Acapulco sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast and is bordered by the rugged Sierra Madre mountains and breath taking Acapulco Bay. Daytime in the town square of Zocalo is a peaceful place to take a stroll past the fountains, cathedrals and sidewalk bistros. Night life includes the entertainment of wandering clowns and street performers who are looking for tips well into the evening.

A trip to Acapulco isn’t complete without watching the cliff divers at La Quebrada. Since 1934, professional divers have been jumping off the steep cliffs into dangerously shallow water four times a day.

Isla de la Roqueta is a small island off of the coast of Acapulco that can only accessed by water taxi or glass-bottom boat. The beautiful beach, hiking trails, lighthouses and snorkeling spots attract both locals and tourists looking for an escape from the city.   Hillside clubs and lounges bring out the best in Acapulco’s social scene with music and dancing.

For more information, visit:

 https://price4travel.agentstudio.com/destinations/north-america/mexico/acapulco.html

PHOTO: Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa. (photo courtesy of Sandals)

At Sandals Negril guests wake up each morning just steps from famed Seven Mile beach, a stretch of coastline renowned for its sands as white as powdered sugar and aquamarine waters. 

Whether staying in the all-new Beachfront Walkout Club Level rooms, the Sunset Loft Suites or the Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Suites, all of the resort’s accommodations put guests closer to the water than anywhere else in Negril.

Proximity to one of the most celebrated beaches on the planet is just one of the highlights at this hip Jamaica resort that showcases Mother Nature at every turn.

Sandals Negril is also home to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful dive sites, featuring vivid marine life, coral reefs and a range of unique undersea sights. In fact, there are few places with better dive offerings than the Caribbean. Divers from all over the planet flock to the region, which is why Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive diving programs anywhere.

Not only is everything included, Sandals is the only resort chain to have all resorts Green PADI Certified.
There’s a range of intriguing diving opportunities at Sandals Negril for novice, advanced and master level divers.
The novice diving site at Middle Shoal Reef exposes visitors to coral reefs, large aggregations of French grunts at cleaning stations on coral heads, Squirrelfish aggregations and turtles are also regularly spotted here.
Advanced dive opportunities at Shark’s Reef allow participants to follow the coral reef and overhangs down to a sandy bottom sloping seaward at 75 feet. Along the way, there are nurse sharks and large stingrays.

For the even more skilled master divers, Middle Shoal Reef also has a small single-engine plane rest beneath the ocean at a depth of 90 feet. Diving in this area showcases Spadefish and Barracuda, as well as beautiful coral, barrel, sponge and gorgonians.

After a long day of playing and relaxing, guests at Sandals Negril will also find plenty of options for memorable dining. There are seven specialty restaurants located throughout the resort. The casual Bayside restaurant, for instance, offers buffet breakfasts and lunch overlooking the ocean. Come sunset, it transforms into an exquisite a la carte French Brasserie experience. Cucina Romana meanwhile offers savory Italian cuisine and flavors from Tuscany in an open-air setting. Only the finest ingredients are used in the special Italian meals prepared by the chef, who creates dishes inspired by his home region of Lazio.  At Kimonos, the aroma of exotic spices and perfectly grilled delights are just part of the experience. The vibrant restaurant serves exotic dishes from the Far East based on the mid-1940 Teppanyaki cooking style.

These are just some of the culinary highlights at Sandals Negril. Additional dining options include Sundowner, a white-glove experience that serves West Indian food; and also Beach Bistro, which specializes in grilled fare.

And finally, back to the luxurious accommodations at Sandals Negril just steps from the beach. Think of them as your own private paradise.


The Millionaire Honeymoon One-Bedroom Butler Suite with its private pool sanctuary certainly qualifies as a small slice of paradise. Highlights include four-poster, king-size bed; flat screen televisions and a spa style-bathroom.
The suite’s charming patio meanwhile opens onto a lush garden with private plunge pool and miniature waterfall, as well as an outdoor shower. The suite also comes with Butler Elite service.
The innovative Swim-up suites at Sandals Negril are also a true slice of luxury. The Crystal Lagoon Beachfront One-Bedroom Butler Suite includes such details as ivory tile floors, lavish bathroom, a walk-in shower and separate whirlpool bath. There's also an expansive living area and a patio that offers direct access to the beautiful crystal lagoon pool.
These are just two of the many accommodation choices at the sprawling resort, each one offering a unique take on tropical paradise at its finest.

More Americans are Going Camping

For some travelers, a relaxing getaway means nothing more than an all-inclusive experience in a resort with a pool and spa. For others, the only way to vacation is by overnighting in someone else’s home or villa. Still others long for an urban boutique experience near nightlife and a buzzing culinary scene.

While industry experts predict that hotel rates and occupancies will almost certainly increase this year, the growth in traditional and non-traditional accommodations will almost certainly not be at the expense of exploring the great outdoors.

In fact, more Americans than ever before are going camping concludes a report released by Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Some 61 percent of all American households said they went camping, at least occasionally, in 2014. (Compared to 58 percent the previous year.)

In 2016, KOA estimated that some 37 million American households went camping at least one time. Nearly one-third of campers reported going on three or more camping trips in one year. And those repeat customers, says KOA, is what is helping drive a growth in interest in camping.

Fully half of all campers said they intend to spend more nights camping in 2017. And data collected by KOA backs that up. Since 2014, the number of campers who have reported taking three or more camping trips per year has skyrocketed by more than 36 percent, while infrequent campers (once a year) have dipped by 10 percent.

While campers tend to be traditionalists, identifying tents as the most popular type of camping, the number of people who choose to camp in RVs or cabins is slowly growing in popularity.

Millennial Campers

Somewhat surprisingly, millennials tend to be avid campers. More than half of millennials (51 percent) said that they intend to increase their camping in 2017. Millennials also tend to be the people who most enjoy camping in large groups of 10 or more people and they say they are most likely to look for campgrounds that can accommodate their group size.

Teen Campers

The future of camping could be bright based upon the responses of Gen Z campers, or teenagers between the ages of 13-17.  Some 90 percent said they intend to camp as adults.

Adults who camp with teens say they enjoy the experience because it helps reduce stress and leads to a healthier lifestyle. Teenagers agree that camping offers strong stress-reducing benefits and that it is a great way for their parents to relax. But they also like the opportunity to participate in something they have in common with adults.

The survey also revealed that camping teens are not necessarily more glued to their technology than any other age group. Teens reported going online during 83 percent of their camping trips, a number that roughly mirrors the tech consumption of adults, who go online 84 percent of the time.

The larger differences can be found in online habits. Teens tend to check social media (46 percent vs. 29 percent of adults), while adults check emails more frequently (39 percent vs. 21 percent of teens).

Interestingly, 86 percent of teens responded that they like to play board games or card games at least occasionally while camping. And half of the teens surveyed said camping gives them a chance to unplug from technology. Some 71 percent even indicated they would still be willing to go camping even if there was no Wi-Fi connection.

Technology

Not surprisingly, 95 percent of campers bring some form of technology with them on a camping trip and at least half say free Wi-Fi is an important feature when choosing a campground.

But 37 percent of campers also say that technology allows them to free up their time so they can spend more of it outdoors. This group also reports taking an average of two more camping days per year than the rest of respondents.

Multiculturalism

The KOA report also found that camping among non-white campers is increasing. In the most recent study, non-white campers made up a quarter of all campers, a rate that has doubled since the number was first measured in 2012.

Asian Americans, in particular, are rapidly becoming camping fanatics. Some 40 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander campers said they only started camping in the past few years, as opposed to new campers of African-American origin (31 percent), Hispanic origin (22 percent) and new white campers (12 percent).

Trending Now! RIVER CRUISES

If you're looking for something different, without the hassle of international travel, river cruises are a hot trend for 2017.  River cruises include most shore excursions and many include beer and wine at lunch and dinner. It is much more intimate than an ocean cruise with typically only 150-200 passengers, so making new friends is very easy. The atmosphere is very relaxed and casual.  River cruises offer more individualized attention, nice accommodations, great food and excellent service at an affordable price. 

For example, American Queen Steamboat Company offers a 2017 "AMERICAN MUSIC CRUISE." Discover the sights and sounds of America's rivers and the roots from which sprung a variety of musical genres. Enjoy special onboard entertainment and focused lectures highlighting the music of the regions through which you are traveling. 

Whether it's the sounds of New Orleans Jazz, the strains of the uniquely American musical art form the Delta Blues, the Rock and Soul of Memphis, or the homegrown Country Music melodies from Nashville, it all harmonizes with the rhythms of the river. 

 Your Cruise Fare Includes complimentary Hop-On Hop-Off shore excursions in each port of call. Complimentary deluxe hotel stay the night before your voyage includes breakfast, taxes, porterage and transfers to the American Queen; All onboard meals, including both fine dining and casual cuisine 24-Hour Room Service; Complimentary wine and beer with dinner; Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, tea, bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage; Gracious service from a friendly, all-American staff ; Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian Professional; showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly; and a dedicated fleet of deluxe motorcoaches.

Destinations Visited: 1. Hotel Stay - Nashville, TN 2. Clarksville, TN 3. Clarksville, TN 4. Dover, TN 5. Scenic River Cruising 6. Savannah, TN 7. Paducah, KY 8. New Madrid, MO 9. Memphis, TN

Add a couple of extra nights before your voyage to take in the sights and sounds of Nashvile, country music's home. From Music Row to the famous Wildhorse Saloon downtown, country's influence is everywhere. That's not all Music City USA has to offer, it’s also home to the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Nashville is more than just music; it also offers several different museums, sporting events and history. 

A short walk will take you to the Farmers Market, where you can grab a bite to eat or buy some fresh produce. Whether touring the country music sites or enjoying the laid-back charm of the delightful state capital, visitors to Nashville are in for a "down-home good ole time".

Will Trump reverse DOT's Approval to Begin Trans-Atlantic Service from the US to Europe?

1/2/2017

President-elect Donald Trump will be faced with serious decision-making affecting the aviation industry -- starting with what to do with Norwegian Air.  The international carrier was approved earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin trans-Atlantic service next year from the U.S. to Europe.  Norwegian Air has been heavily criticized for using Ireland as a home base (where labor laws are less stringent) to set up its subsidiary Norwegian Air International (NAI).   This has not set well with U.S. carriers and aviation labor unions. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) is leading a bipartisan group of more than 100 members of Congress to call on Trump to reverse the Norwegian Air decision by the DOT. Larsen penned a letter to Trump stating that NAI is allowed to hire pilots and flights attendants on an individual contract basis, which keeps costs lower and, critics say, violates the Open Skies agreement with Norway and the European Union and gives it an unfair competitive advantage in the transatlantic market.

“On December 2, 2016, the Department of Transportation (DOT) made a grievously wrong decision to grant Norwegian Air International a foreign air carrier permit for U.S.-Europe air services,” the letter to Trump states. “Given your commitment to protecting American jobs and our national security, we strongly urge you, on Day One of your presidency, to revoke or suspend the permit until Norwegian changes its business model to a model that does not rely on a flag of convenience and threaten America’s international aviation industry and our national security.”

Norwegian officials have denied the charges, saying they will not hire foreign pilots at below-market rates. In addition, with flights to Europe originating from five American airports, the airline contends it will be creating and supporting thousands of jobs in the U.S. “Yet, these opponents continue to ignore the facts and maintain creating a fear-mongering and wildly inaccurate scenario,” Anders Lindstrom, Norwegian Air spokesman, told USA Today. “Fortunately, the DOT has analyzed all the facts provided to them, which clearly states that no other foreign airline invests in the American economy like Norwegian.”

By the end of 2017, Norwegian will have more than 300 long-haul crew members based in New York and 200 in Fort Lauderdale, according to USA Today. "No other foreign airline has more US-based cabin crew and continues to create more American jobs than Norwegian, and next year, we will be the only foreign airline to recruit American pilots as we will open up several new pilot and cabin crew bases in the United States," Lindstrom said. "All US-based pilots and crew are hired under local laws and regulations with competitive packages."

The Florida Keys - Romantic Getaway

If you're looking for a great anniversary getaway, consider Ocean Key Resort in Florida.  Relax in luxury accommodations with in-room whirlpool baths; get a massage; have dinner and your favorite beverage at the waterfront restaurant; take a sunset sail tour; spend evenings taking in the sights and sounds of Duval Street.

Ocean Key offers a variety of packages for your stay at the resort.  Your travel agent can also bundle airfare, resort, car rental and trip protection insurance for this property, saving you even more money.  

Live to Play Another Day

A visit to Key West can be just as adventurous as it can be relaxing. This package helps to create that perfect balance.  An evening on Duval Street can take its toll.  The next morning starts with an invigorating breakfast in Hot Tin Roof.  Next you will find yourself in the tranquility of SpaTerre for a re-charging experience.  A massage that focuses on the head, neck and feet are topped with a double shot of isotonic B-12.  Now that you’re feeling adventurous again start off at Sunset Pier with a cocktail to celebrate our world famous sunsets.

Live to Play Another Day package includes:

• Breakfast for two daily in Hot Tin Roof
• (2) 30 minute spa treatments per day
• (2) Double shots of isotonic B-12
• (2) Complimentary cocktails per day

*Package is subject to availability and blackouts. 

Noble Adventures

Noble Adventures at Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Package includes:

• Luxury accommodations
• Daily waterfront breakfast for two
• Dinner for two, one evening at Hot Tin Roof

Day 1 - A Full Day of Reef Fishing
Explore the wrecks and reef off the shores of Key West, practically guaranteeing nonstop fishing action. North America’s only living coral reef stretches from Miami to the Dry Tortugas, about 70 miles west of Key West. The coral cover provides shelter for thousands of species. Your captain will have years of experience, and will know where to anchor so that you see the species you want. Don’t be surprised to have a Shark show up, which might mean you’re in for a bit of a workout. Jacks, Cobia and Mackerel frequent the same columns as well, making your catch of the day an impressive mix of species.

Day 2 - A Seaplane Trip to the Dry Tortugas
This one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed for an adventurous soul. 70 miles west off Key West lay the Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends and sheer unspoiled beauty. It is dominated by its central feature, the majestic Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere. Step back in time and explore the history that is Fort Jefferson. Sunbathe on a remote white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters.

Day 3 - Jet Ski Tour Enjoy a one and a half hour Jet Ski Tour - including a “swim and play” stop at the half way point on a pristine sandbar before wave-hopping along the Atlantic shoreline, Southernmost Point and beaches of Key West back to the dock.

*A 3-night minimum stay is required. All activities are for two guests. Subject to availability.

All-Inclusive Cruises Really Do Exist

If you want a true all-inclusive experience on a cruise, consider Regent Seven Seas.  For about the same price you'd pay for other luxury cruise ship experiences, you get amenities that you would normally find at all-inclusive resorts.  Regent Seven Seas travels to many exciting destinations, including Alaska, Africa, Asia, Canada, South America, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Tahiti!

Seven Seas Navigator

With Regent Seven Seas, your fare includes: a welcome bottle of champagne, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited beverages (including fine wines and premium spirits), free specialty restaurants, 24-hour room services, in-suite dining (served course-by-course during restaurant hours), fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa, and onboard activities, including expert guest lectures, theatre performances and daytime entertain-ment.  There are free open bars and lounges, plus in-suite mini bars that are replenished daily.  Interactive
flat-screen televisions in each suite have an extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand.  Butler service is provided with Penthouse Suites and higher. 

     

      

Shore Excursions in Tahiti

 

Also included in the cost of the cruise fare is an assortment of shore excursions in EVERY port-of-call in EVERY destination. This is a great way to experience the history, culture and cuisine of the ports of call visited with knowledgeable local guides and comfortable transportation.  Cruise George Inlet and indulge in a taste of Alaska at a crab feast -- walk the ancient pathways of Ephesus and Jerusalem -- enjoy a trek through a tropical jungle in Phuket on a majestic elephant.
 

The Seven Seas Navigator is only 490 ft long and has 345 crew members to cater to 490 guests.  That's a ratio of 1 crew member to every 1.5 guests!