Vacation Express Blog

Costa Rica by 9 year old Gabi Jones - Day 4 & 5: Wet day and my first trip to the spa

Friday, July 30, 2010

“Today we went white water rafting on the Rio Balsa. Mom said this was a class II/class III river, which is a good level for someone like me who hasn't done this before. This was one tour we got to sleep in for, because we didn't have to leave until 9:45 in the morning. Our guide's name was Gerald, and he was very nice. Gerald and Julio, our driver, rescued a turtle that was in the middle of the road coming out of our hotel and it was so cute. It took about an hour to get there and then we had to hike down to the river. It was really hot walking down to the river bank so I was happy to get on the water. Gerald showed me how to paddle and I had to try to keep YaYa calm, because this was her first time rafting too, and she was pretty freaked out.

Finding your own Bachelorette dream vacation – who need's Tahiti?

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The hottest topic among the Vacation Express team right now is this season of The Bachelorette! On ABC's hit show the final contestants journeyed to exotic Tahiti, where they've enjoyed romantic dates with bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky. Who will she choose to date for real on Monday night's finale in Bora Bora? Will there be an engagement? We just can't get enough of it! And if you're day dreaming of your own Bachelorette vacation, you don't have to journey to Tahiti or Bora Bora – choose from these dream destinations that are a little closer to home...

Cancun's Beach Palace Wyndham Grand Resort - The Lazy Blogger tells all...

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Who's better to review a resort than a blogger who gives an honest and in-depth account of their stay? That's why we love The Lazy Palace Resort, a blog site that tells it like it is, and boy, does she tell you everything you need to know! If you're thinking about staying at a Palace Resort, this is a site you simply MUST check out. From the hotel lobby and check-in procedure, to the dining options, rooms and facilities, she'll guide you through a stay at the resort and tell you what to expect before you go.

Live blogging from Costa Rica by 9 year old Gabi Jones - Day 3: Farewell Peace Lodge, Hello Arenal!

Friday, July 23, 2010

DAY 3 Hi everyone! Before we left the Peace Lodge we got to see all the waterfalls. The White Magic Waterfall is really cool, because if you stare at it for 20 seconds the plants start moving up. Next I got to hold a boa constrictor around my neck, and they are not venomous but I was still scared it was going to choke me. But it was still pretty cool. We also went to see the jungle cats. The Jaguar was sleepy and not doing anything, but the margays and ocelots were active and I thought they were sooooo cute.

Live blogging from Costa Rica by 9 year old Gabi Jones - Day 2: Volcanoes, Coffee and lots of Frogs!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

DAY 2 “Hi everyone, I'm back! Today we woke up at 6am, because we had to be ready to go at 6:45. They include a breakfast and coffee. The rice and beans, which Mom called Gallo Pinto was not my favorite, but I made a scrambled egg taco and ate plenty of bananas. The Doka Estate coffee plantation tour kids might not like as much, unless they really like coffee, but Mom and Yaya really liked it. They especially liked seeing me rake the coffee beans while they were drying.

Live blogging from Costa Rica by 9 year old Gabi Jones!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

DAY 1 Follow our youngest adventurer, 9 year old Gabi Jones, as she blogs LIVE from Costa Rica! For the next two weeks she will be keeping you posted on all the adventures she'll be trying out - from white water rafting, to zip lining and more.

Even more HOT new properties!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Great news - we've just expanded our exciting range of hotels and resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean with even more hot properties AND a brand new destination! That means even more choices for you. From oceanfront all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya to an all-butler resort in the Bahamas, each has been specially selected for you. Here's our round-up of the hottest new properties now ready for you to book...

Girl’s getaway to Dreams Riviera Cancun

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Follow Kathy Davis on her 4 night girl’s getaway trip to the popular Dreams Riviera Cancun all-inclusive resort: "The resort was close to the airport, only about 15 minutes or so, and about one and a half miles to Puerto Morelos, which is a small fishing town. The day we arrived it was pouring rain by the time we had lunch and got our luggage so we took umbrellas (provided by the hotel and conveniently placed all around the resort) to town to do some shopping. The taxi fare was $9 each way to Puerto Morelos. The town was very cute and small with a few shops, a craft market and some restaurants and bars located around a central plaza. It’s a nice town with plenty of opportunities to do snorkeling tours, fishing and sailing. The world’s second largest barrier reef is located just off shore, and we did some great snorkeling while we were there.

Staying in shape when on vacation – it's easier than you think!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

So I try to eat right and exercise regularly – just like the doctor ordered. But when it comes to my vacation time, all that goes out the window. I love nothing more than lounging on the beach and eating whatever I like, whenever I like - let's face it, it's hard to say no to all that tempting all-inclusive food and drink! And I'm sure I'm not alone... but before we all leave our running shoes at home, maybe we should consider this sobering fact: as a general rule we lose fitness twice as quickly as we gain it. So maybe staying in shape by taking a little exercise when on vacation isn't such a bad idea!

Unique spa treatments

Friday, July 09, 2010

Ever heard of a beer facial treatment or a shell massage? No, we're not kidding! These are real treatments available in some of the best spas to be found in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica. In the last few years, many resorts have added new or expanded existing onsite spa facilities, meaning a much wider variety of therapies and treatments. Once considered to be only for the rich and famous, spa getaways and vacation treatments are more affordable than you think. Great spa resorts are accessible in all price ranges, and better yet, Caribbean and Latin American spas are often less expensive than destination spas in the US. And there are definitely some unique and unusual treatments to choose from...

Discover Costa Rica the easy way!

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

If you've never visited Costa Rica before you're in for a real treat! This unique and compact country is full to bursting with things for you to see and experience – from unique ecosystems to active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, interesting cultures and tons of adventures. But how do you make the most of your time in Costa Rica? Which areas should you visit and how do you find hotel options to stay on budget? We have all the answers!

“I need help planning my Costa Rican vacation!”

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Costa Rica is THE most diverse vacation destination in Latin America. There is so much to discover – from unique ecosystems to interesting cultures, active volcanoes, stunning beaches and adrenalin-pumping adventures! It’s the perfect choice for families, couples, adventure-seekers and nature lovers, even discerning travelers looking for a rich eco-experience coupled with unique accommodations. But when it comes to planning a Costa Rican vacation, the vast number of options available can be overwhelming! We often get asked where's best for beaches, family activities, adventure-seekers and honeymooners – AND we have the answers!

Top Caribbean spots for snorkeling & diving

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are sure to tempt you to take a refreshing dip, but venture deeper underwater by snorkeling or diving and what you will discover is sure to leave you dazzled! The Caribbean is renowned for its amazing diversity of underwater attractions – multicolored reefs dotted with even more brightly colored marine life, shipwrecks, and one of the world's longest barrier reefs lying just off the Bahamas. For beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers alike there's a wealth of wonders just waiting to be discovered and luckily in the Caribbean 'deep' doesn't have to mean better. Many dive sites start a mere 20 feet or so underwater and run to 100-plus feet below. But for those who love to dive deep, the sunken ocean caves (blue holes), jaw-dropping walls will not disappoint. These destinations guarantee the BEST snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean:

A perfect romantic couples getaway! Couples Negril

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Jennifer Algieri and her husband Frank recently enjoyed a romantic stay at Jamaica's Couples Negril resort. As first-time visitors to Jamaica they were bowled over by the country's beauty and hospitality – so much so they can't wait to go back, and soon! Jennifer tells us about their stay...

Caribbean Flavors – Jamaica: Curried Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Potato Fries

Monday, June 21, 2010

This is a classic Jamaican dish that incorporates a number of ancestral cuisines. The curry represents the Indian influence, the sweet potato the African influence, and the coconut milk the local Amerindian influence. A Scotch bonnet is like a habanero, and is about the equivalent of 4 jalapenos (VERY VERY HOT!). If you use this much pepper it will be very hot so be forewarned! For people who can tolerate a little “hot” (but not too much) use 2 jalapenos instead (remember to take the seeds out!). You can double the quantities of the ingredients for this dish, and serve it as a main course with boiled rice molded into pretty shapes. Umm umm good!

Wedding Away! A real life destination wedding in paradise

Monday, June 14, 2010

Congratulations to Jesse and Andrea Sieger! The couple recently enjoyed a Dominican Republic destination wedding and honeymoon at the Paradisus Palma Real resort in Punta Cana. Follow their real life wedding story as Andrea shares with us their experience of planning a wedding from afar, what made their day so memorable, and why a destination wedding was the perfect choice...

July 4th vacation deals worth celebrating!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Have a blast this 4th of July by celebrating the Independence Day holiday on a tropical beach! And what could be better than bagging a bargain and taking advantage of some of the incredible deals that are currently available. You could be spending the holiday soaking up the sun in Mexico, the Caribbean or Costa Rica. Whichever destination you choose, your celebrations are sure to go off with a bang...

Cancun & the Riviera Maya – tie the knot in your favorite vacation spot!

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

What could be more perfect than saying “I do” in your favorite vacation destination? With Cancun and the Riviera Maya being top vacation spots for so many people, it makes sense to enjoy a romantic wedding in a destination you love almost as much as your other-half! And with the turquoise sea, white sand beaches, year-round perfect climate and impressive resorts that will cater to your every need, it's guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind celebration in one of the most romantic places on earth.

It’s tequila time!!

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Tequila (pronounced ’te-kee-la’) Definition: The quintessential Mexican spirit guaranteed to get your vacation started!

We're talking 2011...

Friday, June 04, 2010

Thinking about planning your 2011 vacation already? Maybe it's not such a bad idea to get planning early! Many resorts feature incentives, discounts and great values for those booking early. And if you're wanting to plan ahead and grab an unbeatable deal you're in luck – many 2011 prices are now becoming available to book PLUS we're adding more and more each day.