EZTravelpad

Multi-Generational Travel is a Hot Trend in travel Today

Multi-generational travel is one of the most popular trends in the travel industry today.

With so many families being spread out all across the country living from coast to coast and even beyond, it is tougher than ever for families to get together to spend time, bond and reacquaint with each other.

That is why vacationing together has become such a popular trend these days.

One of the hottest trends is taking an all-inclusive trip to a family friendly resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.

 

Resort brands such as Beaches, Azul or Club Med focus primarily on quality family experiences and offer excellent activities and entertainment for family members of all ages.

At Beaches resorts the quality and breadth of inclusions is unmatched. Beaches Resorts are located in Jamaica or Turks and Caicos. Resorts feature multiple fine dining options yet still offer casual options for those who are so inclined. Water Parks and plenty of water sport activities such as snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, and more are all included in the price. On land there are even more activities ranging from lawn chess to golf and virtually everything in between – all included!

Sesame Street characters participate in activities throughout the day and into the evening. There is even an opportunity for the little ones to be tucked in and read a bedtime story by Elmo himself.

Club Med resorts are located globally in continents as diverse as North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Club Med offers the only all-inclusive resort in the United States. The Sandpiper Bay resort in Florida features tennis lessons, golf lessons, baby gym, arts studio, talent shows, hockey, zumba and even circus lessons - all for the very young.

Club Med even offers All-inclusive ski vacations in the Alps -

Azul resorts along the Riviera Maya area of Mexico are yet another all-inclusive option for families to experience excellent gourmet dining choices. Azul Hotels redefine family vacations featuring family-oriented suites, kid’s clubs, infant equipment, child toys, and free family reunion coordination.

Nightly entertainment, mojito tastings, a la carte dining and innovative 12-course meals top off the Gourmet Inclusive® philosophy. Rooftop barbecues, s’mores parties on the beach, and 24-hour room service expand on restaurant dining.

The wonderful aspect of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer something for everyone and everything is included at one set price and often tipping is forbidden.

I cannot think of a better way for a geographically diverse busy family to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful and safe environment where preparing one's own meals and cleaning up the dishes afterward is a distant memory.

At most resorts there are options for multi-room suites where a large family can share a suite with 3 or 4 bedrooms and a common living area.

The easiest and most affordable way to accomplish a multi-generational family vacation is to work with your local travel consultant who is well prepared to help put everything together in a manner that will please everyone from the youngest to the oldest.

 

Small Ship Cruising in Alaska

 

Cruise in Alaska on a Small Ship Offers Unparalleled Experiences

 

 

Size Matters

Many people have experienced the wonders of Alaska on a large cruise ship doing a 7 night itinerary either southbound, northbound or perhaps a round trip on the inside passage - large ships with entertainment and casinos can be a great way to see many of the wonders of of largest of these United States of America - but few have experienced the intimate nature that can only be realized from a small ship cruising Alaska

Itineraries that range from 7 nights to 21 night are available from April until September

There are several companies who offer amazing vacations of discovery that range from adventure to luxury - from wildlife discovery to nature hikes  - to interacting with locals who are completely off the beaten path in areas that simply are unattainable on a larger ship

One such option is Un-Cruise Adventures formerly known as Innersea Discoveries or American Safari Cruises
Un-Cruise adventures range in style from

• Active Adventures 
• Luxury Adventures 
• Heritage Adventures

you can even charter your own vessel on ships that range from as few as 22 guests to a maximum of 88 guests on the largest ship in the fleet

A Heritage Adventure is a completely unique experience aboard a Victorian style replica of a coastal steamer which is scheduled for a greater quantity of shore visits and port calls and where on-board presentations are delivered by knowledgeable historians and characters appear in period costume.

Fine wines, Premium spirits and micro brews are included as well as the freshest excellent cuisine

Active Adventures are defined by play - be it in the water, in the woods - or even in the mud. The outdoor activities include more outdoor guides on staff to help with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding - hiking and treking - glacier viewing, glacier hikes, whale watching, wildlife observation & Polar Bear Plunge....all this and more are experienced on a daily basis

Luxury Adventures are slightly different in that although the itinerary might be similar Premium wines, Premium liquors and Micro Brews enhance the gourmet cuisine and finer dining which is served over several courses. Cabins are larger and more luxuriously appointed, the full bathrooms often feature jacuzzis and heated tile floors, Temperpedic memory foam beds and more... Fitness equipment, Saunas, On-deck hot tubs and even complimentary massage enhance the Alaska experience in ways you never thought possible

Take the Kids on a an unforgettable adventure - let them kiss an iceberg up close and personal!

Take your spouse on that special trip that none of your neighbors, co-workers or Facebook friends has ever experienced

Have a 1-of-a-kind Honeymoon experience

Take yourself to new heights of discovery....experience!

For more info on this or other vacation options get with "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

 

Cruising Celebrity Reflection in 5 Months

EZTravelPad Group Sailing April 6, 2013 - Come Play With Us

• Do you have your Spring Break plans all set yet?
• Are you like me and concerned that THIS winter we're not going to get off as easy as last year and you feel like you will be wanting to get away in early April?
• Want to get away during the week of The Masters golf tournamet?
• Have you been procrastinating that long awaited and well deserved vacation lomg enough?

Then join EZTravelPad on a Caribbean cruise this coming April as we experience the most anticipated cruise ship of the year - Celebrity Reflection. This Solstice Class ship will be cruising Eastern Caribbean and porting in the highly desirable ports of San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten. Sound interesting but want to learn more?

Here is the most recent ship review (but keep in mind that this ship is so new it isn't even in service yet)...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-ships/85424/Celebrity-Reflection-review.html

Reviews are great, but wouldn't you rather have a look inside?

Check out this video tour

 

 

 

and here is another tour of one of the cabins very similar to what we have held

 

 

 

Holding Group Space is a great advantage, and we still have some cabins left but you don't want to wait until they are gone - pricing on new bookings is already up as much as $100 per person vs the EZTravelPad pricing currently available in these categories

 

C2 $984 (Concierge level verandah suite)

C3 $924 - sold out

2B $854 (Deluxe verandah suite)

2D $824 (Deluxe veerandah suite)

 

Plus not only is the price lower, but there are some additional perks that will be announced later

Lastly, we have arranged for some significant savings (like over 40%!!) in a great hotel pre-cruise

 

For quite a bit more info on the ship and itinerary check out our earlier blog post that goes into some details on that as well as on the resturants and more

 

So here is you invitation to join EZTravelPad and friends on this very exciting ship. Come along and find out for yourself why at EZTravelPad we like to think of ourselves as "Your friends....in the travel business"

Feel the Need for Therapy? - Try Vacation Therapy

Vacation Therapy is Here Now - Take the Cure!

That's right - sometimes you just need to catch a little fresh air in a different place to clear your head - rejuvenate - recharge

There are dozens of offers ranging from 2 for 1 - to Frre air - to shipboard credits - to - Free hotel nights - to pre-paid gratuities and much more...

But the main thing is to get the help you deserve - the help that EZTravelPad can offer - help that is all complimentary!

Call us now and get started living

 

Usher at Moon Palace this December

See Usher in Paradise - with FREE Tickets!

EZTravelPad can help get you there.... 

Moon Palace is an extraordinary All-Inclusive resort offering everything you want

• Golf
• Spa
• Beach
• Great Restaurants
• Swim up bars
• and luxurious rooms as well....

Give an unforgettable Christmas present to the kids - or a well deserved gift to yourself

Is a smaller resort more your style? Thinking you would prefer an adults only resort?

Then get with EZTravelPad now to find out how you can still earn free tickets - then go enjoy your holidays - enjoy your life  - and enjoy Usher

 

 

Reviewing Atlantis - the Resort, not the Lost Continent

Atlantis is a Resort Without Compare - Truly Something Different

 

All of my life I have been fascinated with the legend of the Lost Continent of Atlantis

• Did it ever really exist?
• Where was it?
• Who lived there?
• What was their civilization like?
• What happened?

So to go to an amazing resort like Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas was not quite as exciting as considering whether a highly advanced civilization once thrived then disappeared, but after experiencing the resort for a while i was truly amazed at what DOES exist in The Bahamas

In 1994 a gentleman named Sol Kerzner purchased a troubled resort from Merv Griffin and began a 4 year process to totally remake the resort into a vision of something that has never been...an expansive resort on Paradise Island in The Bahamas featuring some of the best attractions for families of all ages....a resort featuring a marine environment of over 11 million gallons of water, 50,000 different marine animals featuring over 200 different species....lagoons and water slides and beaches and pools (oh, and a really really big casino!)

Atlantis is spectacular in scale - over 3400 rooms with varying levels of amenities designed to appeal broadly to all sorts of people interested in all sorts of things

• Swim with dolphins
• Swim with seals
• Swim with stingrays
• Golf
• Spa
• Fitness
• Shop
• Relax.....or indulge in any of dozens of other diversions....

See more in the video

 

 

Accommodations are varied from moderately priced

 

 to upscale

 

to something befitting previous guests such as Oprah Winfrey or Michael Jackson

 

Interested in some R&R - there are many, many choices like the pool near the Coral and Beach Towers

or this pool and beach area near The Cove

But so many more choices exist.

Atlantis is not something you can easily plan yourself unless you want to spend hours doing the research to determine your best fit - leave that part to a pro (a pro who will not charge any fees for their advice and expertise), like "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelPad

Surf's Up with Flowrider at Moon Palace in Mexico

That's Right - Now You Can Surf on Dry Land!

You may have heard about the Flowriders - surf simulators that exist on some of Royal Caribbean's newer ships. They are very popular and based on most reports, alot of fun!

Now you can enjoy the same experience on land - at Moon Palace in Mexico!

Moon Palace is an amazing resort located south from Cancun along the Mayan Riviera - or Riviera Maya area - a gorgeous stretch of beach!

For more info please contact "Your friends....in the travel business" -  EZTravelPad

Cirque Dreams at Moon Palace Resort in Mexico

This Just In - Amazing Entertainment in Paradise this Summer!

 

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! 

 

 

 

So How is a Vacation in Mexico These Days?

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...

Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica - a Review

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!

1 More thing- check out the EZTravelPad's YouTube channel for some video and more