Mexico Archives - Alaska to Mickey

All-Inclusive Resorts January 28, 2021

All-Inclusive Resorts–Like a Cruise on Land

All-inclusive resorts are just like a cruise but on land.

Well, we are now into 2021. Travel is looking brighter but still a little elusive at times. While some families are not ready to travel, some are thinking about planning the next vacation and some are ready to get away. Where ever your family falls in this spectrum it is always good to dream. Today I am here to give you a bit more information about why your family might want to think about an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation. All-inclusive resorts are not just your run-of-the-mill resort vacation. Oh no! They are your one-stop pathway to relaxation, fun, and adventure. All-inclusive resorts are kind of like a cruise but on land and in one place.

All-inclusive resorts are a great alternative to cruising. Cruising will be back again (hopefully later this summer or fall) but in the meantime, you might want to get away. An all-inclusive resort might be just the ticket for your family. Much of what you can find on a cruise ship you can experience at all-inclusive resorts. Read on to learn more!

Where are all-inclusive resorts

Most all inclusive resorts are found in Mexico and the Caribbean. There is one Club Med in Florida that is nice but not as luxurious.

How an all-inclusive resort is like a cruise on land!

Food

Like a cruise ship, all your food is included in the price of your stay. Most resorts have many different restaurants ranging from luxury dining to casual eateries and poolside fare. You will find different restaurants to cater to different tastes such as Italian, Mexican, Asian, or Indian food. At larger resorts, there could be so many restaurants that you could try a different one for every meal in your week long visit and still not hit them all. You will also have at least one buffet option. This makes it easy for everyone to find something they like.

BUT, an all-inclusive resort goes one step further than just food. All-inclusive resorts also include drinks. There are many bars and lounges around the resort and you can just walk up (or swim up) and get something to drink.

The dining options vary from resort to resort so talk with your travel advisor for help finding the resort that has the right dining options for your family. Also, not all dining or drinks are included, just like a cruise. Some finer dining and top-shelf liquors will have an additional charge.

Entertainment and Activities

Every resort will have a pool area but they aren’t all created equal. Some will have one main pool, others might have an adult pool or children’s pool and some might have them all. At the main pool, there could be activities going on all day long while it is quieter at the adult pool giving guests a place for fun and a place for relaxation. Guess what, there are also resorts that have their own water park. How cool is that!!

Most resorts will include non-motorized water sports such as paddleboards and kayaks. A few also include even some motorized ones. There might be other on-site activities that are included like miniature golf, tennis, and sports courts. Some resorts have bumper cars and arcade rooms. You will also find other activities you can do for an extra charge, maybe horseback riding, scuba diving, ATV adventures, etc.

Kid’s Clubs

One of the things that families love about cruising is the kids’ activities and special places just for kids. Well, all-inclusive resorts are just like a cruise and can provide that too! Kids will find their own places to play games, do crafts, perform in plays, dress-up, get some energy out in an outdoor playground, or splash park. Staff members are specially trained to care for your kids all day long.

Excursions

Another thing people love about cruising is going out and exploring the countries they visit. Well, at an all-inclusive resort you only stay in one place. But, there are plenty of things to go and do and see off of the resort property. Most resorts have a dedicated place to go to book excursions. One of the cool things about staying on land, in one place, is that you get to explore more of the area. You aren’t limited to just a few hours and have to wait until the next cruise to go and do something else. You can do all that you want on one vacation. Woohoo!

There are so many different all-inclusive resort options for all families and all budgets. Contact me if you would like to start planning your all-inclusive vacation or have questions!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

All-Inclusive Resorts January 12, 2021

5 Reasons to Vacation in Cancun, Mexico?

There is more to do on your vacation to Cancun, Mexico than just go to the beach. They are gorgeous, though.

The top five reasons to vacation in Cancún, Mexico (besides the obvious one!)

Okay, you don’t really need five reasons to go to Cancún. One should suffice–the beach in this city! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches. But, if you need some more, here are five more reasons that you should have you packing your bags and setting out on a vacation to Cancun, Mexico in the glorious Mexican Caribbean!

Gorgeous All-Inclusive Resorts

Check out – or, better yet, check into – the Moon Palace: one of the region’s top ten beach resorts, and all-inclusive to boot. Swimming pools? How about ten. Places to eat? The resort has a good twenty. Golf? Check. Spas? There are several. When you come to Cancún, you’re going to be at a premiere spot right on the Caribbean ocean. So let yourself get pampered a little!

Ancient history right nearby

If you’re at all into ancient history, one of the best sites is Tulum, an easy day trip from the tip of the peninsula. –One of the benefits of Tulum is being far less crowded than the more well-known Chichen Itza. You can wander these wonderful ruins alone or with a guide. (But if you really want to learn anything about the ancients who built it, you’ll want a guide!) You also don’t want to miss the iguanas posing on the stones so that you can take a selfie. Overall, it’s a terrific diversion from all the sun-soaking on the beach.

Relaxing on Isla Mujeres

Right across the Bahia de Mujeres, off the coast from Cancún, the Isla Mujeres isn’t only for women. (And that’s despite the name meaning “women’s island” in Spanish!) Here you can enjoy a change in view of the Cancun skyline while enjoying a calmer Caribbean vibe. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach, between two of the best meals you’ll eat in Cancún. This island is renowned for its food, and you’ll find everything – from superb Italian and French flavors to wonderful, local Mayan and Yucatecan cuisine.

Exploring jungle ruins

While the Tulum ruins are right on the beach, the ruins of Cobá are tucked away in the jungle. They are well worth the extra effort to get to. At Cobá, may climb one of the ancient Mayan pyramids, and be rewarded at the top with spectacular views of the Yucatán jungle. You’ll be enveloped by the feeling of authenticity: these ruins today are as surrounded by the ever-encroaching forest as they must have been ages ago. Cobá is a must-see day excursion – the drive from Cancún is less than two hours!

World-class nightlife

Tired of beaches and ruins? Then it’s time to hit the clubs! The best club in Cancún, by far, is Coco Bongo – a huge dance club with a thousand incredible acts, any one of which will make you forget that you’re not in Las Vegas! Tickets come with unlimited drinks, and the club stays open late. Dance the night away – and then sleep all day on the beach. You’re in Cancún! You can do whatever you want!

Mexico might be just south of the border but a terrific place to vacation. Flights are quick from much of the United States. Perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip.

Have you vacationed in Cancun, Mexico? What was your favorite thing to do? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Experience the Culture of Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico is a great place to experience the Mayan culture. The port of Costa Maya is fairly small and the fishing village of Mahahual is just a short ride (2 miles) away. As you get off your ship you will find yourself in a delightful shopping/dining/entertainment area. Right here there are 3 swimming pools and just a quick walk to a beach. You could easily spend all your time in the port area of Costa Maya but there is quite a bit more out there with just a little bit of planning and a sense of adventure.

Costa Maya is a great place to experience Mayan culture watching the hanging acrobats spin around the very tall post. — Hanging acrobat show you can watch right after exiting your cruise ship

The people of this town are more than ready to show you a little bit about their culture. Let’s explore some wonderful activities to experience the culture of Costa Maya, Mexico.

Visit Mahahual

This fishing village is only 2 miles from the cruise ship port. Many visitors feel this is where you see the real culture of this area. Only about 1000 people live in Mahahual and their living is dependant on tourism. You will find beautiful beaches and beach clubs, restaurants, bars, shopping and people ready to help you learn about their culture.

Cooking Classes

One excursion that many guests love is the cooking classes taught by local residents. Guests are taught traditional cooking techniques of the Yucatecan Mexican people. Guests might learn to cook foods like tortillas, empanadas, flautas, pico de gallo, tamales, coconut helado, jicama salad and even more. This is definitely an excursion that you can take home with you and bring back fond memories when you cook the foods at home. Ask your travel advisor for help finding a great cooking class.

Visit the Mayan Ruins

One of the most popular cultural activities is to visit Myan ruins. You will find ruins from as early as 200 BC.

Chacchoben Ruins

Visiting Chacchoben is a great way to experience Mayan culture in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Chacchoben is the closest ruin site to Costa Maya. It is about 50 minutes away. You can schedule an excursion ahead of time or hire a taxi or shttle when you get to the port. Renting a car is also a possibility. The roads are clearly marked.

Chacchoben includes two main temple pyramids dated 200 B.C. to A.D. 700. These ruins are relatively newly discovered as they weren’t found until 1941. The site was opened to the public in 2002 after 8 years of restoration. You can either take a guided tour or explore the area on your own. There isn’t much signage so you will learn a lot more about the history and Mayan culture if you have a guide. The surrounding jungle gives this area a very ancient feel. And, because the nearby jungle is lush you might spot a spider monkey. Note: you are not allowed to climb up the ruins.

Dzibanche and Kohunlich Ruins

These two ruin sites are less traveled as they are a bit farther away. A guided tour will really bring the Mayan history and their culture to life for you. Vegetation enveloped this area at one point so the archeological history is also very interesting. Both sites can be visited in one day.

Dzibanche was a large city between 300 and 900 A.D. There were plazas, palaces, temples, homes, and public buildings that you see remnants of today. The most impressive pyramid is the Cormoranes Pyramid from the 5th Century A.D. You are allowed to climb these ruins to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding jungle and archeological site. Be careful and watch your footing!

Kohunlich is the largest and most spectacular site. It isn’t as busy as it is about an hour and a half away. You can also climb to the top of the temples here for another beautiful view of the jungle. You are most likely to see those pesky spider monkeys here.

Today was all about the Mayan Culture that you can discover in when your cruise ship docks in the port of Costa Maya. But, this certainly isn’t all there is to do in Costa Maya. Oh no! Stay tuned for a future post about all the adventureous activities available in Costa Maya!

Have you visited Chacchoben? Is this ruin site or one of the others on your bucket list for your next cruise to Costa Maya?

If you would like more information about cruise lines and intineraries that visit Costa Maya I would love to point you in the right direction. Contact me and we can get started planning right away.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

Other links that might be interesting to read:

All-Inclusive Resorts September 15, 2020

Amazing All-Inclusive Resorts for Young Children

Just because you have young children doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing vacation. Somewhere with a beach and pool can be so rejuvenating. But not all resorts are created equal. There are quite a few fantastic resort options that cater to families and some that even provide amazing services for toddlers and preschoolers. So, here are 5 breathtaking all-inclusive resorts that are a great place to vacation with young children–babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Many of these are even outside of the United States making it easy for you to discover another country and culture even with your toddler or preschooler.

5 amazing resorts for babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Beaches Resorts

Beaches resorts are a great place to vacation with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. These resorts, located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, shine where kids are concerned. Adults will have an awesome time too. They are completely all-inclusive, meaning all food, snacks, drinks, and most activities around the resort are included. In Negril, Jamaica even waterskiing and tubing is included in your resort stay.

Kids from 0-17 will never be bored at a Beaches resort. But this is about vacationing with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. At Beaches Resorts there is a program for Infants (0-2-year-olds) and one for Toddlers (3-4-year-olds). Certified nannies (over 2000 hours of childcare experience, and/or an associate’s degree in early childhood education) cuddle, rock and pamper the babies. In the Toddler program, they encourage your child to play in the pool, collect seashells, put on a play, make a craft or go on a treasure hunt. They are very caring and want to make your child’s vacation special. There are three sessions daily for babies and toddlers.

Beaches Resorts also have a partnership with Sesame Street. What could make a vacation better for your little ones than Story Time with Elmo!

PLUS, if you would like to have a little time to yourself with your child being cared for privately, that can be arranged (from 8am-9pm). There is a cost with this service but the fees are reasonable. Another wonderful way for families with young children to enjoy their vacation. Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts are fantastic for families with young children.

Palladium Resorts

You will find Palladium Resorts in all the best vacation destinations–Mexico (Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta), Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Palladium Resorts are a (comparatively) affordable all-inclusive resort option with a lot of great amenities. Plus, their amenities for children are top-notch. They have three different separate age groups for kids–Baby Club (ages 1-3), the Mini Club (age 4-12), and Junior’s Club (ages 13-17). The programs for children are open most all day long.

In the Baby Club, babies and toddlers play in a safe, fun atmosphere both inside and outside. Highly trained staff care for your children. Outside the children play in a securely enclosed, multi-sensory environment. Inside, many different age-appropriate toys, games, crafts and activities keep your child active throughout the day. Parents are given a device for quick communication with the club staff.

The Mini Club has the same great atmosphere and activities as the Baby Club but geared toward the likes of older kids. For this age group some resorts offer a chance for your child to get out and explore the nature around them with a kid-centered eco tour.

The Palladium Resort doesn’t have famous American characters but they have a cute rockstar dog named RAGGS. RAGGS is a character from an Australian children’s television series. Kids often really enjoy playing, dancing, and interacting with these new characters.

Finest Resorts

Finest Resorts provide a luxury vacation experience for families, one of the best in the Caribbean. These All-Inclusive luxury resorts are located in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic and Playa Mujeres, Mexico. At Finest Resorts, your child’s vacation is just as important as yours.

The Mini Club is designed for children ages 0-6. Babies (0-2 years) and parents may play together in the young child friendly indoor/outdoor area. In the specially designed splash area, your child will play hard and then you can lay them down in the provided nap area. You also don’t need to pack as much for your vacation as the resort provides bottle sterilizers, electric kettles, baby monitors, high chairs, baby bathtubs, and cribs. Plus, they also have 100% fresh, natural and gluten free homemade purees.

Children who are between 3 and 6 years old can play grown-up free supervised by trained caregivers in the Mini Club. Activities engage and entertain your child all day long. There are even spa services just for kids. Finest Resorts pamper your whole family!

Lowes Coronado Bay in San Diego, CA

Lowes Coronado Bay makes families feel like they are at home right away on their vacation. They strive to take care of all your vacation details so you can spend time together as a family. This one isn’t all-inclusive but it is still an amazing resort. Kids get special dinner menus and activities so that dinner becomes a fun part of everyone’s day. The pool area has something for everyone-babies to parents. Cribs and everything needed to bathe baby are available. Night lights are provided to make sleeping in a new place easier for kids. Special family activity guides help families find fun activities around the area. And, if you forgot something they can probably provide including crayons, child-proofing kits, and more. To top it all off, kids under 18 stay free.

Grand Velas in Mexico

Another gorgeous luxury, All-Inclusive resort option for the whole family. The wonderful thing about this resort is the baby concierge. Babies are treated just as special as an adult providing everything they need (crib, high chair, play mat, bottle warmer, pacifiers, bottles, strollers, and more). They even want to be a part of the special events in your baby’s life with the “My First Haircut package” complete with a certificate. Specially trained nannies are also available for your child to be cared for as you enjoy dinner or dancing together. Fun and captivating kids club activities at Grand Velas start at age 4. Grand Velas Resorts are a fantastic all-inclusive possibility for your next vacation with your young children.

As you can see, just because you have a baby or toddler doesn’t mean that you have to postpone a vacation. Many resort destinations are ready and waiting make your vacation memorable! Which one of these all-inclusive resorts will you choose for your family with young children?

Have you stayed at any of these resorts with a baby or toddler? What was your favorite thing? If you haven’t vacationed at these resorts was there one you particularly loved? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!