Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Is Disney the ultimate family vacation? My Disney Dream cruise review

I've been very skeptical about Disney's value over the years.  My last Disney World experience left me with memories of miserable summer weather, long lines and high prices that I didn't want to repeat.
At my son's request (actually a year of begging) we took a Disney cruise for a 3 day weekend getaway.  I knew he would love it, but my expectations were low for us adults.  We're not mouse maniacs and I don't even really like animated movies at all. Since we had not had a vacation where neither of use were working in a long time I was also not too happy about spending it on a Disney ship. Fortunately, the experience really blew me away and we will be returning.

Pros:

The kids club, Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer club is undeniably amazing.  It is huge with so many things to do that all the kids seemed engaged and happy every time we looked.  Automatic hand washers are just the coolest things ever to me.  I am definitely the 'wash your hands lady'.  They are open until 12 or 1 a.m. so parents have plenty of time to hit the entertainment district bars & lounges.

The staterooms - the split bathroom concept is a lifesaver.  We also had one of the best stateroom attendants ever on this cruise.  We didn't see her much but our room was always ship shape.  Just the way I like it!  I like to sleep late on vaca and hate the ones who are making noise and knocking early to hurry up and get their work over with.

The food - I have had feedback from others that the food was not as good as they expected.  This is such a subjective topic, but I thought the food was great.  There is a wide variety of freshly prepared food at the buffet, including fresh seafood.  Dinner menus had real food for the kids, not just chicken and fries every night.  Of course the typical things were there like Mickey pasta, but there was always a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and soup for the kids.  Even if you have a picky eater like mine it's a great time to try new things.

The shows - of course the shows are awesome!  Even though Disney themed, there was plenty of comedy and adult innuendo (nothing objectionable) to keep us entertained.  They brought back some memories of Disney movies I'd forgotten about.  The diverse singers and actors are incredibly talented as expected.  Other entertainment includes first run movies, deck theme parties and live music. My hubby got to see Thor: The Dark World on the ship so he was sold the first night.  We also watched the classic Jungle Book on Funnel vision together lounging by the pool (tropical drink in hand of course for me) one afternoon.  My son had never seen this or Mary Poppins so it was fun to talk about the movies I watched as a kid.

Castaway Cay - Having the kids club on the private island is great.  We had time to play together at the family beach, eat a delicious BBQ lunch, then my son was ready to go play with his new friends while we headed to the adults-only Serenity Bay.  It was quiet (except for the moron at the bar who wanted to loudly talk about politics and his miserable life) and relaxing given that the little one was safe and having fun.  The wave phones also help squash the anxiety of nervous parents.  They work (even text!) all over the ship and Castaway Cay, so you can keep in touch with each other or call the kid's club to check on your babes.

Cons:

The dining hours - too short.  I saw many people walking away from the buffet mad.  That should never happen on a cruise in my opinion.  Though the grill is open, who wants to fill up on pizza and burgers on vacation?

Only traditional dining - I missed Norwegian's freestyle dining.  We were getting hungry between meals and it made for a cranky boy by 8:15.    Assigned table mates can also be hit or miss.  We're about 50/50 on great ones and others that make us want to skip dinner.

Debarkation procedures - nobody likes to leave the ship but their policy of assigned breakfast restaurants and no set groups left long lines.  I definitely felt they were ready to kick us off and disengaged the morning of.  On the way to breakfast a crew member pointed to the gangway and said 'debarkation is that way!'.  Now if everyone is supposed to eat at the same time and we're headed to a restaurant, posting someone in the way to point you off the ship is a clear message that I don't like having as one of my last memories.  After eating, still standing in line for a very long time to get off made me wish for the colored luggage tag groups some other lines use.  There would still be lines, but you just didn't feel as rushed to hurry up and wait.

So it looks like my cons revolve around food...LOL what a surprise!  Overall it was a really fun trip.  Disney Dream definitely beats any other short Bahamas cruise out there.  For 7 days, I'd still give some other lines the edge in value.
Since it was a personal vacation I didn't take a ton of pic like I usually do.  For more see the Disney Cruise Line Brochure http://disneybrochures.com/bp2b#


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Why I'll stop wasting my vacation days working

We took a real vacation meaning no phones, no internet...absolutely no work for the entire time.  It felt so refreshing that it's hard to admit we have not done that in a very long time!  The annual Vacation Deprivation study shows we're in good company.  Americans are increasingly seeing vacation as a luxury instead of a right.  Among those who receive paid vacations only 10 out of 14 are being used.  Why when we receive much less in paid vacation than countries like France who have 30 are we not even taking advantage of them?
The time we spent together just having fun enjoying the little moments really is priceless as cliche as that sounds. I would probably never have chosen a Disney cruise, but I actually enjoyed myself way more than I anticipated.  It's been my son's dream for a long time and the magic definitely got to him.  Watching his face light up during the shows was well worth it.  

Disney Dream Ship Model
I guess this pose was just pure excitement waiting to explode!
 In my home, we are guilty of feeling like our jobs cannot function without us.  Also substituting business trips for genuine r&R.  Since both of our jobs require travel we do get to take the entire family on lots of trips that we've fooled ourselves into thinking were an actual vacation.  It took my son insisting on no electronics this vacation to make me realize that.  (We're talking about an average boy who would probably stay up all night every night playing games if he could.  Once he says we're on the phone and computer too much there must be a serious problem!  )  Science backs up the need for regular down time.  

Clinical psychologist Deborah Mulhern found that people who don't take enough time to relax may find it harder to relax in the future according to US News & World Report.
"Without time and opportunity to do this, the neural connections that produce feelings of calm and peacefulness become weaker, making it actually more difficult to shift into less-stressed modes," Mulhern said. "What neuroscience is showing is that we require down time in order for our bodies to go through the process of restoration. It is only when we are safe from external stresses that our bodies can relax enough to activate restoration."
Aqua Duck Disney Dream
Us on the Aqua Duck coaster while docked at Castaway Cay
I did stop worrying about website traffic, social media posts and the like after a couple of days. When I came back I realized that as long as you have a good plan in place the world will not fall apart while you're gone.  Sure, others probably will not do things just like you would, but part of the process is learning that trying to control everything is not healthy anyway...even when you are sitting at your desk.
Sea World One Ocean
Watching One Ocean at Sea World Orlando

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The best packing list to lighten your vacation load

Do you find yourself bring a slew of outfits on trips?  Business trips can be tricky because you need professional and casual clothing.  The weather on vacation can vary and you definitely want to look great in those pics.for your friends and family.  
Could you travel for 7 weeks with one carry on? Here's a great packing list for women that can help you do just that!  Air travel is already such a hassle, why add extra stress of lost luggage, not to mention the cost of checked bags.  We almost never need 3 outfits in one day, so although it may look cute in pictures most of us could lighten up a bit!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

What drew Left Eye to Honduras? Thoughts on the TLC Biopic

I just watched 'CrazySexyCool', the TLC biopic on VH1.  While the movie was just ok, the songs brought back lots of middle and high school memories.  I loved their music and the highlight of a family trip to Disney World was seeing them on Space Mountain.  Somewhere at my mom's house there is a dog eared picture of a very geeky looking me thrilled they were nice enough to pose for a picture.
Anybody talking about experiential travel piques my curiosity so I wanted to know what drew  Left Eye to Honduras so often.  Honduras is not a super popular destination for most travelers, but a great place for diving, Mayan history and an interesting cultural mix of Afro-Caribbean culture and Spanish colonial influence.
Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes bought a condo and her foundation was in the process of establishing an orphanage there at the time of her tragic death in a car accident near La Ceiba, on the northern coast of Honduras.  She had spent time at a healing village in the area they allude to in the movie when they're talking about being somewhere without a phone. Lately I've spent lots of time learning about all of the wellness, yoga, spiritual and meditation retreats in Mexico so I was curious about  this one in Honduras.  The Usha Healing Village is still there with Dr. Sebi who was mentioned in the film.  (Interestingly while researching Dr. Sebi, I found a claim from back in 2005 that he treated Micheal Jackson for addiction, which no one believed at the time.)  It's funny that people can find something that inexplicably draws them to a certain place and keeps them coming back.  Sometimes that can be the people, the cuisine or just a nebulous 'energy'.  Travel is not just a way to escape, but a way to find yourself sometimes.  

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Did you ever wonder if the Mayan calendar influenced sexual positions?

Me either, but I did learn there is a Maya sutra of sorts last week.   I had the opportunity to attend the Mundo Maya Feria in Merida last week to meet companies that specialize in tourism to the Mayan world. Interest in the region peaked last year and now that 2012 has passed more people are interested in learning more about this culture since clearly they weren't predicting the end of the world. The Mayans are famous for craftsmanship of many items from indigenous materials like sisal.  The artisans can make hats, clothing, accessories, beauty products and much more from natural materials found in the Yucatan peninsula.
Go to just about any marketplace and you will see all sorts of hammocks. ( I made some great contacts that I'll blog about later, but I was just dying to get this one out!)
In the square of Merida we talked to a man who still lives in a small Mayan village and comes into town to sell hammocks.  The craft has been passed down through several generations in his family.  My colleague had just bought one the day before and wanted to compare the quality, but we ended up getting a real education in Mayan hammocks.  I'm sure he missed several sales talking to us for so long, but we really enjoyed learning and he wanted to practice his English.  His learned his near perfect English and French from just talking to visitors on the street.  His assistant, he proudly pointed out, learned in school and only spoke in broken sentences.  (Sorta like my Spanish)  I learned so much about the Mayan culture from Yucatan to Chiapas during this trip, but the thing that sticks out in my mind most is when he pulled out his little dogeared manual of all the different things you could do in a hammock.  Too bad my camera was dead at this point in the day because it was comical to watch this old man's eyes light up as he flipped through the book.  He must have remembered some really great times in his hammock.
So now from just taking a few minutes to engage a stranger we have an invitation to the village to learn how to make hammocks; and if we stay a week, one to take home.  Oh the people you meet when you travel!

P.S.
This booklet is actually sold by some company in Australia on ebay but I'd much rather buy from the locals.   Next trip to the Yucatan bring one back!  Matter of fact, where ever you go, try to buy a unique souvenir from indigenous people.  It's more unique than another Senor Frogs shot glass and supports the people of the region.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Why Waste Money On Travel Professionals?

Did you see this article from Forbes last week? "Why I Happily Waste Money On A Travel Agent (Maybe You Should Too)"
The author totally gets what today's travel professional/client relationship is about.  Convenience and value for the consumer.  People who have never used a travel agent (or haven't used one in a while), always ask if Internet is hurting our business.  Probably about as much as Home Depot selling lawn mowers is hurting the business of the person who cuts my grass, o
r WebMD is hurting doctors.   It always makes me wonder how old people think I am because the Internet has been around long before I ever thought about a career in travel! =)  
Of course Great Scott Getaways was founded long after Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline were established. They are not necessarily competition, just a different way of doing things. The web is a tool nearly everyone uses these days.  
The online booking engines are agencies, they just have a different business model than your local travel retailers.  They are able to save a few bucks by outsourcing call centers and increasing volume while you do the work.  I've found most people think they're going AROUND a travel agent by booking vacations on those sites.  Not true, but they have done an excellent job at marketing that idea.  There are call center type agencies that employ American workers and count on volume with particular suppliers to pass on savings.  If you have done the research to know exactly what you want and don't need much hand holding at least use one of those.  

The average consumer spends 42 hours online checking out travel.  40 hours is a work week for most people!  I bet most people have not stopped to think how all those hours here and there add up by the time you've made a decision to book your vacation.  Even the most expensive travel agencies don't charge what you make in a week to book a trip.  (Perhaps with the exception of those like Bill Fischer who I hear charge retainers upwards of  $100,000 to celebrity clients like Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters.)  

Is saving a fee really worth what you make in a week?  I'd call that penny wise and pound foolish.  The author made a great point about some people enjoying doing all that research and attention to detail.  There is almost nothing you can't do yourself if you're willing to put the time and effort into learning.  The problem is most people don't want to spend their precious free hours on the Internet gambling on ticket prices and guessing which resort reviews are fake or just disgruntled guests who'll never be satisfied.  For the average person, a quick online reservation for a big trip can easily end up in a big mistake if you're not careful.  For every one who saved a few bucks online there is a story about a big online booking mistake.  Like a woman who thought she found a cruise cheaper, but it ended up being on the wrong ship.  A groom that put his wife's married name on the reservation (not what is actually on her ID) and ended up missing their honeymoon flight.  Or a shopper who found out the $599 deal was a room at a beach resort with no windows.  That one was a family member!  Of course, I informed them but I'm just saying that to get the commission right? =)    Wrong!  Your local businesses are there to help plan your dream vacation from start to finish if you desire, or just be the one sitting on the phone for hours getting confirmations for you if you prefer minimal help.  We depend on referrals from our clients and wouldn't survive if we had the mentality of screwing them for a one-time commission.  Of course any human makes mistakes, but 50 bad reviews will hurt a local business much more than a national one.  Most of us are doing what we love and building lasting relationships with clients.
Today's model is a partnership between the travel professional and client.  You have to communicate preferences we would never know.  We need to constantly provide valuable service at a competitive price. The transparency of the Internet has made it easier for you to double check prices ( I have no problem checking for a price match), find travelers to share your excitement with or just get some great countdown clocks.  It hasn't made it less expensive to fly.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Tourists with a Traveler Spirit AKA I don't want to cook on my vacation

This week I ran across an article from a travel blogger, "Why Travelers Should Aspire to be More Like Tourists" that renewed a little peeve I blogged about last year.  Why are 'travelers' so self- righteous?  Why is 'tourist'  such a dirty word?

There seems to be a rift in what most people think of as authentic travel and tourist travel.  I don't see why you can't do both.  Travelers seem to think of themselves as hip, socially conscious folks who wouldn't dare set foot in one of the evil corporate resorts.  They think of tourists as the those who just want to transplant a little piece of America into a new spot for a week without really experiencing any of the local flavor of their destination.  To me that's an artificial separation. I don't see why you can't have an authentic experience, learn about local culture and still have luxury suites on the same trip. 

Even other travel professionals get into this at industry events.  It's quite funny!  There are plenty who are so proud that they've never been on a cruise and just don't get all-inclusive resorts, ugh! (Insert disdainful face here)
Well I'm the first to speak up that I LOVE them both.  Cruises are some people's first introduction to foreign travel and a springboard for further exploration.  Sure, you'll have some of the typical ugly American tourist behavior but you'll also meet people from all over the world and sample several different places in one week without fighting airport security.  Hoarding food at the buffet is not mandatory!  
All-inclusive resorts have totally saved my vacation life when it comes to getting some beach time once the kids arrive.  Staying at the resort is not mandatory!  It's a choice.  Some people may feel more comfortable exploring the next time they go to a certain place.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  My son has met little friends from several different countries and across the U.S. at the kids club.  We have still done some very cool tours that have made lasting impressions and got the whole family in touch with local culture when we stayed at all inclusive resorts.  Even if you never go beyond the gates, your whole family is still learning something.  Not all resorts are foreign owned corporate monsters that bleed the local economy.  There are several high end resorts that are Mexican owned and operated.  You don't have to stay in a cabana to contribute  to the local economy.  

For 'just the two of us' escapes, I've found all-inclusive resorts a big stress reliever. Sure you can rent a condo or villa, but the 'where do you want to eat?' game will get tiresome real quick!  (Fellas, I know you hate when we say it doesn't matter!)  At least if everything is already accessible and paid for on property you have the freedom to just enjoy each other.  There are great tours in every port or destination that will make great shared memories and acquaint you a slice of local life.  
So here are my suggestions to combine that relaxing getaway with some 'traveler' spirit.


How to travel like a tourist and have memories like a traveler:

1. Schedule tours that involve volunteering or visiting indigenous communities.

2. Buy locally made souvenirs.

3. Consider splitting your time between adventure activities and luxury resorts.  (Say 3 days hiking and camping in the jungle and 4 at the beach?)

4.Take excursions unique to the destination.  Certain things like zip-lining are everywhere, so ask what is here that I won't get anywhere else?  

Of course these are all things your trusty travel professional can help you arrange.  =)

www.greatscottgetaways.com

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Travel Matchmaking

Yesterday someone said at a networking function they were the 'match.com' of franchises.  That got a chuckle from the crowd and got me thinking about how that's true for most of our careers.  We're always matching the right people, products or solutions in some way.
In travel, my task is to match people to the right destination at the right time, then to the right resort and activities.  While they're gone I'm crossing my fingers that the 'date' goes well.  I love the feeling of satisfied travelers raving about how much they loved their vacations, how much fun their family had and how relaxed they feel coming back.  Those clients are usually the ones that are open with their past likes and dislikes, what their needs are for this particular trip and are honest about their budget.
People always ask me what's my favorite place, or what's the 'best' hotel.  I can see the little letdown when I say 'it depends'.  It really does depend on what you're looking for at the time.  You may hate my favorite hotels, not because there's anything wrong, but because it's not the right fit for you.  Even my own mom did not enjoy a cruise she went on with us because she really doesn't enjoy formal dining. We all love food in my house!   That is one of our top priorities when choosing our vacations.  My mom is much more into activities, so she would be more comfortable in a place with more activities. I've seen 70+ year olds with more energy than your average 20 something.  One of the reasons I 'broke up' with my first travel agent is because she had a one size fits all attitude and made recommendations based on our ages, not what our actual priorities were at the time.
So you see why it's important to delve deeper into what you want beyond the price tag. (Kinda like not picking a spouse from their pic online.) Value is key! If you don't share what's important to you, it's easy to wind up in the wrong place.  I've heard people complain that they didn't like a resort because there were too many kids, the beach wasn't big enough, the food wasn't good, there were too many foreigners etc.  Most of the time these people have decided on a vacation solely on price! Each of these concerns could be addressed with a resort in the same destination that is not necessarily more expensive. That's one reason I've stopped advertising deals so much.  When someone jumps on a great sale without considering if that is the right match for them, it's a matter of time before there's a messy break up and they think they really hate the destination altogether.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Great Diving in Mexico and the Caribbean

Cozumel- A Mexican Heart and Caribbean Feel
Ringed by 40 different dive sites, Cozumel Island is a diver's dream since it sits on the 2nd largest reef in the world.  There are a number of resorts to choose from (American chains, all-inclusives and boutique hotels), a lively bar scene at night once the cruise ships are gone and a small Mayan ruin to visit when you want to stay dry.  If you've only been to Cozumel on a port stop, you will find there is so much more to this island once you explore.  Even I hate the aggressive vendors inside the port and the cookie cutter Diamonds International like stores. You can take a direct flight to Cozumel or fly to Cancun and take the ferry over from Playa for more air connectivity.
There are more than 150 dive sites surrounding Grand Cayman.  Touted as the "world's best 12-foot dive" by the destination, Stingray City allows divers the chance to swim with more than two-dozen "tame" southern stingrays. Wreck divers have a brand new attraction to explore off Seven Mile Beach with the sinking of the Kittiwake, a 251-foot, 2,200-ton, five-deck decommissioned naval vessel.

Turks & Caicos is considered to be one of the top diving in the world, with protected natural reefs, crystal-clear waters and an amazing range of incredible undersea sights. For novices or families, Beaches Turks & Caicos is perfect since SCUBA diving is included in the all-inclusive rate for everyone over 10 years old. If you're not certified they offer a resort course and kids introductory programs for additional fees.

Belize is along the same reef system as Cozumel so also boasts some of the best aquatic life in the western hemisphere.  What you won't find in Mexico is the famous 'Great Blue Hole', Belize's signature dive.  The Discovery Channel ranked this as number the number one most amazing place to dive.

www.greatscottgetaways.com

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Wine Tourism in Mexico

Ruta de Vino

If you thought you had to travel to Europe to sample some unique foreign wines you're in for a treat just across the border.  Mexico has produced wine since 1521, making it one of the oldest producers in the world.  The Guadaloupe Valley in Baja has been called the Napa Valley of Mexico. Although Tequila is by far the favorite spirit, consumption is on the rise among the younger generation.  Since imports of Mexican wine are more expensive visiting the boutique wineries along the wine route will give you an opportunity to taste wine you may not have access to at home.   The state of Baja California is home to world famous golfing in Los Cabos, whale watching and eco adventure tours from Loreto.  The area is also a short bus trip from San Diego making it possible to take a day tour if you prefer to stay stateside.  
The Fiesta de la Vendimia is currently celebrating it's 23rd year with events throughout the Valle de Guadaloupe, Tijuana and Mexicali.  The 17 day harvest festival happens each year in the first weeks of August and attracts wine lovers, musicians and chefs preparing fine cuisine for pairings and the paella contest.  For more information on Mexico's wine production and other good news check Mexico Today's website.  Mexico's Wine Country

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Safety on Cruise Ships and Abroad

Every once in a while there is sensational interest in crime aboard cruise ships and in vacation spots.  Now that three major cruise lines have agreed to post crime data on their website there is renewed interest in safety while cruising.  While the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) asserts serious incidents are rare, there are simple tips to keep you safe at sea and while vacationing abroad.
Ships and large resorts are the size of some small towns so there are bound to be some unsavory characters around whether they be guests or employees.  While it may be paradise, it is important to remember your basic safety measures still apply.

1.  Trust your instincts - If it feels wrong, trust your gut.
2.  Have a buddy when drinking.
3.  Stay in well lit areas.
4.  Use the safe - Better yet leave anything you can't afford to lose at home.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Caribbean Music Festivals

RiviRiviera Maya Jazz Festivalera Maya Jazz Festival - While they may not be jazz, Earth Wind & Fire are the big draw this year. November 28 - 30 will  see Jim Beard, Ed Motta, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers and more will grace the seaside stage in Playa Del Carmen.  The best part?  The festival is free!

St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival - This long running festival is returning in 2014 with a broadened artistic direction.   Set for April 30 - May 11, 2014 the music extravaganza will feature 50 performers all over the island.    Previous headliners included Air Supply, The Jacksons, John Legend,  Akon, Tito Puente Jr., R. Kelly, Amy Winehouse, Micheal Bolton, Rihanna, Kenny G and The O'Jays. Let me know if you want to be notified of next year's line up.

Palace Resorts  -  The Beach Boys will be performing at Moon Palace. August 6 (next week).  If last minute travel is not your thing wait for Ricky Martin December 28.  Guests who stay 5 nights or more receive 2 free tickets.

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival - Last January, Mary J. Blige, Micheal Bolton, Arturo Tappin and more graced the stage. Performers for 2014 should be out soon.  
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Best Golf Resorts in Mexico and the Caribean

Great golf courses are a staple in most vacation destinations these days.  Whether you need to get away from the family for a few hours, or bring the gang along there's an exciting array of choices. 

Grand Lucayan
The Bahamas
Grand Lucayan Beach and Golf Resort
This resort is just 45 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Florida, so an  easy weekend retreat.  2 courses available with plenty of water features.  (13 out of 18 holes on the Reef Course)

Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals Emerald Bay
This former Four Seasons occupies a quiet out island in The Bahamas.  The Greg Norman designed par 72 championship course was named one of the Caribbean's best golf courses by Travel + Leisure Golf.  Book a butler suite and you'll enjoy unlimited golf with your luxury accommodations.





Jamaica
The Ritz-Carlton Resort, Rose Hall
The White Witch Golf Course spans 600 acres of the Rose Hall Plantation (close to Montego Bay).  Mountainous terrain with scenic views of the sea might take the edge off the wind challenging your shot.
Weekly Junior Golf Clinic

Sandals- All of the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica offer access to the Sandals Golf and Country Club.  What sets this course apart is the fantastic offerings for the family.  Kids can get their own clinics with a golf pro (included with the stay!).

Riviera Maya, Mexico
Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the top golf resorts according to Conde Nast Traveler.  This is Mexico's only PGA tour stop.  If you want executive luxury this is the place.  The resort spans 47 acres of lush mangroves and tropical forests.  Covered boats and golf carts transport guests through the winding canals   connecting the two-story casitas.  Though most people don't think of a AA Five Diamond resort as being kid friendly, they do offer a kids's club for up to three hours a day and a free children's menu at select restaurants. 

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort
Moon Palace Golf View Suite
The 27 holes here span scenic dunes and lakes at the interior of this expansive property.  There is so much to do here, the family won't notice how long you stay at the course, neither will your wallet.  Stay 3 nights and get free unlimited golf or make everyone happy by splitting the resort credits for golf, spa services, tours or room upgrades at this mega resort.  With onsite dolphin discovery, flow rider, tons of activities and a kid's club this resort is perfect for large groups and meetings.  Why not take your next tournament on the road?

Los Cabos, Mexico
The One & Only Palmilla features a Jack Nicklaus 27 hole course divided into 3 sets of challenging holes.  The Sea of Cortez is your backdrop for 12 of them.  Cabo is a golfer's paradise and a nature lover's dream with plenty of eco-activities available in the Baja region.  The resort has one of few swimmable beaches.
The One & Only Palmilla

Great Scott Getaways

Sunday, July 7, 2013

3 Reasons to Avoid Timeshare Pitches

If you've come through the Cancun or Puerto Vallarta Airports you have probably been swarmed with timeshare sales people like bees to honey.  I always advise people to just put your sunglasses on and keep moving till you get to your transfer company.  They love to pose as helpful guides, trying to assist you in finding your way to the hotel.  Sometimes people are lured into listening to the pitches by promises of free tours, hotel upgrades and credits.

1.  That 'free' breakfast or tour of the property could very easily end up sucking up an entire day of your vacation.
Consider what you spent for that day and ask yourself it it really saved you anything.  Wasting the $400 dollars you spent for that day at the fabulous all inclusive resort is not worth $200 in free tickets to swim with the dolphins.


2.  The value of your timeshare may not be worth what you pay for it.  Check out this report from ABC.  If you must you can probably buy a resale for much less than the rep is pitching you now.

3. You may end up finding your own way back to the right hotel once they are done with you. 
Scroll through reviews and you'll find quite a few people who ended up stranded and stuck with a hefty taxi fare once they decided not to buy.

Your experience may vary, but why not enjoy your vacation and save the sales pitch for a rainy day on the road back home?

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Passion of Mexico- Tequila

What comes to mind when you think of a vacation in Mexico?  Usually the three things that top the list are the beach, Mariachi music and Tequila.  In the state of Jalisco you get all three in their purest form.   In Puerto Vallarta you have a classic sun and beach destination with dozens of luxury resorts.
Guadalajara brings you colonial sites where mariachi originated only an hour away from the town Tequila.  No explanation needed there.  If you're looking to crystallize the country in one trip, make it to Guadalajara.  Jalisco is Mexico.
I've wanted to go here for quite some time and finally made it recently during a conference.  I've been a fan of Tequila since before I could legally drink.  A stint in college working at a Mexican restaurant with an extensive spirits list taught me so much!  Knowledge of what sets a silver apart from reposado and anejo was required before we could even hit the floor.  (See kids, you really do learn something useful at every job, no matter how menial it seems at the time.)
While many Americans think of Tequila as a drink best slurped down in one grimaced gulp, the spirit is so much more than that.  After seeing the arduous hand crafting that goes into the process you'll never look at it the same...and you'll quit drinking  Patron believing you're having the good stuff.  After my trip to La Rojena, the Jose Cuervo distillery,  I had a new appreciation for the deep cultural significance of the drink to Mexico's identity. (The jimador at left is the 4th generation to harvest the agave.)
Pruning an agave plant
Cuervo is the oldest of several manufacturers that have plowed the fertile grounds of the area for over 250 years.  For non-drinkers the story behind the process is fascinating.  Listening to the tour guide I got a real sense of pride rather than a canned speech.  Of course there is plenty of Tequila to go around afterwards whether you like yours straight up or in a a margarita.  Tequila can be reached by a tour from Guadalajara or the express train that operates each weekend.    If your're thirsting for an excursion here contact Great Scott Getaways for more information.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Mexico's Unique Museums

Today is International Museum Day, when lots of institutions are offering free or reduced admission.  The theme this year is Museums(Memory +Creativity) = Social Change. Visiting foreign museums is a great way to learn about other cultures, bringing back a little empathy with your memories.  So...what a great day to highlight museums you can easily visit during your vacation or make a special trip to see.  About.com's Mexico guide has some great info on the offerings in Mexico City here.  Art fans, if you missed (or loved!) the Frida & Diego exhibit at the High Museum I'm Atlanta, Mexico City is a must.  There is also a sizable anthropology museum.

Water lovers don't need to take off the flippers to take in some culture in Cancun.  The underwater sculpture museum is unique in it's attempt to attract tourists and marine life.  Over 400 sculptures were made with special concrete to encourage the growth of coral.


San Juan de Dios Municipal HospitalIn Atlixco, Puebla you'll find one of only two art collections in the world detailing the life of San Juan de Dios (St. John of God).  The paintings are housed in a 16th century hospital with so much original talavera tiles that it is worth seeing on it's own.

 In Morelia, there's a candy museum.  The second largest Anthropology museum in Xalapa (Jalapa), Veracruz houses Olmec heads dating back 3,000 years.  You won't have to stray far from the beach to see sculptures along the malecon in Puerto Vallarta.  Guanajuato has a mummy museum that inspired Ray Bradubury to write 'The Next in Line'.
These are just a few of the most unique Mexican museums in my opinion.  Get out and enjoy some of your local museums today!

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