Vacation Ideas


by Dream Vacations on November 27, 2012

“Muy divertido cada noche!” Spanish for; So much fun every night! When staying at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya or Iberostar Paraiso Lindo Resort in the Riviera Maya, no matter what night of the week you are at the “show” you’re bound to have fun, smile, laugh and be entertained!

In total I was at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya/Lindo for 4 nights. The outdoor theatre is located on the Lindo side of the property, between the lobby area and the room section of the property. Each night the whole family is invited to join in on the Lucy’s Kids Club Mini show starting at 8 pm until 9 pm. The Main show each night starts at 9:30 and lasts until 10:30. My favorite show would have to have been the Vegas Show on my last night.

The Vegas show consists of the local in resort band playing live music from various artists and all kinds of genres. From Elvis (gotta have a Spanish Elvis for the Vegas show right?), James Brown, Cher, Jerry Lewis and Michael Jackson (once again what’s a music show in Mexico without a good Michael Jackson impersonation?). The finishes up with an impressive dance collaboration from the Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance.” My favorite part of the Vegas show had to be the second scene where the entertainment team put on a wonderful “Cirque du Soleil” performance. This scene had everything from balancing heads, colorful yet revealing costumes, dancing, singing, clowns and an aerial dance couple.

On other evenings the entertainment team put on their brand new Disney Show with many various Disney characters such as Buzz Light Year, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Peter Pan and more. One night I saw the Tropical Dance Show and the remaining night of my stay the resort had a crowd participation show that brought three couples out of the crowd to perform various tasks on stage to see how well they know their partner. Tasks such as leading your partner by voice, blind folded into a certain area on the stage as well as a balloon popping task (if you have seen one of these shows before you know how funny they can be). All in all I had a great time at the shows during my stay at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya and I think that no matter how young or old you are, the entertainment staff at the Iberostar Paraiso Complex does a great job making sure everyone on vacation can have a great time, laugh out loud and have something to remember when you go home!

by Dream Vacations on November 15, 2012

Planning your vacation is not as easy as it sounds.  Deciding on where to vacation can be a challenge and once you decide on a destination you have to select the perfect hotel.

I suggest you make a list of what is most important to you.  Prioritize the top 3- 5 things that you must have.  For Example if you must have an ocean view then put that at #1.  Believe it or not this will eliminate a lot of hotels in your destination, or perhaps make a different destination more appealing.  Some hotels do not offer them or if they do they might be out of your price range.  The more items you add the easier it will be to make the right decision.  Consider things like the Beach, pools, rooms, views or nightlife and casinos.  This will really filter out many hotels and allow you to look at the properties that offer what  you are looking for.  This list can really save you a bunch of time and help you book a better vacation.  Look at how changing your  list can change your options.

Lets say this is your top three.

1. Sights to see   2. Kids Club at the hotel  3. Oceanview

I would recommend looking at Riviera Maya, Cancun in Mexico.  Your first priority is things to do off property and no destination offers more then Riviera Maya and Cancun. But let’s re prioritize your list and see what happens.

1. Great Beach  2. Kids Club   3. Casino

I would have you look at hotels in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Aruba.  Aruba and the DR have amazing beaches, world class gaming and great hotels with kids programs.  If price was a key factor, as it is for most of us, then Punta Cana would be the  best choice as Aruba is generally more expensive.  Unfortunately no destination seems to have it all and no hotels seems to have everything we want.  Make an honest list.  If price is the most important, or non stop flights then be sure to put it at #1.  I have many clients that just want a beach but will not fly with any stops or they do not care where, as long as it is all inclusive and cheap.  These preferences make it real easy to recommend hotels and destinations.  If you must have casinos then put it as #1 but if you would just like to have the option for a night or two then list it as #3 or 4.   If you have a good list an honest budget and a good travel agent then this stuff is easy !  Call us today with your list ready!

 

by Dream Vacations on November 6, 2012

Save big this Easter Weekend the all inclusive way.  Check out these great 4 night resort deals perfect for the family!  Give us a call to add airfare from your city.

Cancun, Mexico
Golden Parnassus *adults only $484 per person
Riu Cancun $551 per person
Paradisus Cancun $640 per person
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda $485 per person
Ocean Maya Royale*adults only $506 per person
Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya $614 per person
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Riu Jalisco $383 per person
Melia Puerto Vallarta $491 per person
Riu Palace Pacifico $563 per person
Los Cabos, Mexico
Riu Santa Fe $444 per person
Royal Solaris $544 per person
Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas $666 per person
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Caribe Club Princess $464 per person
Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana $534 per person
Iberostar Punta Cana $632 per person
Jamaica
Sunset Beach Resort $581 per person
Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica $641 per person
Riu Ocho Rios $694 per person

 

Prices valid for 4 nights stay March 29-April 2, 2013 and based upon adult double occupancy. Prices include transfers to/from the destination airport, all meals and beverages, nonmotorized watersports and taxes. Prices valid as of 10/9/12 and do not include airfare

by Dream Vacations on

Get them before they’re gone!  Last minute Christmas  resort deals are still available.  Why spend the holidays bundled up for the snow when you can relax the all inclusive way and soak up some sun!   Call us today to add airfare from  your city!

Cancun, Mexico
Riu Caribe $706 per person
Riu Cancun $726 per person
Crown Paradise Club Cancun $882 per person
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Gran Bahia Principe Tulum $692 per person
Riu Playacar $752 per person
Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar $845 per person
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Royal Decameron Complex $518 per person
Riu Vallarta $635 per person
Marival Resort & Suites $788 per person
Los Cabos, Mexico
Riu Santa Fe $588 per person
Melia Cabo Real $702 per person
Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas $1000 per person
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Riu Bambu $619 per person
Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro $641 per person
Ocean Blue $763 per person
Jamaica
Sunset Jamaica Grande $692 per person
Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica $780 per person
Riu Montego Bay $826 per person

Prices valid for 5 nights stay Dec 22-27, 2012 and based upon adult double occupancy. Prices include transfers to/from the destination airport, all meals and beverages, nonmotorized watersports and taxes. Prices valid as of 11/6/2012 and do not include airfare.

by Dream Vacations on November 5, 2012

Construction is complete and the brand new Riu Palace Costa Rica, located on a secluded stretch of Matapalo Beach in Guanacaste, is celebrating its Grand Opening. With four expansive pools, jacuzzis, a gym, a sauna, and a Renova Spa wellness center, this 5-star resort offers everything you need for a comfortable luxurious getaway.

The Riu Palace Costa Rica promises to impress with its opulent architecture and gorgeous grounds situated on one of the best black sand beaches on Central America’s Pacific coast. Guests also have exchange privileges with the Riu Guanacaste, which is located next door and is the only other resort for miles.

A 24-hour all-inclusive package means your stomach will never growl as you delight in delicious local and international cuisine prepared by chefs at the buffet and four a la carte themed restaurants; Krystal fusion restaurant, the Tokio Japanese Restaurant, the L’Anfora Italian Restaurant, and the Papagayo Grill and Steakhouse. You will also enjoy exchange privileges with the neighboring Riu Guanacaste. If you prefer to dine in, you can take advantage of the included 24 hour room service.

Each ultra-modern room has complementary WiFi, a laptop-size electronic safe, a hydromassage bathtub, a regularly stocked mini-bar, a liquor dispenser, and a balcony or terrace. For families, the Riu Palace Costa Rica offers 2 bedroom family suites and a daily kids’ club for children ages 4-12. All rooms in this hotel are non-smoking.

The Riu Palace Costa Rica offers a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. The hotel has a gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis court, windsurf, sailing, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and other water activities. When nighttime falls, things heat up at the Pacha night club or you can just sit back and enjoy one of the nightly shows.

Costa Rica is a peaceful tropical destination where the natives always great you with a smile and seem eager to give you every reason to return. You can swim in warm, tropical waters or soak up the sun on palm tree-lined beaches. Take an aerial tram tour of the rain forest, where lush vegetation and wildlife abound. Trek through one of the many national parks where you’ll spot brightly colored birds and flowers. Witness large, leatherback turtles nesting on the beach.

Visitors to the Arenal Volcano are often treated to the volcano’s dazzling pyrotechnical display. Anglers will find some of the best blue water and inshore fishing in the world. If you’re in search of a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, look to the Guanacaste area. Dream Vacations offers non-stop 7 and 14 day charter packages out of Denver, Minneapolis, and St. Louis and a 1-stop charter package out of Chicago. Call your Dream Vacations Travel Specialist today for more details or to book your Costa Rica vacation.

by Dream Vacations on October 23, 2012

Cancun and the Riviera Maya of Mexico is my favorite beach destination.  It offers so many options in hotels and sights to see.  This area is famous for the Mayan Ruins, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. If you have traveled to this area you have probably heard of Chichen Itza and Tulum, two of the most popular archaeological sites and Chichen Itza is one of the new “7 Wonders of the World”.  The Riviera Maya is also home to Xcaret and Xel Ha they are both fabulous eco-parks designed for a full day of family fun.  These are all “must do” activities on your trips to this area.  You can  book these through your travel agent or the folks in your hotel lobby.

I was planning my family trip and thought I would try to help with all the options and tell you about some really cool things you can do in the Maya that are not as well known as the Ruins and the big water parks.  When you start looking for things to do in this area you will soon realize that they offer hundreds of different activities.  It is a lot to sort through.  Most of them are going to center around a few core activities and just offer a different combination of them.   For example the Tulum Xel Ha combo tour allows you to see the ruins and a water park.  This area has many “Adventure” trips combining ATV’s or speed boats with a Zip line, Snorkel trip or a Cenote dive.  All of them are very fun and exciting you just need to find the right combination for you.  Here are two websites you can look at and book your activities.  These companies are in most of the all inclusive hotel lobbies.

http://www.amstardmc.com and http://www.lomas-travel.com

I also want to tell you about two more unique tings to do in this area that you can not book with the travel providers. Here are two really cool things to do that you probably have not heard of.

The Jungle Place in the Riviera Maya.  Book early because they will sell out.  The Jungle Place is a Spider Monkey Sanctuary and is not like most of the big tours in the area.  It is only booked through their website at http://www.thejungleplace.com/ .  The tour is $80 and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time with the Spider Monkeys.  These are all rescued animals and your ticket goes towards maintaining the sanctuary.  This is no dolphins swim!  You will have a lot of interaction with the monkeys and many have said this experience was “life changing”.

The Fish Spa in Playa Del Carmen is one of the most unique things you can experience.  What is a Fish Spa ?  Using authentic Garra Rufa fish, also known as “Doctor Fish” for manicure, pedicures or jump in the tank for a full massage. These tropical fish from Turkey feed on dead skin cells.  The Garra Rufa is a tropical fish, freshwater, living mainly in warm waters and is mainly found in Kangal, Turkey. Small, measuring between 3/4″ to 1 3/4″ and can grow to 2″ to 2 3/4″ as adult. Local population discovered their ability to improve certain skin conditions. Garra Rufa fish is better known as “Fish Doctor” because their “kisses” are able to procure cleaning and regeneration of our skin as well as providing health, wellness and relaxation. In this process, the fish generates an enzyme that has a regenerating effect on the skin. This behavior is part of the natural instinct of the fish Garra Rufa and is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable You can experience the innovative “Fish Spa Pedicure”, exfoliation, biological natural dermabrasion at The Fish Spa or visit them at http://www.fishspamexico.com/.

So When your planning your trip to this area be sure to visit the major attractions but also be sure to take the time to call your agent, search the internet and of course ask the locals when you arrive for that perfect activity for your family.