Hi it's Jerry and I just returned from Mexico's Riviera Maya where I stayed at the new Secrets Silver Sands all inclusive resort. The resort just opened in August and everything looked great! We went with Apple Vacations so we flew on the non-stop charter from Baltimore and the resort is only 15 minutes from the airport so we were there and in our room by 1 pm.
The beach there was not very wide but you could walk for miles in either direction if you wanted to. While we were there the sea turtles were hatching and heading for the sea so that was something to see. The resort has 8 restaurants, 8 bars, 8 swimming pools and the suites were huge with a Jacuzzi in every room. Also while we were there we took an excursion to one of the 7 wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. I have to say it was amazing!!
The weather and the water were warm so I would have to say that it was a great trip.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Vail, Colorado
Hi! It's Raegan and Brandi and we have just returned from a weekend in Vail, Colorado. We flew out of Shenandoah Valley through Dulles into Denver Intl. Airport. We took the Colorado Mountain Express shuttle service to Vail which is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the Denver airport. We stayed at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa. We went to Vail for a training seminar hosted by United Vacations. We learned about the many ski resort areas in Colorado. We toured several of the many accommodations in Vail.
Vail is a beautiful European style town, built as a ski resort so they know how to take care of tourists. We were there in early October so there wasn't any snow yet but Vail is a four season resort so there were still many people in town. The Aspen leaves had turned the most beautiful shade of gold! It is breathtakingly beautiful in the Rockies. Vail sits at about 8000 feet above sea level. We were warned about altitude sickness but neither of us had any problems. We experienced sunshine, rain, snow flurries and sleet in a 2 hour span on the drive back to Denver!
If you like to ski, snowboard, go tubing, hike, kayak, shop or any other outdoor activity, Vail is the place to be!
Vail is a beautiful European style town, built as a ski resort so they know how to take care of tourists. We were there in early October so there wasn't any snow yet but Vail is a four season resort so there were still many people in town. The Aspen leaves had turned the most beautiful shade of gold! It is breathtakingly beautiful in the Rockies. Vail sits at about 8000 feet above sea level. We were warned about altitude sickness but neither of us had any problems. We experienced sunshine, rain, snow flurries and sleet in a 2 hour span on the drive back to Denver!
If you like to ski, snowboard, go tubing, hike, kayak, shop or any other outdoor activity, Vail is the place to be!
Bermuda Cruise
Hi, it's Brandi! I am just back from the 2nd annual Castaway with Jim and Frank. We sailed on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas out of Baltimore, Maryland. This was a five night sailing to Bermuda. We had motorcoach transportation from Harrisonburg to Baltimore. The port at Baltimore is wonderful. We had hassle-free checkin with no lines! We had two days at sea and two days in Bermuda. The ship was great; just the right size. Definitely a good choice for first time cruisers. While in Bermuda we visited a few beaches and did an island tour. We enjoyed visiting Church Bay and Horseshoe Bay, they were both beautiful but very different from one another. Church Bay has a shelly beach but you can see the fish from the shore, great for snorkeling. Horseshoe Bay has a very long and wide soft white/pink sand beach, very touristy. Bermuda is British, very clean and upscale with lots of expensive shopping. I enjoyed Bermuda and would recommend it as a vacation destination.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New Orleans
Hi!
It's Brandi, Raegan and Jerry and we've all just had an exciting weekend visiting New Orleans for our company's National Meeting. We stayed at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street which borders the French Quarter. We spent most of our time in meetings but we did visit Bourbon Street on Friday night and on Saturday afternoon we walked to the Riverwalk. There are many other fun things to do in New Orleans like swamp tours, plantation home tours, Garden Distict tours and riverboat rides that we didn't have time for on this trip. New Orleans is still healing from Hurricane Katrina but it is a wonderful city not to be missed.
It's Brandi, Raegan and Jerry and we've all just had an exciting weekend visiting New Orleans for our company's National Meeting. We stayed at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street which borders the French Quarter. We spent most of our time in meetings but we did visit Bourbon Street on Friday night and on Saturday afternoon we walked to the Riverwalk. There are many other fun things to do in New Orleans like swamp tours, plantation home tours, Garden Distict tours and riverboat rides that we didn't have time for on this trip. New Orleans is still healing from Hurricane Katrina but it is a wonderful city not to be missed.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Grand Cayman
Hello,
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from a wonderful relaxing vacation to Grand Cayman. We flew from Washington Dulles for a 5 night getaway. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Our room was very nice with the luxurious bedding that Marriott is known for. The beach has silky soft white sand and clear blue Caribbean water. We spent most of our time relaxing but we did go into Georgetown one day to do some shopping and we visited the famous Cayman turtle farm one day. We did a half day snorkel trip over a ship wreck and rode banana boats one afternoon. Grand Cayman is British and one of the more prosperous Caribbean islands so you don't see the poverty and crime that are prevalent on many of the other islands. I highly recommend this island to anyone!
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from a wonderful relaxing vacation to Grand Cayman. We flew from Washington Dulles for a 5 night getaway. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Our room was very nice with the luxurious bedding that Marriott is known for. The beach has silky soft white sand and clear blue Caribbean water. We spent most of our time relaxing but we did go into Georgetown one day to do some shopping and we visited the famous Cayman turtle farm one day. We did a half day snorkel trip over a ship wreck and rode banana boats one afternoon. Grand Cayman is British and one of the more prosperous Caribbean islands so you don't see the poverty and crime that are prevalent on many of the other islands. I highly recommend this island to anyone!
Virginia Beach
Hi! It's Raegan and I went to Virginia Beach for a girls trip in July. A friend and I took our 13 year old daughters for a 4 night stay. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree on 39th and Atlantic. It is an oceanfront hotel with a beautiful outdoor pool and an indoor pool and lazy river. Planning to save a few dollars we opted for the pool view instead of the oceanfront and were pleasantly surprised with a beautiful view of the pool and the ocean. This hotel is what I would call a 3 star. It is nice but not luxurious. It was perfect for our needs. It is on the north end of the strip so the beach was less crowded. We took a trolley down to the more populated part of the strip for dining and shopping and miniature golf in the evenings. I hadn't been to Virginia Beach for years and it has really been cleaned up and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aruba
Hi! It's Brandi. We just returned from vacationing in Aruba. I truly love Palm Beach. The water is calm and beautiful. This is a great beach for kids. We stayed at the Occidental Grand Aruba. The hotel has great modern rooms with very comfy beds. The food and drinks were good. The island has lots of things to do, golf, shopping, island tours, a natural bridge, deep sea fishing, just to name a few. The casino at the hotel had free bingo twice a night. My husband actually won $100.00 one night! We have been to Aruba several times. We love it and plan to go back. It is a great vacation destination for everyone.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Pacific Coast
Hello Again,
It's Jerry and I just came back from a great west coast vacation so I thought I would share the detailes with everyone. First we, (there were 6 of us) started out in San Francisco. While we were there we went to Alcatraz, and took a street car ride around the city. The tour took us to China Town, the Percidio, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge! Which, by the way, was covered in fog the entire time we were there. We drove down Lombard Street and and we went to Pier 39 to watch the seals and to Muier woods to see the Giant Redwood trees.
After San Francisco we drove up the coast on Scenic Highway 101 headed to Portland, Oregan. All along the coast there were fantastic views of the Pacific ocean. We passed through the Redwood state park and I even drove my van THROUGH a redwood tree. They are huge!!
I think this is a great trip if you have the time and love the the country because it is beautiful there.
It's Jerry and I just came back from a great west coast vacation so I thought I would share the detailes with everyone. First we, (there were 6 of us) started out in San Francisco. While we were there we went to Alcatraz, and took a street car ride around the city. The tour took us to China Town, the Percidio, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge! Which, by the way, was covered in fog the entire time we were there. We drove down Lombard Street and and we went to Pier 39 to watch the seals and to Muier woods to see the Giant Redwood trees.
After San Francisco we drove up the coast on Scenic Highway 101 headed to Portland, Oregan. All along the coast there were fantastic views of the Pacific ocean. We passed through the Redwood state park and I even drove my van THROUGH a redwood tree. They are huge!!
I think this is a great trip if you have the time and love the the country because it is beautiful there.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Riviera Maya
Hello,
It's Brandi and I've just returned from a trip to the Riviera Maya. We flew from Baltimore to Cancun and had a 2 hour transfer to Tulum. We stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum. This is a very large resort. There are three hotels, The Bahia Principe Tulum, the Bahia Principe Akumal and the Bahia Principe Copa and we had exchange privileges with the two other hotels within the resort. You could eat at any restaurant within the entire resort but reservations were hard to get for the specialty restaurants. The rooms were basic. The beach was great for long walks.
The best part of the beach for swimming and snorkeling was at the Bahia Principe Akumal. From this location it is a short ride to the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. They also offer snorkeling trips and zip-lining nearby. The Hacienda Dona Isabel included shopping and nightlife. Overall it was a great relaxing vacation.
It's Brandi and I've just returned from a trip to the Riviera Maya. We flew from Baltimore to Cancun and had a 2 hour transfer to Tulum. We stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum. This is a very large resort. There are three hotels, The Bahia Principe Tulum, the Bahia Principe Akumal and the Bahia Principe Copa and we had exchange privileges with the two other hotels within the resort. You could eat at any restaurant within the entire resort but reservations were hard to get for the specialty restaurants. The rooms were basic. The beach was great for long walks.
The best part of the beach for swimming and snorkeling was at the Bahia Principe Akumal. From this location it is a short ride to the Mayan Ruins at Tulum. They also offer snorkeling trips and zip-lining nearby. The Hacienda Dona Isabel included shopping and nightlife. Overall it was a great relaxing vacation.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Paris and London
Hi!
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from an eight night trip to Paris and London. We flew into Paris and took the RER rail into the city. We stayed at the Ibis Berthier which is a 2 star hotel. We were pleasantly surprised with this hotel. It is 3 blocks from the Brochant metro station. It is newly renovated. The rooms are tiny but clean and well decorated. We visited the Eiffel Tower, the Montmartre area, Sacre' Coeur and the Champs Elysees. Our favorite activities were taking the funicular up to Sacre' Coeur and enjoying the beautiful views of the city and eating crepes with bananas and chocolate. Yum! We went over spring break (the last week of March) and it was COLD! We took an evening cruise on the Seine and the Illuminations tour of the city by motorcoach to see all of the monuments lit up at night. On Wednesday we took the Eurostar "Chunnel" train to London. What a fascinating means of transporation! In 2 hours and 15 minutes we went from Paris City Center to London City Center. What a neat trip! We visited the Tower of London, rode the London Eye and took the tube everywhere. We had a wonderfully clear day to ride the London Eye. We could see for miles! We visited Harrod's department store and saw a show. We watched street performers at Covent Garden and on Friday we took a day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. What a beautiful trip! We also used the "hop-on-hop-off" buses in both cities. As you know the value of the dollar is very poor right now so things were very expensive and the weather wasn't the best at this time of year. I would also recommend using a tour operator for things like Versailles and the Eiffel Tower to avoid the long lines. Paris and London are both amazing cities not to be missed!
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from an eight night trip to Paris and London. We flew into Paris and took the RER rail into the city. We stayed at the Ibis Berthier which is a 2 star hotel. We were pleasantly surprised with this hotel. It is 3 blocks from the Brochant metro station. It is newly renovated. The rooms are tiny but clean and well decorated. We visited the Eiffel Tower, the Montmartre area, Sacre' Coeur and the Champs Elysees. Our favorite activities were taking the funicular up to Sacre' Coeur and enjoying the beautiful views of the city and eating crepes with bananas and chocolate. Yum! We went over spring break (the last week of March) and it was COLD! We took an evening cruise on the Seine and the Illuminations tour of the city by motorcoach to see all of the monuments lit up at night. On Wednesday we took the Eurostar "Chunnel" train to London. What a fascinating means of transporation! In 2 hours and 15 minutes we went from Paris City Center to London City Center. What a neat trip! We visited the Tower of London, rode the London Eye and took the tube everywhere. We had a wonderfully clear day to ride the London Eye. We could see for miles! We visited Harrod's department store and saw a show. We watched street performers at Covent Garden and on Friday we took a day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. What a beautiful trip! We also used the "hop-on-hop-off" buses in both cities. As you know the value of the dollar is very poor right now so things were very expensive and the weather wasn't the best at this time of year. I would also recommend using a tour operator for things like Versailles and the Eiffel Tower to avoid the long lines. Paris and London are both amazing cities not to be missed!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Disney World
Hi!
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from a 3 night trip to Walt Disney World. We flew from Dulles and utilized the Magical Express transfers offered by Disney. We stayed at the Pop Century Resort. This is a considered a value property. I was impressed with the hotel. The food court and shopping areas were very nice and the rooms were basic but clean and well decorated. Staying onsite is so convenient. We took the shuttles everywhere we needed to go. We spent the first afternoon and evening at the Magic Kingdom. Day 2 was spent at Hollywood Studios. I especially enjoyed Rockin' Roller Coaster and the Fantasmic light and fireworks show. On day 3 we went to the Animal Kingdom, my favorite park. The Festival of the Lion King show is my absolute favorite thing to see in all of Disney! We also loved Expedition Everest roller coaster. That evening we went to Epcot and visited all of the countries in the World Showcase and saw the Illuminations Laser and fireworks show. We went over the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend and the parks were packed. The weather was chillier than I expected but we had a wonderful trip!
It's Raegan again. My daughter and I just returned from a 3 night trip to Walt Disney World. We flew from Dulles and utilized the Magical Express transfers offered by Disney. We stayed at the Pop Century Resort. This is a considered a value property. I was impressed with the hotel. The food court and shopping areas were very nice and the rooms were basic but clean and well decorated. Staying onsite is so convenient. We took the shuttles everywhere we needed to go. We spent the first afternoon and evening at the Magic Kingdom. Day 2 was spent at Hollywood Studios. I especially enjoyed Rockin' Roller Coaster and the Fantasmic light and fireworks show. On day 3 we went to the Animal Kingdom, my favorite park. The Festival of the Lion King show is my absolute favorite thing to see in all of Disney! We also loved Expedition Everest roller coaster. That evening we went to Epcot and visited all of the countries in the World Showcase and saw the Illuminations Laser and fireworks show. We went over the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend and the parks were packed. The weather was chillier than I expected but we had a wonderful trip!
Disney Cruise Line
Hello!
It's Brandi and I've just returned from a 3 night Disney Cruise. Just a little background info, we are a family of four, 2 adults, 2 children; ages 10, and 13. We sailed from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wonder to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay (Disney's private island). The ship was a great size for us, not too big or too small. On a 3 night Disney cruise you change dining rooms every night for dinner, and your dining staff follows you to each dining room. The staff is wonderful, as expected with the high level of service Disney is known for. The cabins are great with a split bathroom. One has a shower and vanity, the other has a vanity and toliet, very convenient for families. The shows were one of a kind, Hercules the Musical, The Golden Mickeys, and their awarding winning show Disney Dreams, all must sees. The pirate party was a blast, and don't miss the fireworks at sea. Lots of shore excursions to choose from. We decided on a beach day at the Atlantis, while in Nassau. On Castaway Cay we did a family snorkel, saw a string ray, and spent the rest of the day lounging in the water and on the beach. This is a great family vacation for all ages.
It's Brandi and I've just returned from a 3 night Disney Cruise. Just a little background info, we are a family of four, 2 adults, 2 children; ages 10, and 13. We sailed from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wonder to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay (Disney's private island). The ship was a great size for us, not too big or too small. On a 3 night Disney cruise you change dining rooms every night for dinner, and your dining staff follows you to each dining room. The staff is wonderful, as expected with the high level of service Disney is known for. The cabins are great with a split bathroom. One has a shower and vanity, the other has a vanity and toliet, very convenient for families. The shows were one of a kind, Hercules the Musical, The Golden Mickeys, and their awarding winning show Disney Dreams, all must sees. The pirate party was a blast, and don't miss the fireworks at sea. Lots of shore excursions to choose from. We decided on a beach day at the Atlantis, while in Nassau. On Castaway Cay we did a family snorkel, saw a string ray, and spent the rest of the day lounging in the water and on the beach. This is a great family vacation for all ages.
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