Archive for Travel Ideas
A Trio of Great Cancun Vacation Options to Choose from All Inclusive Excursions
White Sandy Beach on Cancun
All Inclusive Excursions loves to offer a wide variety of choices of wonderful vacations to its members.
What better place to get away from it all than beautiful Cancun. Spectacular sunsets, vivid blue oceans and a host of wonderful things to do await the weary traveler in this vacation paradise.
Cancun offers more than just sun and sand, though for the millions of tourists that visit each year, this is definitely a highlight. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Cancun is Mexico’s easternmost state. It offers the traditional water sports including boating, jet skiing, fishing, para sailing and many other options, but you could also choose something as special as swimming with the dolphins.
If you desire other activities, Cancun is sure not to disappoint.
There are a wide variety of places to shop for that perfect gift, or you could go to a theme park or even check out one of the many archaeological sites. Rich in history and tradition, Cancun has something to offer everyone.
If this sounds like the trip for you, All Inclusive Excursions is offering many opportunities for you to make this dream a reality. Members of All Inclusive Excursions can choose from a host of vacation packages that are all wonderful deals, but here are just a few that may be of interest.
The Flamingo Cancun Resort and Plaza where you will enjoy a 3 night stay.
This resort is located on the Cancun Hotel Zone and is perfect to relax and still be close to everything Cancun has to offer including fine restaurants and shopping excursions. The Flamingo boasts 2 pools, bars and is just steps away from one of Cancun’s finest beaches. It includes air-conditioning, marble floors, a tv, mini bar and many other great amenities including shopping and a its own restaurant.
The Grand Oasis is also another fine choice.
Also offering 3 nights stay, this exclusive 5 star hotel is near the beach and surrounded by lush gardens. Enjoy this spectacular vacation including a spa, golf course and a gym. The Grand Oasis also offers a variety of bars, hair salon, shops and tennis just to name a few.
The Gran Bahia Principe Coba is last but certainly not least.
This all inclusive resort includes many wonderful activities and services including spa services, beauty services and hair salon just to start. It also boasts 2 pools one specifically for adults, a sauna, steam room and fitness facilities. You will also find a bar, lounge, coffee shop, and tour assistance.
All of these resort options would be an exceptional choice for any All Inclusive Excursions Member. Don’t forget your passport!
A West Coast Swing with All Inclusive Excursions
It is common for families that take extended summer vacations to hit the large parks in the west. Those parks are Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Redwood National Forest. But, there are a number of smaller, less-glitzy parks which provide the same expansive beauty with less crowding and traffic. Lets take a look at a few of these, and design a trip through the beauty of the west with much less hassle.
Columbia River Gorge
First, the Columbia River Gorge in Washington State and Oregon is a wondrous place to begin.
A majestic drive along the canyon walls will provide you with lush surroundings and extraordinary waterfalls. There are multiple places to stop and view the beauty, and very affordable lodging. The Camas Hotel, for example, is a historic lodge on the north side of the river. It is both cozy and warm, with very good food and rooms. For the entire Gorge, give yourself a day, and a night to experience it. And, be sure to take plenty of pictures of the wondrous snow-capped peaks which surround you.
Next, be sure to travel south and visit Redwood’s equally-glorious sister, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.
It is common to get lost here in the glory of the trees. Sequoia trees are known for their height, but mostly their width. Be sure to take a photo of you wrapping your arms around the General Sherman Tree, an extraordinary feat of nature. But, for campers, the real secret lies in Kings Canyon to the north. The majesty here is indescribable. Grand Canyon deservedly receives a great deal of attention, but Kings Canyon is also majestic and beautiful. Also, it is not overwhelmed with visitors and campers, insuring a much less hectic stay.
From here, travel into Utah to visit it’s two crown jewels, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Upon arriving at Bryce, you are instantly presented with tall pines and an uncertainty as to what lays beyond. But, when you pass the trees, what unfolds before you is an indescribable landscape of geological chaos and beauty. Red and sandy spires stand side-by-side creating an amphitheatre of mystery. One could sit and stare for hours attempting to conceive of the forces which shaped this majestic scene.
In nearby Zion National Park, one is presented with a heaven of monoliths and narrow passages.
For hikers, this is your destination. High cliffs and paths beckon, while mysterious canyons remind of how small we humans actually are. “The Narrows” are easily the most visited area of the park. Follow the Virgin River as your path, as you inevitably squeeze through its trademark passages, becoming tantalizingly close to nature.
This sequence of parks will provide the essence of a vacation, without the grotesque traffic and chaos of the larger parks. Those are best visited off -season. With the kids in tow, why not take the less conventional route?
White Water Raft the New River Gorge an Adventure Vacation
White Water Raft the New River Gorge
We have all vacationed near beaches, at theme parks and many other laid back, relaxing vacation spots, how about an adventure for a change? White water rafting adventures have been gaining in popularity in recent years with the number of adventure and thrill seekers looking to step out of the office and into the wilderness. Rivers that were inaccessible are now suddenly a popular tourist destination and the adventure industry is booming.
As our lives grow more hectic, they also get predictable and more humdrum. No time for adventures in real life, so make your vacation one to remember with your own white water rafting adventure. One great spot to take the plunge so to speak is in the New River Gorge in West Virginia. It snakes through mountains and canyons on a 1000 foot elevation change as it dissects West Virginia and the Allegheny Mountains.
The New River Gorge National River boast 53 miles of free flowing river.
The southern most of the river is primarily long pools and relatively easy rapids. If you are looking for a challenge as an experienced white water rafter, then head to the North, or lower gorge as this section is known for its huge rapids all the way up to a class 5 with large boulders and crosscurrents.
Whatever your experience level it is always important to prepare for your journey as with any adventure. Be sure to know what is expected of you and always bring extra supplies as you will get wet.
There a variety of licensed guides that offer tours on the New River as well as the Gauley River. Your trip includes a trained guide, instruction, equipment, transportation to the river and meals. You can choose to do a short trip or even take a few days and try your hand at a real adventure!
The primary season is April through October though trips are offered almost year round.
With all adventure trips, there is of course some risk involved including white water rafting. Considering the safety issue you may be asked to sign a liability waiver, though West Virgina’s outfitters do take precautions and follow strict guidelines. If you follow the rules and are smart about what you do, you will be one of the thousands of people that comes back home with nothing but great stories to tell.
Restrictions in age do apply to adventure trips down the New River 12-14 years is the age limit for the Lower New River for good reason. As far as what to bring, bathing suits and river shoes are recommended as well as warm clothes for when you get off the river including perhaps a hat as 40% of your body heat is lost through your head. Also sunscreen and sunglass are highly recommended as water tends to reflect the sun.
Follow the rules, bring extra supplies and plan for the most exciting adventure yet on the New River in West Virginia.
Surfing the Waves in Australia
Hitting the Surf in Australia
Western Australia is renowned for its surfing. With thousands of miles of coastline to choose from, there is always someplace to catch a big wave.
From professional to novice the waves abound in this wonderful tourist destination. Margaret River is a great choice for your journey to the outback. Only a little over 3 hours south of Perth, you will find plenty to do on the surfing vacation of a lifetime.
Not only does Margaret River have some of the biggest, craziest waves in the world, but it also offers the comforts of a wonderful small town with city accommodations.
There is a wide variety of options when you are not catching a wave at one of the many surfing hotspots around Margaret River. Wineries, fine dining, wonderful accommodations as well as other activities such as whale watching or heading down into spectacular caves.
When you do want to surf, here are some of the best places to visit in the area. Boranup is a pristine, isolated beach which also provides access to 4WDs and has what is considered the best surf south of Margaret River.
You could try Redgate if you are not quite so confident. Though the swells are smaller than those of Boranup, they hold shape and it tends to be a bit less crowded. Or, head to Surfers Point for a more challenging ride, with over 12 foot waves at times.
Margaret River Mouth and Injidup Car Park also offer some great chances to hit the waves hard. Margaret River Mouth is better for the beginner with smaller waves, but Injidup Car Park is known for its great barrels. The latter tends to be a bit more crowded than most other surf areas nearby, so if you are interested in a bit more space, Boranup is probably a bit more your style. These are only a few of the many ideal places to surf, be sure to hit the Margaret River Visitor Center for a more detailed map.
Whatever you choose to do, Margaret River would certainly be a good first step towards a great surf vacation. If you are looking for a perfect place to experience some of the best waves in the world, head to Australia on your next vacation.
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Barbados - A Destination You Won’t Want to Miss
A Hotel in Barbados
The Caribbean is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Most travelers tend to stick to the more mainstream islands, such as St. Lucia, the most popular island in the Caribbean. Why not step out a bit further into this spectacular island chain and see what Barbados has to offer.
The most easterly island in the Caribbean, Barbados offers 166 square miles of tranquil coastlines, luxury hotels, villas, dining and entertainment options abound.
The average temperature of Barbados is between 75 to 85 degrees with a pleasant northeast trade wind. It offers over 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly! English is the main language of the island, and it also offers modern digital technology for the internet savvy traveler.
Though many modern conveniences are at your fingertips, Barbados is also filled with it own touch on life today. Touted as the authentic Caribbean, Barbados offers entertainment throughout the year with many traditional festivals. Surrounded in a sea of vivid colored costumes and traditional Caribbean rhythms you are taken back to a time when tourists didn’t exist on the island, a time when history was still being made in this small island nation.
As far as accommodations go, you can stick with a hotel or resort ranging from smaller boutique inns to luxurious resorts. You could also rent a villa or stay with the locals. Dining is a varied as accommodations in Barbados. You could sample the local cuisine at Brown Sugar in St. Michael, with its authentic Bajan food, outdoor setting and reasonable prices. If you are looking for something a bit more romantic, you could try Cafe Luna Restaurant. It boasts an intimate rooftop setting with a gourmet Mediterranean feast fit for a king. A bit more pricey, but well worth the money for a dinner you aren’t soon to forget.
Whatever you may be looking for, Barbados is a great choice on your journey to the Caribbean. Romantic beaches, hidden caves and plantation homes abound for your travel dreams. There is a reason that Barbados is a wonderful destination, it is the splendor of all the islands rolled into one.
The Carolina Coast: A Drive through Paradise
The Carolina Coast
Written about in songs and poems, the Carolina coastline is 300 miles of adventure, history and beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the history of the area, seeing the birds fly high above the Atlantic, or flying high above the Atlantic yourself, there are many vacations you can plan along this vast coastline.
Historically speaking, there is much to be said for the coastline. You could check out the Amity Church built in 1850, considered one of Hyde County’s architectural treasures. In Wilmington, you could stop at The Battleship North Carolina and imagine yourself into WWII, fending off the enemy in an effort to savvy the country and avenge our soldiers already lost in battle. Tours are offered frequently and best, it is open every day. If your interest in history leans more towards the arts and crafts in the area, the Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina’s fantastic examples of Civil War architecture. They offer a museum focused on history and the design arts with tours offered. Also, their displays change, so this is a place you can visit and always find something new.
If you are looking for adventure when you travel, look no further than the coast of Carolina. There are many companies which offer kayak trips, river tours, bike tours, deep sea fishing charters, jeep adventure tours, wave runners and para-sailing. Kitty Hawk Kites located in Duck, offers the largest hang gliding school in the world! Another great place to visit is Wild Horse Adventure Tours, which offers you the chance to visit the famous Corolla wild horses. You choose to ride in a Suburban or an open top jeep, have your safari right here on the coast of Carolina, if you don’t see the horses, you even get your money back.
Natural history and biodiversity abound in this pristine area. Located in Ocracoke, Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first National Seashore in the country. It includes 13 miles of wonderful beaches on Ocracoke Island. This stop alone has much to offer in the way of activities. Birding, cycling, boating, fishing, surfing, swimming, windboarding or camping are just some of the things you may choose to do at Cape Hatteras. Even if you don’t come prepared for a trip like this, there are many shops that offer rentals of kayaks windboards or bikes, and to go salt water fishing, no license is required! Cape Hatteras National Seashore is definitely a highlight in any trip along the Carolina Coast.
Other points of interest may include Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve, Fort Fisher State Recreation area, or perhaps Fun Junktion for the kids.
Whatever you choose to do on your trip down the coastline, you won’t be disappointed. This roadtrip down the coast of Carolina will amuse and entertain all ages. Visit the Carolina Coastline on your next vacation.