilometers away, you arrive to what was the first city in the New World, La Isabela. The road is difficult but the landscape deserves the trip. On 10 December 1493, Christopher Columbus founded the small colony. Today, there are the ruins of the military section called “Castillo.” At short distance are Punta Rucia and its beautiful beach of la Enseñada. From here you can sail in a small boat to reach “Cayo Paraíso”, a small sandbar in the middle of the sea. You can swim surrounded by the fish.

The last guard before crossing the border with Haiti is Monte Cristi. The landscape gets drier, the vegetation tougher with a variety of cactus. It rains a little in this region. The city had its golden age with its natural port and its export of agricultural products, bananas and wood, to Europe. Today, poverty pervades the streets. The city does not lack of interest, however, with its salt marshes, the National Park El Morro, which encloses a spectacular rock dressed in a ochre ground, its Cayos Siete Hermanos (7 Brothers Keys) that beyond the corals used to offer a haven for pirates and bucaneers from another time.

For futher information about Dominican Republic, consult my website.

What Should You Do?

How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Myrtle Beach’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families.

Skiing Vacations

Many resorts offer a plethora of activities for you and your family. While you are skiing fresh powder, your children can be supervised by a certified ski instructor while enrolled in ski school. After that lesson, you can meet up with them and they will be happy to show you what they learned. When the day ends, be sure to explore the town. Ski towns are notorious for some of the best shopping and fine dining. If you want to take a day off from skiing to catch your breath, try ice skating, toboggan runs or just sit by a fire with a good book. When it comes time to plan a ski vacation, try to plan at least 5 to 6 months ahead of time. This is when you can find the best deals and you shouldn’t have to worry about the hotel you want to stay in, completely booked. I have found that a little research goes a long way. After you choose your hotel, see if they have any packages or specials available. Most of the time hotels and resorts will offer a bit of a discount on lift tickets and other activities. If a special or package is not available, make sure to buy your lift tickets in bulk to save some money. Try to buy a 3 or 4 day pass versus buying individual tickets each day. Often times, these lift tickets will be good for more than 1 resort in the area.

Ski Vacation Destinations.

The Rocky Mountains of Colorado offer many good resorts to choose from. Some favorites include Telluride, Vail and Breckenridge. Telluride Ski Resort was built in the 1970’s and along with it came cultural events, festivals, music and more. People come to this town year after year for the wonderful skiing and other fun activities.

If skiing is what you are all about, Vail is the place to go! It has just been named number 1 for the 14th time in 19 years in Ski Magazines “Top 50 Resort Guide”. Vail offers world class skiing, fabulous nightlife and many fine dining options.

Breckenridge is a 147 year old Victorian town. People flocked to this town in the 1800’s in search of riches in the form of gold. Now this town is a haven for skiers of all types. This town offers many activities for families and travelers.

Beach Vacations

Beach resorts can be perfect for your next family vacation getaway. Some of the best resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Mexico

Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.

The Caribbean

The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.

Hawaii

Hawaii offers many choices for the traveling family. Each island is unique and offers something for everyone. Kauai is less touristy but still offers much to do. The surfing and snorkeling are not to be missed. Be sure to take a day and drive up to Waimea Canyon. This canyon offers many photo opportunities, and spots to get out and hike near beautiful waterfalls. Maui offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Maui also offers great sightseeing and wonderful shopping. Of the islands, Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island” is the largest. Here you can visit the only active volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. You will also find wonderful resorts, pristine beaches, great nightlife, fine dining and shopping.

Golf Vacations

Right about now, you may be thinking “How can a golf vacation be good for my whole family?” Well, many golf resorts offer more than just golf. While you are out hitting the lynx, your family can be enjoying a beach, pool, or shopping. When you are done on the course you can meet up and head to one of the many fine dining establishments near your resort. Many golf vacations can be combined with a beach getaway. Mexico, Hawaii and the United States offer some of the best golf near some of the best beaches. These resorts offer many different specials and packages that can be tailored to fit your specific wishes.

Whatever your next vacation entails for you, you will not be disappointed with any one of the recommendations above. Be sure to see all you can see. The bottom line is to enjoy yourself and relax!

So you’re engaged…congratulations! One of the most fun parts about getting married is planning that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you haven’t even narrowed it down to a country, much less an island or a resort, don’t worry-many (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same boat.

Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you’re more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED destination rather than the best destination for your wants, needs, and style.

The following are questions you should ask yourself-it’ll help you figure out what your options are, and help you ask better questions of your travel agent…which will help you plan that perfect honeymoon.

When are you going?

Every destination has its high and low seasons-and this is typically a combination of weather and the times of the year that their tourists typically take vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have very little variance in their weather year-round; others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane season. Yet it’s important to know that the Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts have different hurricane seasons, and some parts of the western Caribbean really aren’t hurricane prone at all. Other destinations–such as Central America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or monsoon seasons. You really need to know the specific destination in order to have a feel for whether or not their “green” season is too “green” (rainy!) for you.

Also, ask yourself if you’re willing to delay the start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or months. Summer months are very popular for weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good weather are more in your favor. However, this also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes more crowded) season for many honeymoon destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can give you time to relax and wind down from the wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take advantage of the lower prices of what’s known as the “shoulder season” (between high and low season).

Travel time/vacation time

How much time off work are you going to take? And how much of it are you willing to spend on an airplane?

If you’re going on an African safari, you’re going to consume about a day and a half traveling each way from the U.S. This is fine if you’re going to be there a couple of weeks, but if those days are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, you might consider someplace closer. And distance isn’t the only factor: how many stopovers is it going to take to get where you’re going? If you’ve got to land on a main island, then wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the “island hopper” flight to take you out to your remote private island retreat, that’s going to consume your vacation time too.

A great option, if it’s available, is a red-eye flight, where you sleep on the plane and wake up at your destination, saving a day of vacation time.

Language

This is less of a problem than you might think. Unless you’re backpacking around some exotic country, you’re going to find people in restaurants, hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, as you’ll find you’re treated differently if you begin conversations with “hello” in their language, and show you’re willing to make the effort to get along in their country.

Cost

The big question! First, some statistics: the average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their honeymoon package…and this doesn’t included expenditures once they’re at their destination. When considering a resort that’s NOT all-inclusive, take some time to research the area and find out what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good place to start.

Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up to much more than your airfare and hotel, and you need to be realistic and prepared for this. Consider staying at multiple hotels on your honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at someplace really nice to start, then a more moderate property with perhaps less of a view for the remainder.

People, people, people

There are a number of important considerations here. First off, who else is going to be at your resort? Are most of the guests at the resort in your age group? Are they young and adventurous, or older and mostly interested in golf? Does the resort market to families-are you going to find a ton of kids splashing around in the pool when you’re trying to have a romantic, relaxing time? Is the bar going to be lively, with your kind of music? Are you going to feel right at home, or a bit out of place?

Next, let’s talk about density: do you prefer to be in the middle of the action, with lots of other happy honeymooners all around, or quieter and more secluded? Think about whether you want to be in a hotel with 400 rooms, or a resort with 40 private villas…the experience will be very different. And do you want to be waited on hand and foot, or left alone to explore by yourselves? Do you want to shop, maybe pick up souvenirs or local style clothes, or maybe some artwork? Maybe you want a mix: in Hawaii, popular combinations would include a few nights in the heart of Waikiki combined with a few nights on the North Shore…on Maui, perhaps a split between the Lahaina/Kaanapali area and the secluded Hana coast.

Finally, how much do you want to learn about the locals, their language, food, and culture? Generally, at the all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find yourselves with other tourists, separated from the local style. If you want to immerse yourselves in the local environment, perhaps consider a smaller hotel, farther from the main tourist areas.

History and culture

Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins…centuries-old cathedrals…seeing native villages? The beauty of the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can make for a fabulous honeymoon experience.

Europe is an obvious destination, but think also about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin America…Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand… Angkor Wat in Cambodia…Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. China is becoming a much more popular destination as well: consider visiting the Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors.

Accommodations

How sensitive are you to humidity and temperature? This can determine not only the destination, but also the choice of resort, as not all A/C systems are created equal. How close do you want to be to nature? I’ve stayed at fabulous safari lodges in Africa that didn’t even have complete walls…just mosquito nets to protect you at night. For some, this is a dream come true-for others it might be a nightmare.

How important is your living space in your hotel room? Do you feel claustrophobic easily? Do you like to lounge around in the morning, have breakfast in bed, or do you like to get up and out there exploring the island? Is a spa on-property important to you? Is a view of the ocean from your room important to you…enough to justify the higher price?

Also think about how you typically spend your day on vacation. If you go back and forth from the room to the beach, the pool, the restaurant, you might want a place with ground-level villas rather than have to get on and off elevators all the time. If you’re going to spend most of your days out exploring the island, this might not matter so much.

Nightlife

Are you going to want to go out dancing/clubbing? Or maybe see some native dances or performances? If you’re going to Hawaii, and you ARE looking for nightlife, you’ll probably want to think about Oahu or maybe Maui.

For Mexico, you should be thinking about Cancun or Cabo, rather than some of the more isolated resort areas. If you’re considering the Caribbean, the answer to this question might affect the island or region you choose as well. Music: what do you want to hear on your honeymoon? Mariachi bands, steel drums, reggae, or Hawaiian hula…what appeals to you?

Food!

How adventurous of an eater are you? How about your fiancé? Do you like to try the local food, try many different restaurants? Often resorts will have very good American and European menus, but for authentic local cuisine you’ll have to venture outside the resort.

All-inclusives and cruises often make fabulous food very affordable; if you’re not at an all-inclusive resort, the on-property restaurants are often pretty pricey compared to outside restaurants, and tend to be less authentic with respect to local/native cuisine. If your chosen resort is in or near a reasonably large town or tourist area, you may have lots of choice for dinner; if you’re secluded and isolated, it’s possible that you have no choice but to dine at the resort (and pay their prices, if it’s not included!).

In areas like Fiji and Tahiti, you’ll often find that while the resort isn’t officially all-inclusive, they do have a “meal plan” which covers food and sometimes drinks. Sometimes these plans cover just breakfast and dinner, which leaves you the option of trying the local cuisine and eating relatively inexpensively for lunch.

Adventure!

How about a safari in Kenya or Botswana? Or hiking in the Andes…maybe a trip to Macchu Pichu? Or a week on a rented sailboat in the Caribbean? How about touring Australia on a Harley? Maybe trek through the jungles of Costa Rica, observing monkeys and exotic birds? If these appeal to you, first thing you need to do is make sure they also appeal to your spouse! These kinds of trips create memories of a lifetime, and can be very affordable as well. Often, couples will want to combine an “adventure” trip with a few days relaxing at a beach resort-these kinds of combination packages can be put together for you by a knowledgeable travel agent, and give you the best of both worlds.

Watersports

Do you and your fiancé scuba dive (or do you want to learn)? You’ll find that pretty much every tropical destination has diving and snorkeling available. Some will have scuba courses offered by the resorts, while other resorts will have partnered with local dive companies. If you love to snorkel, make sure your travel agent knows, so they can recommend resorts where the wave conditions tend to be good and there are good snorkeling reefs nearby so that there’s something besides just sand to look at. In general, a great surfing beach won’t be a great snorkeling beach!

Are you interested in going deep-sea fishing? It’s important to know what the fishing is like where you’re going. For instance, while you can take a guided fishing trip from any one of the Hawaiian islands, your chances of actually doing some CATCHING as well as fishing are substantially better on the Big Island!

Additionally, it’s important to talk to your travel agent about what kinds of watersports you want to enjoy. If you’re interested in jetskiing and parasailing, you’ll want to be in one place; if you want to kayak with the turtles, snorkel around the reef, you’ll want to be elsewhere. It’s also useful to know how far it is from your hotel to the best spots for your activities-you won’t want to spend two hours a day roundtripping from your hotel to your activities.

The destinations

Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular destinations, and what they’re known for.

Fiji- great scuba and snorkeling, very friendly people, mostly villa-style beach bungalow accommodations in widely-separated resorts. Moderately expensive to very expensive. About 9 hours flying time from Los Angeles.

Hawaii- beautiful weather all year round, close to mainland U.S., amazing array of watersports and adventure activities. Not as much of a cultural transition for mainland Americans as many other destinations. Most hotels have 200-400 rooms; hotel density along beaches can be high. Excellent choice for a destination wedding, as prices are very reasonable for high quality and service. Inexpensive to moderately expensive.

Tahiti- great scuba and snorkeling, famous for overwater bungalows and phenomenal views. Resorts tend to be fairly far apart; very secluded and private. Expensive to very expensive; food, drinks, and activities can be very expensive as well. About 8 hours flying time from Los Angeles.

Mexico- Cancun/Cozumel nearly fully recovered from the past summer’s hurricanes, and much rebuilding has resulted in many upgraded resorts. High density of resorts on beaches in places like Cancun and Cabo. Great diving, watersports; some areas close to Mayan ruins. Recently, all-inclusive resorts have become common, and there are some terrific bargains to be had, especially at the moderate to more expensive resorts. A new trend we’re seeing is combining the traditional beach vacation with a few days inland at one of Mexico’s colonial cities, exploring the history and culture of old Mexico. Easy access from the U.S. Inexpensive to moderately expensive.

Caribbean- known for prevalence of all-inclusive resorts, especially in Jamaica. Huge range of cultures, styles, food, music. Great watersports and scenery, and not too long in the air from major U.S. cities. Cruises are a very popular way to explore multiple islands and countries in the Caribbean at a modest cost. Inexpensive to very expensive.

Europe – history, architecture, and great food and wine are big draws here. Airfare is less than you might expect, often sub-$500 per person roundtrip. Less of a beach resort destination, although areas of Italy, France, and Greece on the Mediterranean can provide the sun & surf element. Castles in Ireland and self-drive B&B vacations throughout the UK are popular, as are villa stays in France and Italy. In Greece, the Cyclades islands are very popular: Santorini with its submerged volcano, black sandy beach, and breathtaking sunsets…Mykonos with its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and beaches…and Naxos, the largest island with golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the medieval capital of Hora. Honeymooners often combine stays on these islands with a visit to Athens. Many cruise options are available, allowing easy exploration of a number of Mediterranean ports in one vacation. Moderately expensive to very expensive.

Costa Rica & Belize – becoming very popular as eco-tourism destinations, these countries offer terrific beach resorts, watersports, diving and snorkeling, combined with jungle exploration and eco-adventures. Treetop resorts becoming popular here as well; and like Mexico, there are a number of Mayan ruins accessible in Belize. Belize also is famous for its barrier reef, and the scuba diving hotspot known as The Blue Hole. Relatively short flight from mainland U.S., combined with great value for the dollar at many resorts makes these two countries very hot for honeymooners.

Australia & New Zealand – enormous variety of things to do for the adventurous types, from Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier reef, Sydney and its renowned Opera House, Surfers Paradise. New Zealand has everything from geysers in Rotorua to jet-boating; hiking and skiing amongst tremendous scenery, and of course the famous Maori hospitality. We often suggest combining a trip to either of these countries with a stopover in Fiji or Tahiti as well. Long flight times (15 hours+ from Los Angeles) mean you’ll probably want to stay 2 weeks at the very least. Moderately expensive to expensive.

The Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius are all fabulous honeymoon destinations, although because of the flying time from the U.S. (around 30 hours), they’re more commonly visited by Europeans. Truly spectacular diving and scenery, great food and culture, and very friendly people. Hotels are much more spread out than Hawaii or Mexico-more like Fiji or Tahiti. Private island resorts are common, as in Fiji and Tahiti. Seychelles and Mauritius trips are commonly combined with a week or so in Africa on safari. Expensive to very expensive, even without the airfare (roughly $1500 to $2000 per person roundtrip from the U.S.).

Southeast Asia – combines terrific beach resorts with extraordinary culture and historical sites to explore. A relatively long flight from the U.S. (up to 20 hours depending on routing), but a tremendous value once you’re there. Thailand, Bali, China, Vietnam and Cambodia are all becoming very popular. Very inexpensive without the airfare; inexpensive to moderate with airfare.

Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile are becoming more popular, and offer a great opportunity to experience culture, wilderness and traditional beach resorts all in one vacation. The Amazon is a huge draw, of course, but also the culture and experiences to be had in Rio and Buenos Aires make for a very memorable and exotic honeymoon. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is certainly one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world, perched in the Andes at over 9,000 feet in elevantion. Moderately expensive to very expensive.

The multitude of environmental regions in Baja California combined with it pleasant Mediterranean climate opens up the doors towards many recreational activities for travelers, visitors, locals, tourists and vacationers.

Of course, water sports aplenty are available in Baja California. There are several beaches, marinas, harbors and bays to be found all around the Baja peninsula, and swimming is an activity many people enjoy in Baja’s fine, white sand beaches. Aside from swimming, another water sport that thousands come to Baja every year to experience is sports fishing. With two very abundant and large bodies of water found on either side of the peninsula, it comes as no surprise that Baja offers an enjoyable fishing experience.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are also very popular among tourists. There are but a very few places in the whole planet where you can dive and swim along colonies of hammerhead sharks or gigantic yet gentle whale sharks and humpback whales. Because of the rich marine bio-diversity in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the interesting underwater landscapes found beyond Baja California’s shores, both diving experts and amateurs can enjoy their Baja diving experience.

Other water sports and seaside recreational activities that you can do in Baja is wind surfing, para sailing, sea kayaking, whale watching, island boating and surfing.

Due to the long strip of mountain ranges found in the peninsula of Baja California, activities such as mountain biking, trekking, hiking and camping are popular recreational activities along Baja mountain ranges. Some very well known mountain ranges in the Baja peninsula are the Sierra de la Giganta and Sierra de la Laguna. These mountain ranges have different environmental regions within them. You can find cool pine forests, dry mountain forests and desert mountain regions.

Deserts in Baja California also offer several recreational activities. Desert biking is a famous sport in Baja and there are plenty of annual biking competitions and events held here. There are also some ranches found along Baja desert regions where you can go horseback riding, touring and ATV racing (all terrain vehicle racing).

And even within the large cities and small towns of Baja, there is always an enjoyable distraction to find. Tours are popular among vacationers and visitors. Old Spanish missions, cathedrals, museums, cave paintings and other historically and culturally significant sites are commonly part of these tours. Shopping is a most engaging activity in Baja California, not just because of the very low prices but also because of the wide variety of choices there is to find.

For more information on Baja California recreational activities, visit www.baja.com for a complete city guide and loads of helpful information.

Los Cabos, Cancun, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta are all popular destination. Discover what makes each exceptional so you can better select the right destination for you.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos will captivate you with its unsurpassed natural beauty, nearly 360 days of sunshine each year and myriad activities from which to choose. A place of extraordinary beauty on the Baja Peninsula, it is a place of contrasts, from the bright blue Sea of Cortez to the red rock formations of the Sierra de la Laguna. The beaches along the Sea of Cortez present many opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling ,diving surfing and windsurfing at one of the many tempting locations you’ll find throughout this fun-in-the-sun paradise. No matter which activity you choose to embark on, rest assured you will enjoy your stay

Cancun

Cancun is Mexico’s top vacation destination. It is home to Mexico’s most enticingly beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and, warm white sand, draw sunbathers from around the world. It does have a fair share vibrant night life. By nighttime it’s an energetic vibrating scene but by day it’s tranquil, peaceful, and so relaxing. Cancun also has the widest assortment of activities than any other resort destination in Mexico.

Acapulco

Acapulco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and a major hotspot or both spring-breakers and partiers of all ages.  It is the resort that never sleeps and it has a reputation as a party place. It’s where plenty of the rich and famous come to party and relax and there’s a reason. It’s the best party destination in all of Mexico.

Acapulco’s pristine beaches are the main attraction, particularly for fishing and water sports. Whether you want to snorkel, dive, ski dive, swim, play golf, play tennis, or just relax in the sun Acapulco surely caters to everyone.

Puerto Vallarta

The beaches in Puerto Vallarta lie on Bahia Bandera and offer every type of water sports imaginable, including surfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. Puerto Vallarta is also perfect for a family getaway. Entertainment is definitely guaranteed for the entire family. Puerto Vallarta offers every type of  Mexico accommodations.

So if you are ready to experience the best beach vacation ever, Mexico won’t fail you.

Nevertheless, careful planning is the only possible way to guarantee that the fishing trip does not turn into a boring and annoying thing. No matter if you are a novice or an expert in this sort of activities, the adventure and fun cannot be replaced by anything else. Patience, precision and timing are among the skills which are absolutely necessary during a fishing trip. The wealth of the waters can always nourish the desire of catching your favorite fish at your favorite destination.

Either that you wish for a professionally guided fishing trip or that you want the challenging experience of a trip, planned by no one else but you, any sunny day can become a memorable fishing trip. Choosing the right destination for each and every season is the most important thing that you must do before hitting the road. Before everything else, you must have detailed information about the destination and the climatic condition. Some places may require a fishing license. Therefore, in order to avoid any unpleasant event that could ruin your fishing trip, you must gather all kinds of details about the location you want to be heading for.

It is a commonly known thing that there are certain equipments that are absolutely necessary for the success of any fishing trip. I am speaking about things such as tackle, bait, fly rod, reel, line and spare spool and waders. In order for everything to go smoothly, a first aid kit and a detailed location map must not be forgotten.

If you already have all this prepared and are set to go, Mexico is a very interesting place for the fishing trip of your life. With the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez on the west and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean on the east, Mexico can bring us all a really special experience. However, Mexico has many other intersting areas for tourists to explore during their fishing trips.

The Pacific coastal town called Huatulco in the area called the Oaxacan coast is a very popular location for all kinds of people . Should you be looking for a nice place to escape the everyday life in the cities and enjoy the beauty of the nature, Huatulco is the perfect destination for your Mexico fishing trip! The clear turquoise waters are full of pelagic game fish, such as sailfish and marlin, for instance.

If Huatulco is not enough for you, you can also try Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s west coast. This is where most of the Hollywood movie stars seek their quiet moments too! Any Mexico fishing trip is said to turn out great in this area, and the Cabo waters are world famous as the Marlin Capital of the World.

Therefore, should you be researching for the perfect destination to spend your Mexico fishing trip in, these are some very good choices!