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.
Friday, May 30, 2008
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.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Riviera Maya
Hi!
It's Jerry and I've just returned from a four day familiarization trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The fam was hosted by United Vacations, Funjet Vacations and Karisma Resorts. I stayed at El Dorado Seaside Suites. We toured the El Dorado Royale (my favorite), the Azul Beach Resort, and the Azul Maroma Beach Resort. Azul Resorts is in the process of building two new properties, Azul View and Azul Fives. We toured the sites of these new hotels and were able to see model rooms. All of these properites are all-inclusive. The service was excellent. We had wonderful weather every day. I'm not sure which is bluer, the water or the sky!
It's Jerry and I've just returned from a four day familiarization trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The fam was hosted by United Vacations, Funjet Vacations and Karisma Resorts. I stayed at El Dorado Seaside Suites. We toured the El Dorado Royale (my favorite), the Azul Beach Resort, and the Azul Maroma Beach Resort. Azul Resorts is in the process of building two new properties, Azul View and Azul Fives. We toured the sites of these new hotels and were able to see model rooms. All of these properites are all-inclusive. The service was excellent. We had wonderful weather every day. I'm not sure which is bluer, the water or the sky!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Ireland
Hello!
It's Raegan and I have just returned from a familiarization trip to Ireland. I flew Aer Lingus nonstop from Dulles to Dublin. On day one we visited the National Stud and Japanese Gardens and spent the first night at a beautiful hotel called Wineport Lodge in Athlone. On day two we visited Clonmacnoise and saw the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches and several high crosses. We also saw the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. We spent the night in Doolin. The next day we took a ferry across the River Shannon and spent the night in the quaint town of Kinsale. Day four took us to Waterford and the JFK Arboretum. That evening we went pub hopping in the small town of Athy. The next morning we went to Glendalough which is one of the most famous religious centers in Early Christian Ireland. We had that afternoon free to explore Dublin. We ate "pub-grub" in the Temple Bar area of Dublin. The next moring we took a cruise on the River Liffey and had the rest of the day at our leisure. I took the hop-on-hop-off bus tour of downtown Dublin and did some shopping. The last evening was spent at a wonderful traditional Irish show with folk music and dancing. The last morning I took one last walk through the city to Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Overall, I enjoyed the trip. Ireland is a very good "entry level" Europe trip. The people are very friendly and speak English. I was amazed at how much the beautiful scenery resembled the Shenandoah Valley.
It's Raegan and I have just returned from a familiarization trip to Ireland. I flew Aer Lingus nonstop from Dulles to Dublin. On day one we visited the National Stud and Japanese Gardens and spent the first night at a beautiful hotel called Wineport Lodge in Athlone. On day two we visited Clonmacnoise and saw the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches and several high crosses. We also saw the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. We spent the night in Doolin. The next day we took a ferry across the River Shannon and spent the night in the quaint town of Kinsale. Day four took us to Waterford and the JFK Arboretum. That evening we went pub hopping in the small town of Athy. The next morning we went to Glendalough which is one of the most famous religious centers in Early Christian Ireland. We had that afternoon free to explore Dublin. We ate "pub-grub" in the Temple Bar area of Dublin. The next moring we took a cruise on the River Liffey and had the rest of the day at our leisure. I took the hop-on-hop-off bus tour of downtown Dublin and did some shopping. The last evening was spent at a wonderful traditional Irish show with folk music and dancing. The last morning I took one last walk through the city to Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Overall, I enjoyed the trip. Ireland is a very good "entry level" Europe trip. The people are very friendly and speak English. I was amazed at how much the beautiful scenery resembled the Shenandoah Valley.
Canada and New England Cruise
Hi! It's Brandi and I've just returned from a 6 night Canada and New England cruise aboard Norwegian Spirit. I escorted a group of 26 guests as part of a local radio morning show promotion called "Castaway with Jim and Frank". We sailed from New York City and visited Halifax, St. John and the Bay of Fundy, Boston and Martha's Vineyard. This was my first time sailing on Norwegian and I enjoyed it. They have "Freestyle" cruising which means that you do what you want to do, when you want to do it. There are no set meal times. You can eat at any of a number of venues at any time. Some require reservations or a surcharge, though. This was a fall foliage cruise and the weather was a bit chilly. I really enjoyed Halifax and Martha's Vineyard. Halifax has an interesting and moving connection with the Titanic disaster and Martha's Vineyard is a quaint township with beautiful gingerbread victorian cottages. They had great shows and food that cruise vacations are known for. Don't miss the Ship 'n' males show!
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