Cozumel Palace All Inclusive Family Resort Tour

 

Cozumel Palace is a family all inclusive resort near downtown San Miguel. Cozumel Palace does not have a beach, but you can climb down into the ocean to snorkel. What sets Cozumel Palace apart is the large rooms, unlimited a la carte dining for dinner, and great oceanfront pool.

Take a peek: 

 

Puerto Vallarta for Groups and Families

 Located on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean is the beautiful Mexican beach town of Puerto Vallarta. The area offers a wide variety of different tour and activities making it a popular destination for tourists. Check out some wonderful excursion options for your family or group vacation to the area. 

Occidental Cozumel Family All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Occidental Cozumel is a family all inclusive resort about 25 minutes from the Cozumel airport. If you love lush landscaping and privacy on your balcony, Occidental Cozumel is for you. This family all inclusive resort kept a lot of the natural vegetation. You even have to take a board walk over the mangroves to get to the main pool and beach area. Occidental Cozumel has an adults only and large rooms with stand up showers and separate bathtubs. 

Take a peek: 

Carnival Mardi Gras Tips, Ship Tour, and Cabin Tour

 We had a terrific week on the Carnival Mardi Gras.

Some tips for your next sailing on the Carnival Mardi Gras:

Don't miss Big Chicken. The breakfast chicken biscuit is SO good. They dig the chicken tender in spicy honey and it's the perfect mix of sweet and savory.

Secret sandwiches - Java Blue Cafe on Deck 6 has sandwiches. They aren't really a secret because there's a huge sign and most people don't read. It's a separate counter so you don't have to wait in the coffee line. The sausage, egg and cheese on muffin was my favorite.

Get your seat early - The venues are small to great a better experience. This means you have to get your seats early. Show up when doors open in the theater. Be sure to get to the Atrium for the first show to ensure you have a good seat.

Download the Carnival Hub App - You need it. For real.

Pick Anytime Dining if you are sailing before the end of April. With Anytime Dining, you can choose between ChiBang, Cucina del Capitano and Palms Restaurant each night. On formal night, all three will have the lobster so avoid the crowd and eat at Cucina. Win. Win.

If this ship sounds like it might be for you, check out my ship tour and email Angie@TripswithAngie.com to current pricing and availability.

Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

Puerto Vallarta is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The area is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife. It’s a great destination for certified divers with several stunning dive sites to explore. Here are some wonderful excursion options to consider.

 

Iberostar Cozumel Family All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Iberostar Cozumel family all inclusive resort is located about 25 minutes from the Cozumel airport.  For dining at Iberostar Cozumel family all inclusive resort, it's important to know that number of a la carte restaurant reservations you get are based on your length of stay. You should be prepared to have the buffet as your only option. Iberostar Cozumel family all inclusive resort has a dive shop onsite and non-motorized sports are included. 

Take a peek: 

Big Island Hawaii for Groups and Families

 

The largest and southeastern-most of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island encompasses 4,028 square miles offering lots for families to see and do. Take a look at these great excursions for your family or group vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii!

Secrets Aura Cozumel All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Secrets Aura Cozumel is an adults only all inclusive resort.  Secrets Aura Cozumel's Preferred Club is a great choice for groups traveling together. You have access to a Preferred Club pool and swim up bar. Secrets Aura Cozumel has an onsite dive ship and its own pier. Some Secrets Aura Cozumel's swim up suite connect to the swim up bar. I love the Skybar lounge as a spot for evening cocktails. 

Take a peek: 

Hawaii Honeymoon Big Island Excursions for Couples

 

The island of Hawai'i is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Despite its size it is home to only 13% of Hawaii’s people. Did you know that the Big Island is one of the only places in the world that you can explore white, black and green sand beaches? It is also home to world renown Kona Coffee, which is grown under unique growing conditions and soil lending to its signature flavor. Let’s see what else this island has to offer for a getaway for two.

Renaissance Wind Creek Casino Hotel Curacao

 

Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort is located in a shopping plaza near the cruise port dock and offers an all inclusive meal plan that includes the buffet restaurant and the pool grill.

Take a peek:

Marriott Hotel Tour: Curacao Marriott Beach Resort Tour

 

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is located about 15 minutes from the Curacao airport. The Curacao Marriott Beach Resort has a great adults only pool, nice beach area, and renovated rooms and lobby. Take a peek:

Kauai Excursions

 

Kauai is the greenest of the Hawaiian Islands with 97% covered by forests and mountain ranges. It is also the only Hawaiian Island with navigable rivers. People flock here to experience outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, hiking and sunning on the islands' beautiful beaches. So whether visiting Kauai with family, friends or just the two of you this area offers many exciting things to see and do. Check out these amazing tour offerings.

Kauai Cruise Excursions

 

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is geographically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. People come here primarily for the beaches with their great snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and sunning. It is also the only Hawaiian Island with navigable rivers, making kayaking a great activity here as well. The island has also been used in more than 60 movie and television productions. So if Kauai (Nawiliwili) shows up on your Hawaiian cruise itinerary, here are some great excursions to consider outside the cruise line offerings. These tours offer a cruise friendly refund policy and back to the ship guarantee.

Dreams Curacao All Inclusive Resort Tour

 

Dreams Curacao is a family all inclusive resort located about 15 minutes from the airport. A few things that make this resort special: 

• Location close to some of the best diving in Curacao
• Great sunset views 
• Onsite casino and brewpub 
• Supervised kids' club and teen area 

Take a peek: 

Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas

 

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is the cruise line's newest ship. The Odyssey of the Seas is in the Quantum series so it has fun features like the North Star, SeaPlex, iFly, and FlowRider. The specialty dining on the Odyssey of the Seas is terrific.

Take a tour:

Maui Excursions for Groups

 Maui is a great destination for a group vacation with plenty to see and do including Haleakala National Park, Kapalua Coastal Trail, Iao Valley, Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach and much more! Take a look at these amazing tour offerings for your group to consider. 

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta All Inclusive Family Resort Tour

 

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is a family all inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is about a 30 minutes drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport.  What sets Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta apart from other resorts is:

• Nice beach that is shallow a few years into the water
• Three distinct pools: quiet, activity, and kids with a small water slide
• Beautiful Rock Spa
• Gourmet dining and premium alcohol
• You can book guaranteed connecting rooms
• Large, double whirlpool tubs in all the rooms
• Live music every night

Take a peek: 

Maui Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

 I

If your Hawaiian cruise vacation has you stopping in Maui check out these cruise-friendly excursion offerings. These excursions offer a cruise friendly refund policy and some offer a back to the ship guarantee. Excursions with a back to the ship guarantee are denoted with an asterisk. 

Dreams Resort Tour: Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta Family All Inclusive Resort

 

Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta is a family all inclusive resort located in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico about 25 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport. What sets Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta apart from other resorts is:

• Infinity edge pool
• Spacious junior suites
• Long Beach
• Rooftop sushi bar and lounge

Take a peek: 

Maui Excursions for Families

 

Maui is an incredibly family-friendly vacation spot with beautiful sandy beaches, plenty of water activities, and large pools to keep the kids entertained. Here are some amazing tour opportunities to enhance your family vacation to this beautiful island. 

Resort Tour: RIU Palace Pacifico in Nuevo Vallarta

 

RIU Palace Pacifico is a family all inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta in the gated Flamingos communit.  RIU Palace Pacifico is one of three resorts in the RIU complex. If you stay at RIU Palace Pacifico, you can access the other two resorts.

The perks of staying at RIU Palace instead of the other two resorts are premium alcohol, upgraded menus, and a whirlpool tub.

Take a peek: 

Maui for Couple Trips, Anniversaries and Honeymoons

 

Named the top Honeymoon destination in 2020 by World Travel Awards, Maui is a wonderful choice for all couples, and not just honeymooners looking for a getaway together. Hawaii’s 2nd largest island offers 30 miles of gorgeous beaches, lush hiking trails, and endless waterfalls to explore. Let’s take a look at some amazing ways you can explore that this island has to offer. 

 

How to Decode All Inclusive Resort Room Categories

 

One common complaint I see on online review websites is disappointment with a room's view. This is one reason I visit so many resorts each year. Ocean view does not mean the same thing at all resorts.

The most common room categories you'll see are:

• Tropical view or Resort view
• Ocean View
• Oceanfront

Oahu for Groups

Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands with plenty to see and do, making it a great destination for your group vacation. Check out these tour offerings to enhance your group vacation experience. 

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

 On Sunday, I disembarked from the MerMaiden Voyage of the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line from Richard Branson of Virgin Records fame. He wanted to disrupt the cruise line industry by creating a totally new cruise experience. I think he succeeded. This was my 59th cruise and definitely unlike any other cruise I've ever taken. 

First, the cruise is adults only.  The ship can accommodate up to 2,770 passengers. This is similar to some of the older Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian ships. Eliminating all the spaces dedicated to kids creates a lot more space for restaurants and lounges. Take a look at my ship tour: 

Ensenada Shore Excursions

 

Cruise ships departing from San Diego and Los Angeles often make a stop in Ensenada, Mexico to meet federal laws that require ships flying under foreign flags to stop in another country before going on to U.S. ports. With cruising getting going on the Western Coast of the U.S. lets check out a couple cruise friendly excursions for a day in Ensenada. 

Oahu Excursions for Honeymoons and Couples

 

Oahu is a wonderful place to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary or just a getaway together. No passport needed for US travelers to fly to paradise. Daytime highs are in the 70’s and 80’s year round, making it a fantastic vacation destination. Let’s check out some great tour options for your Hawaiian vacation to Oahu.

Reflections on my Celebrity Apex cruise to Greece and Croatia

 

In this blog, I’ll share a couple lessons and things that surprised me about Greece and Croatia.

First, lessons:

1. Traveling right now requires extraordinary flexibility and patience. Guidelines are changing daily. I recommend keeping a loose eye on the changing requirements. About 10 days before your trip is a good time to really start paying attention to the testing and entry requirements for the country you are visiting and the cruise line you are sailing on if you are cruising. I do not recommend booking travel at this time if you are not vaccinated. The requirements are changing too quickly.

2. Be prepared to test and test and test again even if you are vaccinated. For our Greece trip, we took a test before we left for peace of mind. We took a test before we boarded cruise ship. We took a test at the end of the first week. We took a second test at the end of the second week both to re-enter Greece and so that we could fly back to the USA.

 

Now, the good surprises. Athens, Greece  – One of the “must see” sites in Athens in the Parthenon. Did you know the reason enough of the structure remained to reconstruct is because it was used as a church and the a mosque and then a  munitions depot? If you do visit, I recommend entering from the South entrance so you can view the two theaters. We visited just before sunset to capture that gorgeous glow on the buildings.

 

Cabo Excursions for Groups

 

Home to beautiful beaches, and sunny weather almost year round. Cabo is a great spot for your group vacation. Check out these great excursions to enhance your group getaway!

If your group likes to get its adrenaline pumping while on vacation check out the Los Cabos Zip Line Tour. There are seven zip lines 300 feet above the surface with speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Enjoy birds eye views of the Baja Desert Mountains and natural oasis. There is also a suspension bridge, optional rappelling opportunity and a Tarzan Swing for kids only. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with three departure times.

How about a private beach day for your group plus some sightseeing? Enjoy a 45 minute boat ride out to The Arch of Cabo San Lucas before a visit to the Glass Blowing Factory, and a Tequila Tasting. End your day at Chileno Bay for some relaxation and snorkeling. A boxed lunch is included. This tour lasts 5 hours and is offered daily for up to 10 guests. 

Experience Cabo on this Art and Beer Tour. See the famous Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo and experience the art, folklore, music, and local food stands. Visit Baja Brewing, a local restaurant and brewery and enjoy some pizza from their wood burning pizza oven. This tour is only offered on Thursdays and lasts 5 hours with a departure time of 3:30 pm. 

This is the perfect tour for not only the experienced cyclist but the first-time mountain biker as well. Explore the outback of Cabo on a mountain bike! Expert guides will fit you on a modern, all-terrain bike before you head out on cactus-lined sandy tracks that lead to a stunning hidden beach. The ride concludes with a Mexican feast and drinks. This tour lasts 3 hours and a half hours and is offered daily.

An alternate way to explore the outback of Cabo is via ATV, race through desert pathways, mountains, dry rivers beds and end up at the beach. Visit the Herpatario after your tour for some great photos with native birds, iguanas and other species. Tacos and beer are also available but not included in the tour price. This tour lasts 4 hours and departs daily at 9 am, noon, and 3 pm.

For a more unique way to explore Cabo, how about a Camel tour? Your included tour transportation will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the National Park to get ready for your tour. You will spend time petting, feeding and interacting with you camel before riding along one of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo. Enjoy incredible views of sand dunes, the ocean and dry riverbeds. End your day with a visit to the National Parks included Zoo and participate in tequila tasting while you indulge in some tacos. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with multiple departure times throughout the day. 

Spend the day Sport Fishing with your group. Fish for Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi and many more species from the best fishing spots in Los Cabos. This tour is available daily and can be booked as a half day or full day tour for groups of up to 10 people. 

Explore the underwater world of Cabo San Lucas on a private snorkel tour for up to 10 people from a private boat. Examine the many species of tropical fish, ocean flora and fauna with an experienced guide. This tour lasts 5 hours and is offered daily with 3 departure times available. 

Enjoy dinner with your group and an open bar on a Luxury Sunset Cruise aboard the Tu Enamorado, a beautifully crafted sailing yacht. See the scenic view of the Sea of Cortez, magnificent rock formations and breathtaking sunsets. Be welcomed on board with a cocktail and antipasto platter. For dinner savor in a jumbo shrimp kabob over a beef filet with organic green salad. Vegan and white meat options are also available. This tour lasts 3 hours and is offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings only.

If your group likes to party check out this Weekend Booze Party Cruise! Cabo is famous for its nightlife, and one of the best traditions is a floating nightclub. Get to know other cruisers through fun games and dancing with the latest hits and pop favorites provided by an awesome DJ. This tour is offered on weekends only. 

Honolulu & Oahu Hawaii Excursions for Families

 

Oahu is the 3rd largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the location of the state capital, Honolulu. There is so much to see and do on this island including Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head, Dole Plantation, Waikiki Beach, and much, much more! Here are some great tour suggestions for families vacationing on this beautiful island.

If your time in Honolulu is short this is a great tour to hit the highlights! This 6 hour tour includes visits to the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl Cemetery, Iolani Palace, King Kaemhameha Statue, Kawaiahao Church, Hawaii State Capitol, and Honolulu Hale. Round-trip transportation is provided in air-conditioned comfort. This tour is offered every day except Sundays and Wednesdays. No minimum age. For a more in-depth tour of just Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, and the USS Battleship Missouri Museum, check out this tour. It is offered every day but Monday and Wednesday and lasts 7.5 hours. 

If you are looking to check out the island of Oahu consider this Grand Circle Island Tour. Stops on this scenic, full-day tour include Halong “Blow Hole” Lookout, Waimanalo Two, Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Byodo In Temple, Kualoa Ranch, Laie Hawaii Mormon Temple, North Shore Surfing Beaches, Dole Plantation, Chinaman’s Hat, Diamond Head, and Kahala Estates. This tour lasts 9 hours, and is offered every day but Wednesday. Minimum age is 4. 

Enjoy a fun evening of food and entertainment at this Orchid Luau with Center Seating. This luau package includes middle seating, a delicious buffet, a fresh lei greeting, and lots of entertainment. This tour is offered every day except Monday and lasts 4 hours. No minimum age, child pricing applies to ages 4-12.  Deluxe Front seating with table service instead of buffet and wing seating packages are also available. 

On the Polynesian Cultural Tour you and your family can learn about the Polynesian culture through an informative orientation and hands-on activities while visiting seven different Polynesian villages. This tour lasts 3 hours and is only offered on select dates. Please check calendar for availability. Minimum age is 11. 

On this Kualoa Ranch Jurassic Valley Zipline tour enjoy 7 exciting tandem sections, 2 suspension bridge and 3 mini nature hiking trails. If your surroundings look familiar its because you are in Ka’a’awa Valley where many movies have been filmed including Jurassic World. This tour lasts 3 hours. Minimum height is 4.8 feet and maximum weight is 280 lbs. 

Another great way to explore Kualoa Ranch, this time from the ground, is an E-Mountain Bike Tour  Peddle assisted and get close to nature on a state-of-the-art eco-friendly eBike. Tour time includes a safety briefing. This tour lasts 2 hours with start times at 9 am and 3:15 pm. Minimum age is 10. 

For a great activity for younger children check out Pony Rides on Oahu  Parents can walk alongside their child and take pictures, older children and adults also have the option to ride a horse alongside for an additional fee. Children under 6 are lead by a wrangler.  Children are allowed to feed and pet their horse. This experience lasts 30 minutes and is offered several times throughout the day for children ages 2-7. 

Another option for horseback riding is a combo tour with a Legacy Tree Planting Experience. Visit the historic Gunstock Ranch on a guided horseback ride and leave your mark by planting a Legacy Tree. Travel up mountainside trails and see stunning views of he ocean, coastline and hills and valleys of the Koolau Mountains. On the return trip descend into the Hawaiian Legacy Forest to select and plant your own tree. Using RFID technology you will be able to the location and growth of the tree you planted throughout its lifetime. This tour lasts 2.5 hours and is most days of the week. Minimum age is 7.

On this Swim with the Dolphins tour  snorkel and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat in Oahu. Also explore the beautiful reefs teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles, enjoy sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards and a 20-foot waterslide! This tour is offered twice a day and lasts 4 hours. Minimum age is 2.

Sail along the coast of Waikiki during this Catamaran Snorkel and Lunch Experience. Snorkeling with green sea turtles and during whale season (December through April) the boat will stop to watch these incredible mammals. Lunch, drinks, and snorkel equipment is included. This tour lasts 3 hours with a departure time of 11 am. No minimum age. 

All Inclusive Resorts near Town

 

One criticism of all inclusive resorts is that you don't get an authentic experience. The resorts in many places are geared towards Americans or Europeans. One solution is to book an all inclusive resort right in the middle of the action. 

You can mix up your days with relaxation at the resort and exploring a new town. Here's three recommendations for a home base as your explore Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber Vallarta are in downtown Puerto Vallarta. This offers a great home base for exploration. This also means the beach will more crowded with vendors and the public than a typical all inclusive resort. If you want something more boutique, Villa Premiere is a great choice. 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico - Hilton Playa del Carmen and Panama Jack Playa del Carmen are just steps from restaurants and shops. Panama Jack is a budget friendly family all inclusive option. Hilton is also all inclusive, but for adults only.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Moon Palace Jamaica is close to the cruise port and downtown Ocho Rios. You can cross right out of the hotel's gate into a bustling street with shops and restaurants. I loved watching the cruise ships arriving and debark each day, but that interrupt that ocean view.

Cap Cana All Inclusive Resorts

 

Cap Cana is an exclusive area close to the Punta Cana airport with great beaches, a golf club, and marina area with shops and restaurants. This area does tend to get a bit more seaweed during hurricane season so it's ideal to visit between November to May. 

Cabo Excursions for Couples

The picturesque coastline of Cabo makes is a great location for a romantic getaway. Whether it is fine dining barefoot on the beach, horseback riding along the coast, or a couples massage, Cabo is a great destination for your next vacation together. Here are some great excursion options for just the two of you.

Sail past Lover’s Beach on this romantic sunset cruise aboard a luxury French-made sailboat. Enjoy an open bar and a delicious array of appetizers as you watch a romantic Cabo sunset. This tour last two and a half hours and is offered most days of the week (check calendar for availability). For information on a private sunset sailing, check out this tour. 

If you and your significant other like to get your adrenaline pumping while on vacation check out the Los Cabos Zip Line Tour. There are seven zip lines 300 feet above the surface with speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Enjoy birds eye views of the Baja Desert Mountains and natural oasis. There is also a suspension bridge, optional rappelling opportunity and a Tarzan Swing for kids only. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with three departure times.

Explore the city of Cabo, just the two of you on this private guided half day tour. Stops include Cabo San Lucas Main Square, Glass Blowing Factory, Tequila Tasting, Glass Bottom Boat Tour including Los Cabos Arch and Lands End. This tour is offered daily.

Experience Cabo on this Art and Beer Tour. See the famous Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo and experience the Art, Folklore, music, and local food stands. Visit Baja Brewing, a local restaurant and brewery and enjoy some pizza from their wood burning pizza oven. This tour is only offered on Thursdays and lasts 5 hours with a departure time of 3:30 pm. 

Ride a horse on one of the most secluded, iconic and beautiful beaches in in Los Cabos. Enjoy amazing views of the Sand Dunes, the Pacific Ocean and the Dry Riverbeds. Visit the National Parks, including the Zoo and finish off your day with tacos and a tequila tasting. This tour lasts 4 hours and is offered daily with 3 departure times. 

Spend some unforgettable time getting to know dolphins in their natural habitat. Experience a foot push, dorsal tow, a kiss, a hug and play a series of interactive games as you get to learn about these tender animals. This experience lasts one hour and is offered Monday through Friday at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

The perfect tour for not only the experienced cyclist but the first-time mountain biker as well. Explore the outback of Cabo on a mountain bike! Expert guides will fit you on a modern, all-terrain bike before heading out on cactus-lined sandy tracks leading to a stunning hidden beach. The ride concludes with a Mexican feast and drinks. This tour lasts 3 hours and a half hours and is offered daily.

An alternate way to explore the outback of Cabo is via ATV, race through desert pathways, mountains, dry rivers beds and the beach. Visit the Herpatario after your tour for some great photos with native birds, iguanas and other species. Tacos and beer are also available but not included in the tour price. This tour lasts 4 hours and departs daily at 9 am, noon, and 3 pm.

See Cabo from a different point of view while driving your own 4x4 Jeep. Stops include Fox Canyon to see the waterfalls, lunch at a local restaurant, and the beautiful town of Santiago. This tour is offered daily and lasts 7 hours. 

If your trip to Cabo is between December and April why not take advantage of a whale watching tour? The waters around Cabo are perfect for whale watching this time of year. See the whales swim, breach and perform. You will even have the opportunity to listen to the whales communicate underwater utilizing hydrophone listening technology. This tour lasts two hours and is offered daily from mid December through mid April. 

Explore Cabo via two-person kayak, visit unspoiled beaches, the famous Arch, the Sea Lion Colony, and Lover’s Beach. Also included is a guided snorkel adventure. This tour is offered daily and lasts two and half hours.