Question of trust was always critical on the web and as generally known web today is one of the weakest place in regard to protection of someone’s privacy or rights. It affects almost all industries on the web and hotel reservation as well. This issue becomes more important while the industry expands. The percentage of internet-based hotel reservations was tripled in 2004 to 15.4 percent from 4.9 according to Andersen LLP. It is generally known that 85% of Internet users rely on search engines to find any information on the Web (e.g. MSN, Google, Yahoo, AltaVista, etc).
But we have to keep in mind that being listed in the top search results at the major search engines mentioned above gives no guarantee at all that a certain company is really reliable. While search engines make their ranking rules more strict, there are still a good number of websites with false reputation that appear in the top search results at major search engines by using some tricks. To make it clear and help web-surfers to understand this issue from a professional point of view our team will give some major hints to which anyone should pay attention to find the right company. We will discuss some issues about travel industry, which can be helpful in understanding of major problems.
Most of the travel websites if not all of them provide only reservation service without giving any information or news about this fast developing industry on the web. According to the statistics, travel related websites generate a huge traffic on the web and of course it brings to a high competition in this industry. Every day thousands of new travel websites appear on the web but most of them after spending much efforts and finance, disappear from the web as easily as they appeared first. The reason - it is not an easy task to build quality, travel website able to provide not only quality service but also to present a wide range of products professionally. There are many travel websites providing so many information, partly useful and partly not since they don't understand the market, its specific needs, needs of customers which finally brings to abundance of the information collected on the website thus making a trouble to a visitor to find easily what he needs. Other websites while having good hotel database still can't organize their website in a proper way. If you visit this kind of website you can hardly find information about the city that you need. You have to spend a few minutes trying to find what you need among huge amount of text links. Hotel search must be organized as easy as possible divided by cities, countries, type of hotels with good advanced search boxes for the best discount hotel deals.
On some websites when you start searching for discount hotel deals, the engine gives you only a few results leaving you almost not a choice. Or you have to visit each hotel link separately resulting in spending much time. That’s why the most important in any industry on the web and especially in travel service is to collect information about all discount hotel deals in the best way and put them in front of the customer professionally to make his reservation procedure as easy and fast as possible. To provide this service a travel website team must be knowledgeable first and experienced through years not just a few days or months.
In addition to the competition, another problem, a visitor is having on the web today is a trust. We have to agree that it is not an easy to pay your hard earned money on the web without knowing anything about website. It is another problem web visitors are having today. You have to be very careful when you choose a website on the web. The best solution is to choose a website which is the old experienced on the web. There are many young sectors on the web where it is hard to find an experienced website. There are a few websites in travel industry that exist on the web for the last 10, 15 years. It is a good criteria to choose the right website. Another advantage of the experienced websites is that they know how to serve their customers since they have a good experience, they know different types of problems that may appear during hotel reservation and they know how to solve these problems professionally. That's why the best choice is to visit this kind of websites or the ones that connected to them through affiliate links thus providing almost the same quality of service.
When you visit a travel website pay attention to Customer Care section, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Cancel Reservation Policy, Confirming Reservation, Payment Issues and other Frequently Asked Questions section. Availability and detailed description of these sections gives another credibility to a website. Pay attention to the availability of the phone number with a live person to reply to any of your question. If you find subscription to a newsletter option that says that a website team builds a long and strong relations with their customers. A good website provides secure reservation thus protecting their customers from many problems on the web. BBB.org is a Better Business Bureau organization that provides information on over two million organizations and websites and it is advisable to check any website before you invest. When you visit a website and find BBB sign with a link taking you to the main base of this organization testifying that a website you visited has a long presence on the web and a reliable partner then you can stop this website and choose it as your travel provider. If this sign is not available it doesn’t decrease credibility of a website but its availability is preferable.
Finally, we have to keep in mind that a good, quality website is not the one that provides reservation service but rather the one that builds a strong relations with its customers, provides full service including solutions to the problems a customer may have. It is the best strategy any website should follow.
Have a good travel
Read More..
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Let's Go Cruisin
Improvements and upgrades in cruise ships over the past ten years, and the addition of many new destinations and itineraries, have made cruise vacations one of the easiest and most affordable ways to see the world. It beats driving across the country, and with the ability to hop from island to island, hot port to hot port, cruise ships open up a whole new realm of travel that is not available via land transportation. But the seemingly endless amounts of information on the Internet and the complex list of choices for destinations, ships, vacation packages and cruise lines can make planning your cruise an overwhelming endeavor. Here are some basic tips to help manage your cruise vacation plans and find the cruise that is just right for you.
Who’s Cruisin’?
Many of the details for your cruise will depend on who is going with you. Is it a family trip with young children? Is it a romantic vacation with your significant other? Maybe it’s a Girls Only getaway. Each of these groups likely describe the perfect cruise differently, with kids needing lots of play and water activities to keep them busy, lovers preferring privacy and low-key surroundings, and friends usually wanting excitement, parties, and chances to socialize. Once you determine who’s cruising with you, you can make the next step.
With your travel companions selected, you next need to decide what kind of ship you prefer, where you want to leave from, where you want to go, and how long you want to be gone. From here on out, there is really no ideal order to complete these steps. My suggestion is that you start with the one that’s easiest to decide. Usually that is the length of the trip. Most people have a set amount of time they can be gone from work and home. Typically, cruise lengths start at three nights and run anywhere from seven to 14 or more days. Pick what works best for you.
Your Destination
When it comes to destinations, most people have an idea of the area they want to visit. Some have had their hearts set on a larger than life Alaskan cruise. Others prefer the spicy offerings of the Caribbean. Maybe sultry South America is your preference, or your going to go big and shoot for a transatlantic destination. If you have an inkling of what part of the world you want to see, you can visit cruise lines on the Web and find out more about those locations, who goes where, and what there is to see.
Celebrity Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and the other larger name operations have a wealth of information as well as features to help you plan your cruise online. They also have cruise representatives available to assist you via telephone, and your travel consolidator of choice also has access to cruise information. The websites and travel consolidators can also provide information on what type of documentation is needed for each destination, tourist activities and sights to see, and other travel considerations that might affect your decision.
Your Port of Departure
For some people, the point of departure is not a negotiable option. Maybe you live in New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or one of the other more popular cruise ship home ports. It probably doesn’t make sense to drive across the country when you have a port of departure right in your backyard. Typically, the port of departure determines the general choice of destinations. If you are set in you choice of ports, start there and see what is available to you.
If you are not near a port of departure or have flexibility in that area, you can choose from locations around the coastal United States. Most cruises leave from a port that is closest to the trip destination, for example Alaskan cruises leave from the Washington area, Caribbean cruises leave from Florida, etc. If you want to go to the Bahamas in January, you will probably need to leave from a port located in the southern part of the U.S.
But you can have some fun with this if you have a little extra time. Maybe you decide to make your vacation part road trip and explore along the way to your port of departure. Maybe you choose a city that you have always wanted to see and fly in a few days ahead of time to spend some time sightseeing. Perhaps your decision will be based on more practical matters, such as a relative who lives in New York City and will let you stay there instead of renting a motel. Airfare can also affect your choice of departure ports. Some cities are notoriously expensive for flights at certain times of the year. And others may not have service from your area. When you consider all these factors, choosing your port of departure becomes fairly simple.
Your Ship
They features and amenities available on today’s cruise ships are simply amazing. From spacious suites to five star restaurants and complete spa facilities, you can find all the comforts of home and often chose from more goodies than at a hotel or resort. Some people are particular about the type of ship or the cruise line they choose. If you have specific companies or ships in mind, that is the obvious place to start in narrowing down your research and planning.
Some ships clearly have the gung-ho, sports enthusiast, I-want-to-do-it-all traveler in mind. They have rock-climbing walls, workout areas, and a multitude of other active type options. They have activities that appeal to younger, single, couples or groups. While other ships are geared toward families and include kiddie pools, free meals for kids under a certain age, and a host of activities geared toward tots, teens and families. Some cruise ships have a more elegant or romantic atmosphere. There is ballroom dancing, Jacuzzi tubs in the suites, and luxurious spas. Again, what you decide will likely be determined by who travels with you.
Land Activities
One other area of your vacation planning that can be handled on line is the scheduling of off ship activities and tours. The sights and services available at a port of call are often some of the main reasons we pick a particular destination or cruise line. Some cruise packages include certain land activities or are scheduled by your cruise director. And you can make arrangements for activities once you reach a port of call. But with limited time ashore, it makes sense to scout out what is available, locate car rentals, tour guides, etc. and make a tentative plan. At many cruise destinations, it is not unusual for mopeds to be completely rented out or tours to be booked full on the days that ships come into port. Many of these arrangements can be made and reserved ahead of time, saving you time and hassle when you get on land. You are probably going to have to make some choices because there won’t be time to do everything. Planning ahead will help ensure that you get to do the things that are most important to you.
Part of what makes cruises so fun is the amazing number of options available to vacation travelers. By considering a few key aspects of your vacation needs, you can devise an organized plan for managing the information and arranging the cruise vacation of your dreams
Read More..
Who’s Cruisin’?
Many of the details for your cruise will depend on who is going with you. Is it a family trip with young children? Is it a romantic vacation with your significant other? Maybe it’s a Girls Only getaway. Each of these groups likely describe the perfect cruise differently, with kids needing lots of play and water activities to keep them busy, lovers preferring privacy and low-key surroundings, and friends usually wanting excitement, parties, and chances to socialize. Once you determine who’s cruising with you, you can make the next step.
With your travel companions selected, you next need to decide what kind of ship you prefer, where you want to leave from, where you want to go, and how long you want to be gone. From here on out, there is really no ideal order to complete these steps. My suggestion is that you start with the one that’s easiest to decide. Usually that is the length of the trip. Most people have a set amount of time they can be gone from work and home. Typically, cruise lengths start at three nights and run anywhere from seven to 14 or more days. Pick what works best for you.
Your Destination
When it comes to destinations, most people have an idea of the area they want to visit. Some have had their hearts set on a larger than life Alaskan cruise. Others prefer the spicy offerings of the Caribbean. Maybe sultry South America is your preference, or your going to go big and shoot for a transatlantic destination. If you have an inkling of what part of the world you want to see, you can visit cruise lines on the Web and find out more about those locations, who goes where, and what there is to see.
Celebrity Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and the other larger name operations have a wealth of information as well as features to help you plan your cruise online. They also have cruise representatives available to assist you via telephone, and your travel consolidator of choice also has access to cruise information. The websites and travel consolidators can also provide information on what type of documentation is needed for each destination, tourist activities and sights to see, and other travel considerations that might affect your decision.
Your Port of Departure
For some people, the point of departure is not a negotiable option. Maybe you live in New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or one of the other more popular cruise ship home ports. It probably doesn’t make sense to drive across the country when you have a port of departure right in your backyard. Typically, the port of departure determines the general choice of destinations. If you are set in you choice of ports, start there and see what is available to you.
If you are not near a port of departure or have flexibility in that area, you can choose from locations around the coastal United States. Most cruises leave from a port that is closest to the trip destination, for example Alaskan cruises leave from the Washington area, Caribbean cruises leave from Florida, etc. If you want to go to the Bahamas in January, you will probably need to leave from a port located in the southern part of the U.S.
But you can have some fun with this if you have a little extra time. Maybe you decide to make your vacation part road trip and explore along the way to your port of departure. Maybe you choose a city that you have always wanted to see and fly in a few days ahead of time to spend some time sightseeing. Perhaps your decision will be based on more practical matters, such as a relative who lives in New York City and will let you stay there instead of renting a motel. Airfare can also affect your choice of departure ports. Some cities are notoriously expensive for flights at certain times of the year. And others may not have service from your area. When you consider all these factors, choosing your port of departure becomes fairly simple.
Your Ship
They features and amenities available on today’s cruise ships are simply amazing. From spacious suites to five star restaurants and complete spa facilities, you can find all the comforts of home and often chose from more goodies than at a hotel or resort. Some people are particular about the type of ship or the cruise line they choose. If you have specific companies or ships in mind, that is the obvious place to start in narrowing down your research and planning.
Some ships clearly have the gung-ho, sports enthusiast, I-want-to-do-it-all traveler in mind. They have rock-climbing walls, workout areas, and a multitude of other active type options. They have activities that appeal to younger, single, couples or groups. While other ships are geared toward families and include kiddie pools, free meals for kids under a certain age, and a host of activities geared toward tots, teens and families. Some cruise ships have a more elegant or romantic atmosphere. There is ballroom dancing, Jacuzzi tubs in the suites, and luxurious spas. Again, what you decide will likely be determined by who travels with you.
Land Activities
One other area of your vacation planning that can be handled on line is the scheduling of off ship activities and tours. The sights and services available at a port of call are often some of the main reasons we pick a particular destination or cruise line. Some cruise packages include certain land activities or are scheduled by your cruise director. And you can make arrangements for activities once you reach a port of call. But with limited time ashore, it makes sense to scout out what is available, locate car rentals, tour guides, etc. and make a tentative plan. At many cruise destinations, it is not unusual for mopeds to be completely rented out or tours to be booked full on the days that ships come into port. Many of these arrangements can be made and reserved ahead of time, saving you time and hassle when you get on land. You are probably going to have to make some choices because there won’t be time to do everything. Planning ahead will help ensure that you get to do the things that are most important to you.
Part of what makes cruises so fun is the amazing number of options available to vacation travelers. By considering a few key aspects of your vacation needs, you can devise an organized plan for managing the information and arranging the cruise vacation of your dreams
Read More..
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
How To Deal With Airport Stress
Your flights booked, and now it's airport time. Airport's can be stressful places nowadays, and these tips are designed for stress reduction...
* Leave home early
Airport stress starts the moment you leave home. Don't sit in traffic watching minutes tick away. Aim to arrive at the airport two hours early (usually required for International flights). Then if there's traffic delays, you've still got plenty of time.
* The check-in Line
Now you've arrived, next step's check-in. Usually, there's multiple lines you can choose from. Which looks quickest ? Maybe the longest line is quickest ? Here's a couple tips. If you see lots of families and children in a line, avoid it. By the time they've found all their tickets, and sorted their luggage jumble, they've taken twice the time of a couple or single person.
Look for a short check-in line that's not easy to see. Look at each end of the check-in aisles, and maybe there's a valid check-in hidden by a pillar, that few people see. Happened to me just recently, and cut a half hour off my check-in time - a half hour I spent relaxing in the bar.
* How long to walk from lounge to gate ?
Maybe I should publish a guide to 'walk-time' at different airports ! I've walked anything from 2 minutes to 20 minutes after a call to Gate.
Ask at check-in. It's an important question. When that screen flashes 'Go to Gate', it's much less stressful if you know how long you'll take to walk there. All your good work of stress-reduction goes down the tubes if you walk 5 minutes and then realize your gate is way the other side of the airport terminal.
Sometimes you even have to go through more security, or another passport check, and find a line waiting there. I once travelled out of Spain, and this exact same thing happened. A long passport control line stood between me and my gate, where departure was scheduled just 15 minutes later. Luckily myself and 5 others decided to go right to the front and explain the situation - no one objected to us going thro first.
But try to avoid this un-necessary stress by checking in advance.
* Invest in the Executive Lounge
If you travel often you might get free entry to an airport executive lounge. If not, you can often pay a small amount to use it. The ideal low-stress airport experience begins in the executive lounge. Away from all the airport hustle & bustle, relax with free drinks and nibbles. Read a newspaper or magazine and you're soon in just the right, relaxed frame of mind for your journey.
* Nervous ?
Don't feel embarrassed to be nervous. A lot of people are nervous of flying, but you know it's much safer than your car journey to the airport. If you can't use an executive lounge, then there's a couple other options to reduce your stress. Try shopping ! Yes, retail therapy can help take your mind off your nervousness and stress. No need to buy anything - just wander around looking...
Follow the above tips and you'll have a relaxed and stress free airport experience, all ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip.
Read More..
* Leave home early
Airport stress starts the moment you leave home. Don't sit in traffic watching minutes tick away. Aim to arrive at the airport two hours early (usually required for International flights). Then if there's traffic delays, you've still got plenty of time.
* The check-in Line
Now you've arrived, next step's check-in. Usually, there's multiple lines you can choose from. Which looks quickest ? Maybe the longest line is quickest ? Here's a couple tips. If you see lots of families and children in a line, avoid it. By the time they've found all their tickets, and sorted their luggage jumble, they've taken twice the time of a couple or single person.
Look for a short check-in line that's not easy to see. Look at each end of the check-in aisles, and maybe there's a valid check-in hidden by a pillar, that few people see. Happened to me just recently, and cut a half hour off my check-in time - a half hour I spent relaxing in the bar.
* How long to walk from lounge to gate ?
Maybe I should publish a guide to 'walk-time' at different airports ! I've walked anything from 2 minutes to 20 minutes after a call to Gate.
Ask at check-in. It's an important question. When that screen flashes 'Go to Gate', it's much less stressful if you know how long you'll take to walk there. All your good work of stress-reduction goes down the tubes if you walk 5 minutes and then realize your gate is way the other side of the airport terminal.
Sometimes you even have to go through more security, or another passport check, and find a line waiting there. I once travelled out of Spain, and this exact same thing happened. A long passport control line stood between me and my gate, where departure was scheduled just 15 minutes later. Luckily myself and 5 others decided to go right to the front and explain the situation - no one objected to us going thro first.
But try to avoid this un-necessary stress by checking in advance.
* Invest in the Executive Lounge
If you travel often you might get free entry to an airport executive lounge. If not, you can often pay a small amount to use it. The ideal low-stress airport experience begins in the executive lounge. Away from all the airport hustle & bustle, relax with free drinks and nibbles. Read a newspaper or magazine and you're soon in just the right, relaxed frame of mind for your journey.
* Nervous ?
Don't feel embarrassed to be nervous. A lot of people are nervous of flying, but you know it's much safer than your car journey to the airport. If you can't use an executive lounge, then there's a couple other options to reduce your stress. Try shopping ! Yes, retail therapy can help take your mind off your nervousness and stress. No need to buy anything - just wander around looking...
Follow the above tips and you'll have a relaxed and stress free airport experience, all ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip.
Read More..
Friday, October 16, 2009
Traveling to Mexico
Going by air
Flying to Mexico is the most common way to go to the main resort and tourist destinations. Major U.S. airlines offer non-stop or direct flights to a wide variety of Mexican cities. You can work with a travel agent or you can book your flight over the internet. There is a tremendous variety in price, so it's worth doing some homework. Booking way ahead sometimes gives you a bargain price -- but you can also sometimes get very good prices if you have an impulse to go right away, or within a week or two. Look for U.S. or Mexican airlines.
Charter flights can offer rock bottom prices at times, but do be aware that the charter operator may have the right to cancel the flight if it doesn't fill, and they can do this up to about 10 days before the flight. However, if you want to cancel your reservation with them it may not be possible.
Vacation packages to Mexico
Combined airfare and hotel packages can offer you very good value. The hotels may not be the best known, but sometimes they are. And in this internet era, it's easy enough to do a search on the name of the hotel and town. Especially if you are traveling to Cancun, Acapulco, Ixtapa, or any of the many other vacation type destinations in Mexico, vacation package deals are well worth exploring.
Another kind of package is the guided tour, often of several cities and typically with hotels and transportation included. This can be very good for people who haven't explored Mexico much or who speak little or no Spanish.
Cruises to Mexico
Cruises leave from both coasts of the U.S., and vary in how long they last. The shorter cruises can be very economical. Cruises will only give you a taste of Mexico compared to other vacation choices, but that might be just the thing to whet your appetite!
Mexican buses
Mexico has an incredibly good network of buses going between cities. Most foreign travelers prefer the deluxe buses or the first-class ones, which typically offer movies, comfortable seating, rest rooms, and an easy schedule of many departures a day. Between the smaller towns you may get retired school buses from the U.S. and more rigorous conditions.
Driving
Driving conditions vary considerably from one Mexican highway to another. Some are slow, while the relatively expensive toll roads usually have light traffic due to their prices. Don't drive between Mexican cities at night. There are tales of robberies, but more common hazards include livestock lying on the road (enjoying the warmth of the pavement) and vehicles driving without good headlights.
A Few Thoughts on Safety
If you travel in Mexico, do be aware of safety and theft issues. If you carry a purse, think about how easily it could be snatched and perhaps carry your passport and credit cards in your clothing close to your body, even in a pouch under your clothes.
There is much publicity in the U.S. about the occasional dramatic crimes that happen to tourists abroad. If you keep in mind that people are poorer and that you appear wealthy to them (even if that idea is laughable to you), you will make the best choices.
As for health concerns, Mexico is much improved from the past, but do be prudent about what you eat. Most drinking water you will be served is purified now, but it does no harm to ask. Other factors under your control are how much alcohol you drink and how long you stay out in the tropical sun.
Use common sense, and be aware that common sense is different from one country to another. Don't worry too much. The vast majority of travelers to Mexico have a safe and delightful trip.
Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many times. Her website, http://www.mexico-with-heart.com, contains the full text of a book she wrote about traveling in Mexico, as well as information and travel tips on a variety of Mexican cities popular with tourists.
Read More..
Flying to Mexico is the most common way to go to the main resort and tourist destinations. Major U.S. airlines offer non-stop or direct flights to a wide variety of Mexican cities. You can work with a travel agent or you can book your flight over the internet. There is a tremendous variety in price, so it's worth doing some homework. Booking way ahead sometimes gives you a bargain price -- but you can also sometimes get very good prices if you have an impulse to go right away, or within a week or two. Look for U.S. or Mexican airlines.
Charter flights can offer rock bottom prices at times, but do be aware that the charter operator may have the right to cancel the flight if it doesn't fill, and they can do this up to about 10 days before the flight. However, if you want to cancel your reservation with them it may not be possible.
Vacation packages to Mexico
Combined airfare and hotel packages can offer you very good value. The hotels may not be the best known, but sometimes they are. And in this internet era, it's easy enough to do a search on the name of the hotel and town. Especially if you are traveling to Cancun, Acapulco, Ixtapa, or any of the many other vacation type destinations in Mexico, vacation package deals are well worth exploring.
Another kind of package is the guided tour, often of several cities and typically with hotels and transportation included. This can be very good for people who haven't explored Mexico much or who speak little or no Spanish.
Cruises to Mexico
Cruises leave from both coasts of the U.S., and vary in how long they last. The shorter cruises can be very economical. Cruises will only give you a taste of Mexico compared to other vacation choices, but that might be just the thing to whet your appetite!
Mexican buses
Mexico has an incredibly good network of buses going between cities. Most foreign travelers prefer the deluxe buses or the first-class ones, which typically offer movies, comfortable seating, rest rooms, and an easy schedule of many departures a day. Between the smaller towns you may get retired school buses from the U.S. and more rigorous conditions.
Driving
Driving conditions vary considerably from one Mexican highway to another. Some are slow, while the relatively expensive toll roads usually have light traffic due to their prices. Don't drive between Mexican cities at night. There are tales of robberies, but more common hazards include livestock lying on the road (enjoying the warmth of the pavement) and vehicles driving without good headlights.
A Few Thoughts on Safety
If you travel in Mexico, do be aware of safety and theft issues. If you carry a purse, think about how easily it could be snatched and perhaps carry your passport and credit cards in your clothing close to your body, even in a pouch under your clothes.
There is much publicity in the U.S. about the occasional dramatic crimes that happen to tourists abroad. If you keep in mind that people are poorer and that you appear wealthy to them (even if that idea is laughable to you), you will make the best choices.
As for health concerns, Mexico is much improved from the past, but do be prudent about what you eat. Most drinking water you will be served is purified now, but it does no harm to ask. Other factors under your control are how much alcohol you drink and how long you stay out in the tropical sun.
Use common sense, and be aware that common sense is different from one country to another. Don't worry too much. The vast majority of travelers to Mexico have a safe and delightful trip.
Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many times. Her website, http://www.mexico-with-heart.com, contains the full text of a book she wrote about traveling in Mexico, as well as information and travel tips on a variety of Mexican cities popular with tourists.
Read More..
Sunday, October 11, 2009
About Puerto Vallarta
Long a popular Mexican beach resort, and one of the nicest resort areas in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a sophisticated and beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tourists have been coming to Puerto Vallarta since the 1930s, but it really became an "in" place after John Huston's Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. The film starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who later bought homes there. Now some two million visitors a year come to PV, as it's often called.
Puerto Vallarta has historic areas with cobblestone streets. Some say the shopping is the best of any resort town in Mexico, whether at the Mercado (market) downtown, or at any of the many little shops. There are numerous art galleries. On a vacation day, you can have a swim, work on your tan, do a little shopping and gallery-hopping, devote some time to doing nothing, try a fine restaurant, dance the night away -- and repeat the process the next day with a different set of beaches, stores, restaurants, and nightspots! Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for a beach vacation that also gives you the flavor of modern Mexico. It's very popular with Mexican tourists for that reason.
With a population somewhere above 300,000, Puerto Valllarta is a relatively intimate city. It's never very far from the ocean, as the city runs along along between the mountains and the sea. It's actually in a bay, Banderas Bay, which results in gorgeous views. Watching the sunset can become a daily ritual, perhaps at one of the many cafes near the beach, or perhaps from a hotel patio in the hills.
You can explore outside of the city with a boat ride across the bay to Yelapa, take an outing to Mismaloya, even doing a little kayaking along the coast. If you are traveling with children, there are many enjoyable and educational things to do and places to go: whale watching in season, for one. With over 20 miles of beaches, it's easy to find your own favorites.
The weather is delicious in winter -- you might want a light jacket or sweater in the evenings -- and can be very hot in summertime. It's on the humid side year round. A tropical haven!
Read More..
Tourists have been coming to Puerto Vallarta since the 1930s, but it really became an "in" place after John Huston's Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. The film starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who later bought homes there. Now some two million visitors a year come to PV, as it's often called.
Puerto Vallarta has historic areas with cobblestone streets. Some say the shopping is the best of any resort town in Mexico, whether at the Mercado (market) downtown, or at any of the many little shops. There are numerous art galleries. On a vacation day, you can have a swim, work on your tan, do a little shopping and gallery-hopping, devote some time to doing nothing, try a fine restaurant, dance the night away -- and repeat the process the next day with a different set of beaches, stores, restaurants, and nightspots! Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for a beach vacation that also gives you the flavor of modern Mexico. It's very popular with Mexican tourists for that reason.
With a population somewhere above 300,000, Puerto Valllarta is a relatively intimate city. It's never very far from the ocean, as the city runs along along between the mountains and the sea. It's actually in a bay, Banderas Bay, which results in gorgeous views. Watching the sunset can become a daily ritual, perhaps at one of the many cafes near the beach, or perhaps from a hotel patio in the hills.
You can explore outside of the city with a boat ride across the bay to Yelapa, take an outing to Mismaloya, even doing a little kayaking along the coast. If you are traveling with children, there are many enjoyable and educational things to do and places to go: whale watching in season, for one. With over 20 miles of beaches, it's easy to find your own favorites.
The weather is delicious in winter -- you might want a light jacket or sweater in the evenings -- and can be very hot in summertime. It's on the humid side year round. A tropical haven!
Read More..
Monday, October 5, 2009
Walt Disney World For Teens
have the time of your life. It's a safe place to assert some independence from your parents, a place you'll never forget. Here are some of the best experiences for teens at "The Most Magical Place on Earth":
Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks
For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney's two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It's a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with the tallest simulated waves in the world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.
Live it Up at Downtown Disney
After the parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on the town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for the younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café. And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of the almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.
Cool Off at One of Disney''s Resort Pools
When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney's very best uniquely themed pools include the Yacht and Beach Club's Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, the Swan and Dolphin's lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, the boulder-strewn wonderland at the Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella's Castle.
Plan Some Watersport Fun
Disney's Contemporary Resort is the place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under the guidance of a professional instructor. There's nothing better than a bird's-eye-view of the Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 180 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you're under age 18.
Pilot Your Own Boat
What could be more fun than renting a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney's waterways and lakes. It's a great pastime for teens with a valid driver's license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You'll get the most bang for your buck at one of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you'll find miles of recreation on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Scuba and Snorkel at Epcot's Living Seas
Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot's DiveQuest Program along with the Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on the surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of the most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.
Surf's Up at Typhoon Lagoon
"Hang 10" before park opening hours in the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under the guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to the park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in the morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.
White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience
Lying next to the Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup-style race car are offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in the Ride-Along Program where you'll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around the track with an experienced instructor (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive the car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.
Head for a Theme Parks
Last but certainly not least are the theme parks. If you're staying on Disney property it's a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to the parks on your own.
At the Magic Kingdom you'll find all the old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. And don't forget to head straight to Splash Mountain, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot's main attractions for fun-loving teens are Soarin' a fun hang-gliding experience in front of an IMAX size screen, Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you'll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you'll be floored by Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there's the Animal Kingdom where a trip around the African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris, back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur, and a trip to the Himalayas at Expedition Everest are quite the adventure.
Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure where attractions like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.
So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can't wait to pack your bags. And don't forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of the most exciting places on the planet.
Read More..
Have a Splashing Good Time at Disney's Water Parks
For a blast of a time, head to one of Disney's two water parks. Blizzard Beach has a melting alpine resort theme where chairlifts carry swimmers instead of skiers. It's a place for daredevils to challenge wild, rushing water and death-defying slides including the Summit Plummet, a 120-foot slide reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Those a bit less adventuresome will love Typhoon Lagoon, a tropical fantasyland offering a wave pool with the tallest simulated waves in the world as well as a chance to snorkel among tropical fish, leopard and nurse sharks, and picturesque coral at Shark Reef.
Live it Up at Downtown Disney
After the parks close hop a bus from your Disney resort for a night on the town at Downtown Disney. Highlights include Disney Quest with five floors of interactive games, a 24-screen AMC Theater, a Cirque du Soleil show, and over 60 shops and restaurants. Favorite dining choices for the younger crowd are Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café. And definitely consider House of Blues where teens are allowed to attend some of the almost daily concerts in their live music venue next-door.
Cool Off at One of Disney''s Resort Pools
When your parents are wondering which resort to book for your Disney vacation, be sure and put your two cents in and steer them toward one with a great pool. Disney's very best uniquely themed pools include the Yacht and Beach Club's Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini-water park, the Swan and Dolphin's lush, grotto-style lagoon pool, the boulder-strewn wonderland at the Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser, and the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect views of Cinderella's Castle.
Plan Some Watersport Fun
Disney's Contemporary Resort is the place for water-ski, parasail, wakeboard, kneeboard, and jet-ski action under the guidance of a professional instructor. There's nothing better than a bird's-eye-view of the Magic Kingdom as you parasail high above the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the action down below on Bay Lake is a blast! For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 180 days in advance, and be sure to bring a parent along to sign a waiver to participate if you're under age 18.
Pilot Your Own Boat
What could be more fun than renting a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater mini-power boat perfect for zipping around Disney's waterways and lakes. It's a great pastime for teens with a valid driver's license (those under 18 must bring along a parent to sign a waiver). You'll get the most bang for your buck at one of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom (the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge) where you'll find miles of recreation on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
Scuba and Snorkel at Epcot's Living Seas
Scuba dive or snorkel in The Living Seas 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium amid a variety of sharks, rays, fish, and turtles. Epcot's DiveQuest Program along with the Seas Aqua Tour using a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit (snorkelers swim on the surface with a built-in flotation device while breathing compressed air from a regulator attached to a small tank) are two of the most exciting behind-the-scenes tours offered in all of Walt Disney World. Dives include all equipment, but be sure to bring a bathing suit. DiveQuest is open to certified divers, but those ages 14 and under need to dive along with a parent or guardian. The Seas Aqua Tour is open to participants under age 18 as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for reservations.
Surf's Up at Typhoon Lagoon
"Hang 10" before park opening hours in the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool (some waves as high as 6 feet tall!) under the guidance of professional instructors with surfboards provided. Guests must furnish their own transportation to the park since Disney buses are not up and running that early in the morning, and those under age 18 must have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.
White-Knuckle Riding at Richard Petty Driving Experience
Lying next to the Magic Kingdom is this speedway where white-knuckle rides in a NASCAR Winston Cup-style race car are offered. If you are at least 16 you can participate in the Ride-Along Program where you'll ride shotgun at speeds of up to 145 mph for three laps around the track with an experienced instructor (riders 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Even more exciting, those ages 18 and older can drive the car themselves after an introductory class. If you just want to observe you can do so for no charge. Call 800-BE-PETTY for advance reservations.
Head for a Theme Parks
Last but certainly not least are the theme parks. If you're staying on Disney property it's a cinch to board a monorail or a Disney bus and head out to the parks on your own.
At the Magic Kingdom you'll find all the old nostalgic favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. And don't forget to head straight to Splash Mountain, an unforgettable ride that ends in a plunge over a 5-story waterfall! Epcot's main attractions for fun-loving teens are Soarin' a fun hang-gliding experience in front of an IMAX size screen, Mission Space, a hair-raising rocket into space, and Test Track where you'll speed through hairpin turns and then barrel outside onto a high-speed banking loop at over 60 mph. At Disney-MGM Studios you'll be floored by Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both a thrill a minute. Then there's the Animal Kingdom where a trip around the African savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris, back in time 65 million years at Dinosaur, and a trip to the Himalayas at Expedition Everest are quite the adventure.
Super thrill seekers should plan a day at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure where attractions like the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman will leave your heart pounding.
So do you still think Disney is just for kids? I bet you can't wait to pack your bags. And don't forget to thank your parents on your return home for taking you to one of the most exciting places on the planet.
Read More..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
