This Just In - Amazing Entertainment in Paradise this Summer!
2 of the greatest have teamed up - Palace Resorts, one of the finest brands in all inclusive resort vacations has gotten together with Cirque du Soleil - the master of amazing production shows, and come up with another fantastic reason to visit....
If you have not gotten your summer vacation plans set yet then this may be a must see -
Why Palace?
With several area resorts to choose from you can't miss - whether you would prefer to experience the adults only sophisticated chic of Le Blanc Spa - or the laid back nature of Playcar Palace, tickets are comp & so is the transportation to see the show
PLUS-
If you were not already aware, on stays of 5 nights or longer Palace includes $1500+ in resort credits to be used for cool things such as swimming with dolphins, golf, spa & more -
For more info and to check availability get with your travel agent.
What, don't have one? Then get with EZTravelPad - you'll be glad you did!
Give the Gift of Enrique and $1500 resort credits as a bonus!
Palace Resorts in the Cancun area offer free tickets to Enrique Iglesias show
This is your chance to catch international sensation Enrique Iglesias in concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. With worldwide hits like "Bailamos", "Hero", "Be with You", "I Like It" and "Tonight I'm Loving You", concert attendees will be treated to a performer that Billboard has called The King of Latin Pop.
Details:
Receive 2 Free tickets to ENRIQUE IGLESIAS Concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort when you stay at the following Cancun area Palace resorts - Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Playacar Palace and Le Blanc Spa Resort.
Stay a minimum of 7 nights and travel between March 4-16. This is a perfect opportunity to get out of winter and into the sun & fun - plus take advantage of $1500 in resort credits in addition to the show!
Get with EZTravelPad early today for a confirmation that can be the perfect gift for your perfect Valentine - and will create a memory to last a lifetime....
I just received an email from a new bride. I had helped with the Honeymoon to St lucia earlier this year so naturally she turned to me for another idea. This is just so cool - had not heard of doing this before, but I LOVE the idea. In her own words, here is part of what she wrote me...
"instead of Christmas presents this year we would each plan out a vacation idea to present to one another and then decide on which one to take. We have to do a whole presentation with every detail planned, including little things like how we get to airport and where we eat and what we do (of course we won't have to follow the plan exactly when we actually take the vacation, its just to give the other a big picture idea of what we could do). So we each get to plan whatever kind of vacation we want for whatever date we want in 2012 and then whichever one we agree on on Christmas morning we will then book as our Christmas present"
How much fun is that? Great idea, huh?
Give the gift of a memory that will last - give the gift of an experience to share together - give the gift of an adventure - give the gift of travel....
If this sounds like a great idea to you too, and you would like a little help with the process - turn to "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelPad is here to help!
Mexico Offers Great Value in Resort Vacations + Safety
Friendly staff at Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya
I just returned from the Cancun and Rivera Maya area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I know what you are thinking, how can I be writing this blog post with my head cut off, right? Well I am living proof that not every tourist to the resort areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera gets killed or kidnapped. In fact, I was traveling with a rather large group of travel agents and none of us even got so much as Montezuma's Revenge - (although I think one lady had a bit of a hangover one morning).
Poolside at Grand Velas in Riviera Maya
Contrary to popular myth, the tourist areas have been largely spared from the violence revolving around the Mexican drug cartel wars - and in particular, the Yucatan Peninsula and tourist areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera (the 100+Km stretch of gorgeous beaches south from Cancun) are a world away from trouble - unless trouble means another shot of tequila, then you got plenty of trouble there!
Seriously, it is a completely wonderful area for tourists with scores of excellent resorts that offer all manner of vacation fun.
wine lover? Dreams Riviera Cancun might be for you
Looking for a 4 Diamond or 5 Star resort experience? There are plenty of choices.
Interested in a budget all-inclusive? They've certainly got that covered.
Looking for a perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding location? Great Choice!
Want to experience the real Mexican culture at a boutique hotel in a quaint Mexican town? ok
Seeking Adventures like Zip-lining, cave tubing, water skiing, para sailing? You sure can
Want to dive in a world class reef - even dive with Whale Sharks? You can do that too!!
Hunting for a great place for a family vacation - kids stay free at many family friendly resorts
Time to hit the links with some of your golfing friends? Fantastic courses!!
Americans Are Absent - But Other Nationalities Are Loving the Value
I have spent 12 nights in the area recently, during 2 separate trips, mostly revolved around visiting a wide variety of resorts so that I can better serve my client base. During one conversation with the manager of one of the Fiesta Americana resorts I learned that a few years ago Americans made up the largest majority of vacationers at the resort. Today US tourists are 5th as a group behind Brits, Brazilians, Japanese & Chinese - in no particular order....5th!!
As I sat in the spa one day during a treatment (gotta love the $1500 resort credits at Palace Resorts!) I had a conversation with a very intelligent gentleman from England. He had been to the area many times, and was well traveled in general. I asked him if the bad press was negatively deterring British from enjoying Mexico as a vacation spot and he related- absolutely not. His opinion was that it was strictly a US prejudice that is primarily fueling the hype...that the significant influx of Hispanic migration to the US in search of jobs over the past couple of decades has contributed to the perception of Mexico being unsafe for tourism....he makes a good point and may be on to something.
I don't claim to have all the answers -and there certainly is significant gang-on-gang violence in the country - WAY too much. Keep in mind though that it is far removed from the tourist areas that millions enjoy every year. There are literally dozens and dozens and dozens or resorts to choose from (so many that the help of a travel pro is quite helpful - wink wink), and the trouble you hear about on the evening news is generally 1000 miles away - or more.
Danger is everywhere in this world, and I'm not going to quit swimming in the ocean because there are sharks in there - I'm not going to forgo a trip to California because of gang violence in Compton - nor will I move from the Midwest because a tornado could hit - be smart, choose wisely, but don't dismiss Mexico as a great destination for a fantastic destination!!
And when you are ready to thin kabout it - give EZTravelPad a shout - we're here to help...
Montego Bay's Holiday Inn Sunspree - Appealing to Families
The Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Mo Bay for short) is surprisingly good in some aspects, and not surprisingly (considering the cost) misses on a couple of other fronts.
In Brief- Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay is located a mere 5-10 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay, jamaica. The resort is full service and all-inclusive but with somewhat limited choices.
The 524 rooms are spread amongst over half-dozen different room blocks fronting the 1/2 mile of restored beach that also features a small private islnad just off shore.
There are nearly a half-dozen places to grab a bite to eat, but the bulk of the restaurant business is done at Portside Buffet Restaurant.
Of course there is a staffed Kid's club - of course there is a wedding staff - of course there are different bars to choose from - and yes, there is an adult section complete with pool and jacuzzi
What's good?
Warm Jamaican smiles - you can generally count on great hospitality anywhere you go in Jamaica
Nice Beach with private island - since the property is large and oriented along the beach there are good stretches of sandy beach
Sorrento, the Italian restaurant was much better than I expected. Remembering that this is a modestly priced all-inclusive property I did not expect much, but the bacon wrapped filet cooked medium rare was actually cooked to medium rare and was not a bad cut. Served with friend polenta (pretty good) and a root vegetable along with an appetizing dessert, choices were good and the preparation was great.
Coffee - Gotta love some Jamaican coffee!
What's not good?
Pillows - I just can't stand the huge round overstuffed synthetic pillows
Elevators - slow and HOT, but fortunately its a short ride to where you are going
In a general sense the entertainment was good compared to other all inclusive choices. The featured singer the night I was there was tremendous. Family daytime activities were fair with limited participation.
Would I book a family to Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay? Sure....it's a good value for the right family, and better in many aspects than competitively priced family friendly products located close by.
is it the right fit for everyone? - No.
For more info please contact EZTravelPad - we are here to help save you time and money!
Fall is traditionally a great time to plan vacations for the upcoming Holidays, Spring Break & Summer vacations. booking early means capturing savings that may not be available later and also having great choices in the selection of flights, rooms, etc. This fall is shaping up to be even better for locking in sale prices due to the economic uncertainties as a result of many factors in the past few months.
Here is a snippet from one travel supplier that sums up the situation-
"The sales outlook for the month changed shortly after the national debt fiasco caused the stock market to become incredibly volatile. The economic news grew increasingly bad, with Europe's economic issues in the forefront, bad unemployment numbers, etc. Consequently, sales started to slow down, and, in our case, we experienced slight increases in cancellations of cruise and tour vacations."
So while you may think that the national debate on the debt crisis was a negative, you may actually have your local politician to thank for getting your cruise (or other vacation) price knocked down an extra $50 or so....At EZTravelPad we like to think of the glass being half full ;)
Best advice though, is to get your plans settled as soon as possible - a few days of a good mood on Wall Street could change things very quickly....
Remember, it pays to do business with your friends....in the travel business
Scott from EZTravelPad appears on WSBT Business Break
Recently EZTravelPad was invited to a segment called Business Break on South Bend's WSBT TV.
Business Break is a regular segment that features local businesses and community events to help viewers become better informed about what is available in their community.
Remember- you can go out into the wilderness of the internet on your own to plan your vacation, or you can get help - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST - from an agency like EZTravelPad
The choice is yours
IF you choose to go it alone, here are a few links that can help.
Insure your vacation investment with better insurance coverage at this link
Thinnk you're going to save a little money using bookit.com? It's at this link
So these are just some of the best of the multitude of options for handling your own travel planning. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself so feel free to take my suggestions for some of the best places to shop- but there's also nothing wrong with getting a little help from a travel pro.... a travel pro who will no doubt make your life easier, and makes save you a few dollars in the process!
Oh, there is 1 other place you can go to shop without picking up the phone or composing an email to EZTravelpad, and that is www.eztravelpad.com
Aventura Spa Palace is located between Akumal and Playa del Carmen - about an hour from Cancun and right in the heart of one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world...
Q- Who goes to Aventura Spa Palace?
A- Adults - who like spa vacations and girlfriend getaways & couples looking for a high value luxury all-inclusive vacation
Q- Who likes Girlfriend getaways?
A- Girlfriends.... and guys looking for girlfriends!! (seriously, travel agents often hear about the exploits of the women and/or men who hooked up while on vacation, so if you are single......)
Q- How's the beach?
A- See for yourself... Check out the live webcam and see live beach shots - right now at this link
Q- What are the rooms like?
A- Rooms feature-
Balconies (all rooms)
Hammocks (most rooms)
Double Jacuzzi (all rooms)
Combination of ocean views (premium) and garden view rooms
Q- What's included?
A- Resort features-
Beach coves
Freestyle pool
3 outdoor Jacuzzis
Swim-up bars
Cross current pool
Lap pool
Indoor liquid sound pool w/2
Waterfalls
Daily activities
3 lit tennis courts (at Aventura Cove Palace)
Kayaks & snorkeling
Spa facilities ($)
Fitness center
Aerobics room
Spinning room
Yoga hut
Obstacle course
Climbing tower
Meditation pond
Themed parties or shows nightly
Andromeda disco at Aventura Cove Palace
Q- So what's the cost?
A- 5 nights from about $1375pp includes RT air and tranfers based on double occupancy (exact price varies based on point of departure)
Q- So children are not allowed?
A- No, but there is a sister property next door that is family friendly, so if you wanted to come join us but bring the kids along, there is that option
We are going to have a great time enjoying the pool, the spa, the beach, the entertainment, the food and the drinks! Hopefully you can come join us- if interested please contact EZTravelpad ASAP for best possible pricing
Excellence Riviera Cancun or iberostar Paraiso Beach?
I have heard such good things about the Excellence Resorts that I really want to check them out during the 3 days previous to our stay at El Dorado Royale from Oct 3-6(EZTravelPad is going on the road from Sep 30-Oct 6)
I really like the all adult aspect of the all-inclusive option, for a couple of reasons.
1- Obviously, no children. It's quieter- and cleaner. There is no 6 year old little girl staring at me as I munch my baked potato....although that can be very cute.
2- More luxurious. The all adult resorts by nature tend to be nicer, more luxurious and offer superior amenities. Better beds, pillows, nicer sheets, just better.
Now here's the dilemma- I don't know which one to choose - I can't decide. As a travel agent/consultant/adviser, I need to eventually experience both, but which one from Sep 30 - Oct 3? I would really like to share this experience with some other friends!
Most of the people who would want to join us are adult couples (or singles) without children, but many are pinching pennies- so go with the upgrade to Premium liquors vs. well brands and better dining choices or save a few hundred for other options?
Some people may want to join us, but would like to bring the kids - or perhaps stay at a good all-inclusive resort that prices a bit lower than the more luxurious All Adult resorts, and for that the Iberostar resorts are a great choice.
So- YOU make the call - it's YOUR turn to vote - Where do YOU want to go this fall?
Option #1 Excellence Riviera Cancun
Sep 30 - Oct 3 from about $885pp including RT Air + Transfers + "Gold" package trip insurance
3 Nights in Paradise - All Adults & All Inclusive
Here is a feel for what is included
24-hour room service Mini-bar in room stocked daily with water, juices, soft drinks, beer and snacks In-room amenities including bathrobes, slippers, coffee/tea maker, laptop-size electronic in-room safe, hairdryer, iron, twice-daily housekeeping service and more
Pool and beach waiter service Fully equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment
Wifi and unlimited use of business center computers
Use of Hobie Cats, sea kayaks, windsurf board and snorkeling gear
Introductory scuba lesson
Nightly entertainment
Tennis clinics
Game room
Library
Daily activities including aerobics, water aerobics, water polo, yoga, jogging, Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, cooking lessons, theme nights, beach volleyball, beach football, tennis, basketball, bicycles, table tennis, darts, billiards, board games, archery, air rifle shooting
Iberostar is one of the successful Spanish chains of All-Inclusive that have become such a sensation throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Other Spanish chains such as Barcelo and RIU can also be found in destinations across Mexico, Dominican Republic & other Caribbean islands.
People love them - the quality is good - the value is great.
Iberostar Paraiso Beach is located between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen - only about 15 minutes from the Cancun airport. it's BIG - HUGE....in fact this place is so big and spread out that they have their own train running every 15 minutes to get you from points A to B to M
As with most all inclusives, there are a wealth of inclusions such as:
aerobics, shooting, archery, basketball, cycling, beach volleyball, billiards, boccia, catamarans, football, gymnastics, kayaking, aqua gym, the scuba clinic, snorkelling, table tennis, tennis and windsurfing, and free use of the fitness room.
What do you give up?
Intimacy, the luxurious nature of an adults only resort, a higher level of quality
What is the advantage? A larger resort at a lower price - about $550pp (so about $300pp less than Excellence). Remember- this pricing is including RT flights, transfers & trip insurance! BUT, as with any quotes, it is subject to change at any time, and is simply an estimate which will vary depending on your point of departure.
So- the choice is YOURS. Nice and big and less expensive, or VERy nice and adults only and spend a few more $$
Where do we go? We need to decide quickly, so let me know what you think ASAP at EZTravelPad
We sure hope you can join us from Sep 30 - Oct 3 (it's a weekend!) or even extend to Oct 6 when we move down to El Dorado Royale - now THAT is going to be a party that you can read more about here !!
Oct 3-6 for 3 nights (one of which is Scott's 50th birthday so look out!). Wait, did I say 50? I meant 40....yeah....that's it...40th Birthday ;)
In any case it's going to be fun! Oh, and it can also be relaxing....
El Dorado Royale is located along the beautiful Mayan Riviera between Play del Carmen and Cancun near Maroma Beach - consistently voted one of the top beaches in the world. El Dorado Royale was voted one of Conde Nast Traveler's Top 100 Hotels in the World. Just think about that for a minute- Top 100 in the WORLD - I mean, just being one of the Top 100 in the US would be great....but THE WORLD?
Gourmet Included-
El Dorado is a Karisma Resort, and they promote themselves as "Gourmet Included".
What is gourmet included? it means that these people are SERIOUSLY proud of their food, and all of their amenities for that matter....
GOURMET INCLUSIVE® PACKAGE FEATURES
Accommodations as selected.
Welcome glass of sparkling wine.
All gourmet meals and specialty bites.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from a selection of domestic and international premium brands. Once daily restocked minibar with soft drinks, water and beer.
Daily and nightly activity program with live music and shows.
Bicycles provided to ride around the premises.
Non-motorized water sports: paddle boats, kayak and snorkeling gear. Scuba clinics in the pool.
Hospitality Desk.
13 swimming pools, one of which is a natural salt-water pool.
Two hard surface tennis courts with lights. Rackets and balls are provided free of charge. There are certain restrictions for playing at night.
Taxes and gratuities included.
Shuttle to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. (Reservations required)
Fitness Center Sauna and Steam Room 24 hour room service. (Restrictions apply on rainy days)
OTHER FACILITIES AND SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE) Scuba diving trips, certificates, rental equipment and deep sea fishing. Gift Shop and Logo Shop. Car rental. Tour desk. Telephone, internet and fax service. Wireless internet available in the Casitas areas and an Internet Café in the lobby. Wave runners and parasailing. Candle light dinner. (6:00 pm -10:00 pm) International wine selection from our cellar. Laundry service. Money exchange. 24 hour medical service. Special Wedding, Honeymoon and Anniversary packages. Tennis lessons, group clinics, private lessons, events and more. Optional in-room amenities and packages.
Value-
Let's say you and your spouse were going to go out for dinner and drinks each of the next 3 nights - really doing it up with a couple of late afternoon cocktails, get dressed up for a fabulous multi-course dinner at a fancy specialty restaurant, then more drinks & dancing at a club until WAY past midnight...what would you expect to pay? How much would it cost if you added in the best breakfast in town plus a really great lunch with wine, plus snacks in between - think that might add up?
What's it worth just to be on vacation? No dishes to do! No food prep to worry about! No grocery shopping! no...well, you get the idea.
When you think about it, it's really shocking that you can fly to a fabulous beach resort, spend 3 days and nights eating, drinking, partying, sporting, spa-ing (is that a word?) and generally loving life at such an unbelievably low price of...
from about $840pp
Oh sure, there are places for even less money than that, but we're talking 5 Star resort here - where you don't pay for things - or tip...
So if you have any interest in joining EZTravelPad for a Fiesta to celebrate.....whatever you want to celebrate, please contact EZTravelPad ASAP
You can be an old friend and call it a reunion
You can be a new friend and call it bonding time
You can bring your own friends and make the celebration that much more fun!
As they say...."Life is short - eat dessert first" OR in this case, let's go have some fun while we can!
BUT - The party has already started...what?
EZTravelPad is actually going to MX a few days before this, beginning Sep 30 - so if those dates work better, or you are interested in joining for all 6 night, just let us know. Pricing for 3 nights at Excellence Riviera Cancun + 3 Nights El Dorado Royale including RT air + transfers + trip insurance appears to be starting at about $1300pp for all 6 nights, depending on where you flight originates from.
