Spring vacation is a wonderful time for families. Many plan a getaway during the ten-day school-break in March or April. Families fly or drive to many of the major tourist spring break destinations to make the most of a vacation. People living in cold zones fly to tropical or warm zones, while those who live in warmer zones go play in snow.
Spring break is the time when most families decide to take a break from the monotony of life and plan trips to some spring break locations. Tour operators provide many special vacation offers to families traveling with kids. Since spring break varies with locations and institutions, those offers are available throughout the month.
Spring break is a great time for vacation as there are many family discounts, guest ranch packages, and holiday discounts available. Large hotels provide special packages and organize variety entertainments. The spring break activities include water sports on the beach fronts, skiing, and horseback riding. The availability of recreational activities and the ways of celebrating vacations vary from place to place.
Cancun, famed as a tropical island paradise and one of the best locations for collegiate spring break, offers special fun activities for the family. This spring break destination is home to the second largest coral reef in the world. Cancun is an ideal place for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with the dolphins, and shark feeding. Disney World in Lake Buena Vista is a major tourist spot for families going with children.
While going outside the United States for a family spring break, don't forget to take proper identification with you. It is always safe to carry documents certifying your parenthood.
Where can I find information about Caribbean cruises?
My friends and I are thinking about going on a cruise next year in the Caribbean. I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of a good website that compares the cruise lines and where I can get a good price? Thanks for your help.
When it comes to having a good time together for a family vacation, nothing beats going to Mexico and the Caribbean. They are one of the most populars destinations for all an inclusive family vacations available. The resorts located at the Caribbean and Mexico are so popular for their climate, beautiful pools, and astonishing landscape.
With many fun-filled activities catered for both kids, teens and adults, fine food and beverages, stunning scenic surroundings and all the fantastic pampering facilities in pack into one package, an all inclusive family vacation is always the number one option for any family. But what consists of these all-in-one packages:
Most adults get to enjoy water sports consists of motorized and non-motorized facilities. They can enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, playing water trampolines and sunfish sailing under the beautiful climate and breeze. Some even get to scuba dive and snorkeled with beautiful corals.
Between the aged 4 to 12, there are lots of children programs if the family embark on an all inclusive family vacation packages. They will be kept occupied and entertained during the trip, giving them the change to relax themselves. Their programs are separate from the older kids.
Every resorts owners know that teenagers are a bunch of hard-to please beings that has near unlimited of energy. That is why resorts owner designed plenty of teen activities to please them. They even have infant care services.
Not only there are activities for adults and kids, there are also activities for the entire family. These activities are for grown-ups to keep busy. What can the parents enjoy? They can enjoy beach parties, treasure hunts, or simple chill out at night with music entertainment. In fact, some of the resorts have theme nights.
Fine food and beverages are being served in a la carte style to satisfy the taste buds of adults and parents in the refined atmosphere of a fine restaurant. Besides pampering the adults, there are specially designed kids quick buffet and poolside snacks catered to the kids to tickle their curiosity.
Resorts have swim-up bars that are not only for adults taking a dip there, it is also for the kids that need lots of cool drinks to chill out during the hot summer days.
While at an inclusive family vacation resort, you can sit back and relax while your kids are busy attending kids activities and having the time of their life. It also provides you with everything you need to have fun and enjoy your vacation.
Even if your kids are having some extra activities and snacks, you need not worry of any extra costs. In fact, these vacations are everything paid all in advance.
Such family vacation packages are not expensive, after considering the price from accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, children programs and even scuba diving. Resorts in the Dominican Republic or Starfish in Jamaica, offer very affordable packages.
Before you embark on this type of family vacations, you should check hot deals and special discounts that are from all year round, including the summer vacations.
Next February Im looking to go to a Island resort with my family for vacation. Im thinking somewhere in the Caribbean or just a tropical island with a beautiful atmosphere. I would like to do an all inclusive trip anyone have good ideas of where to go that arent EXTREMELY overpriced
Go to Puerto Rico
Here's a Video about all inclusive caribbean vacations for families:
Holidaying and travel in the 21st century has numerous options not only when it comes to the destinations, but also the choices of when and how we explore the world. Cruising has always been amongst the most popular ways of visiting various destinations when on holidays, and has nowadays reached the ultimate dimensions. Cruising holidays are suitable for all kind of holidaymakers and the myth that they are only suitable for the more mature or retired people belongs to the past. Families with children enjoy all kinds of facilities aboard the gigantic vessels from playgrounds, climbing walls, sports facilities, carousels, shows as well as highly professional specialized Kids Clubs and Kids Zones, all 'under one roof'. And, if you add the all inclusive option, you could not possibly think of a better value holiday for the whole family.
Romantic couples and honeymooners also enjoy cruising holidays as the modern cruise liners provide anything from chapels and wedding ceremonies to honeymoon suites, spas and the most special treatment to make your occasion very unique and special.
There are also several specialist cruises, such as cruises solely designed for younger people and younger families and these for example do not require formal wear for the evenings and have adapted itineraries and entertainment. On the other hand, cruising can also be considered for corporate events as many ships offer state-of-the-art conference rooms as well as meeting facilities, not to forget gyms and social facilities including bars or casinos.
Cruising holidays offer endless possibilities and itineraries to explore the whole world. Just imagine yourself on a voyage round the mysterious Nordic fjords or the lush Caribbean islands providing fantastic exotic scenery. Discover the magnificent European cities and picturesque ports around the Mediterranean. Spend the days relaxing on the beaches of St Lucia, Barbados or Cuba or enjoy cultural excursions to cities like Venice, Istanbul, St Petersburg or Athens, and many others. Choose a long cruise taking you right round the Far Eastern Countries to Australia and Latin America. All of these itineraries will offer the most fantastic sights and unforgettable lifetime memories.
When on board of the ship, soak up the sun on the private deck of your luxury cabin whilst sipping your favourite cocktail, watch the variety and Broadway style shows, enjoy duty free shopping in the numerous malls, join in the fitness classes, swim in the pool, relax in the comfort of your accommodation and in the morning wake up in another magnificent port...
If you still have not decided if cruising is the best holiday option for you, the following points might help you decide with your choice:
- On cruising holidays you will not need to worry about any changes or connection times as everything will be taken care of for you from the moment you step on board of the vessel to the end of your stay
- You will visit plenty of destinations and resorts in different countries within a relatively short span of time
- Everything is at your disposal to use and enjoy whilst on board of the ship from fitness centres to shops, bars, restaurants, show rooms, swimming pools, casinos, deck promenades, spas, sporting facilities, to name but a few
- You will have the most fabulous all inclusive dining experience from sushi bars to French, Italian, Chinese and the most exotic cuisines you can imagine, not forgetting the most delicious seafood specialties. You will enjoy superb quality food, drink and bespoke service.
- If you are travelling with kids, they will be in their element when you take them to the professionally run Kids' Clubs organizing the most imaginative activities and shows. This will also give them a chance to meet a lot of new friends.
- You will have access to hundreds of excursions with the most experienced tour guides, enabling you to get cultural insight into the visited destinations
- Cruising holidays can be a very economical and good value of going on a family holiday as everything is usually included. They can also be booked at the last minute and offer some excellent bargains.
- And finally.... Just think of all the wonderful views of the open sea and the ports you can get from the top decks of one of the many magnificent vessels
If we helped you make your decision, at packyourbags.com we will be happy to turn your holiday dream into reality. Simply call us and we will advise on the best cruise options, season and itinerary choices at the best available prices.
Do you have ideas for a inexpensive class trip for 70 Christian college grads from SoCal?
We went on the 3 night Royal Caribbean cruise to Ensenada for a couple years, then RC canceled that itinerary. So, last year we went on Carnival. It was too much of a party ship for our group. We liked the price (under $300/person). I don't think I can come close to this. Got any ideas?
I looked at renting our own boat, but I don't know where to start - or even if we could find a boat that sleeps 70.
I looked at all-inclusives in Mexico, but flights are spendy.
I thought about camping, but packing all the food and then cooking for 70 people doesn't sound fun at all!
I'm trying to keep in mind that last year's class got to go on a cruise... I don't want to stiff this year's grads.
I'm at a loss. Any help would be great!
Check on Royal Caribbean's web site. They may have another itinerary
that you can do. They are my personal fave for cruising, too. How
about a cruise to Alaska? It won't be under $300, but you could find
one for possibly $499. Also, if you contact a RCL agent, they may
be able to give you a better price since you would be booking 35
cabins!! Another option is to take a trip to Hawaii, but this may not
be that inexpensive. Your flight shouldn't be too bad, and more of you
could stay in a room so that would help with the cost.
I still like the cruising idea, so check and see. I fully understand why
you prefer not to go on Carnival. Have you checked with Norwegian or
Holland America? I think these are more expensive but I know that
Holland America is more of an older adult cruise not the "party ship"
Carnival strives for.
I congratulate you all on your graduation and your desire to take a trip that doesn't compromise your Christianity!!
I just did a search for RCL and I found one sailing out of San Diego
in Oct. (4,9,14,19,&24) going to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas for
5 that's right 5 nights starting at $259!!! It is on Radiance of the Seas.
Don't know if this is the ship you were on before but since you are
previous cruisers, you should get a few perks. If you have not already
become members of the Crown and Anchor Society, do it now online
and you get tote bags and different perks on the ship.
Hope this is helpful. If it is and you need further assistance, you can
e-mail me a gbfloyd22@yahoo.com and I'll be glad to assist you any
way I can.
Here's a Video about caribbean cruises itineraries:
Caribbean cruises offer you the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruises. The Caribbean is the largest cruise market because of its popularity and because these cruises run throughout the year. Naturally, the major cruise lines inaugarate their newest ships there because they are assured of filling the space to pay for them. These new ships typically are at a premium to the older ships but you can still find bargains on them.
Look at the off-peak dates-September thru the first two weeks of December and January up to Spring Break. Spring break dates, June thru the first two weeks of August, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are typically your highest rate periods. If you are looking to book a Caribbean cruise on these dates, book early. On Carnival Caribbean cruises you will find the new ships Miracle, Conquest, Valor, Glory and Legend, and soon, you will have the brand new Carnival Freedom.
On Royal Caribbean, you have the Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Norwegian offers the Jewel on their Caribbean cruises. All of these ships are are the newest and biggest ships in the cruise market. The Caribbean is the most popular market for most cruises and is typically the most affordable of all the itineraries.
People like the Caribbean because it is relatively close and presents little challenges for most people when it comes to getting to the departure piers. Most people can drive to the many piers now being offered as departure points for the Caribbean cruises. Ports like Galveston, TX; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Port Canaveral, FL; Norfolk,VA; New York; Philadelphia and Bayonne, NJ. With so many close departure points, people don't have to rely on airfare like they do for Alaska and the Mediterranean. Go here for more on Caribbean Cruises.
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Here's a Video about caribbean cruise deals january 2010:
The Top 5 Wow Deal Destinations for 2010 as seen on WNBC New York
The hotel has evolved throughout the years. Whereas once it was simply a lodging, a place where you could go and get a hot meal and kick off your shoes for a night or two, today, hotels are so much more.
The modern hotel is all about giving its guests a new experience. It is about offering a space that's not so much a home away from home as it is an escape from home and the daily grind of everyday life.
Everywhere you look there are various themed hotels that have cropped up in all corners of the world. You can find a designer hotel with art themed rooms in practically every major city. There are hotels dedicated to fashion, to music, to being sustainable, to books and to celebrity personalities. And the public loves it.
Still, the traditional luxury hotel is very much alive and well. From ocean front luxury resorts with vast swimming pools overlooking the deep blue oceans of the Caribbean to tropical bungalows in Bali and Thailand where eco-chic and haute cuisine mingle, those in search of creature comforts and exotic locals won't be at a loss. Nor is there any lack of refined and exclusive hotels whose names say it all. There are always your Hiltons and your Marriotts.
Still for those in search of something a little bit different, something with more edge and flair, there's a whole treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Here's a brief introduction to some of the most unique and remarkable hotels from around the world.
Venture down to South America-to the south of Chile-and you'll find the Magic Mountain Hotel. Located smack dab in the middle of the Huilo Huilo Reserve in Panguipulli, this hotel has nothing to do with the Disney ride of the same name. Rather, it is a hotel that's built in the shape of a mountain. From the peak comes a torrent of water that flows down the sides, creating a spectacular water fall. The hotel is located in the middle of one of Chile's most incredible forest landscapes. In the area you can go hiking, indulge in a round of golf, explore the white water rapids, or go skiing. You can end your day relaxing in the outdoor hot tubs. A night's stay costs around $170 USD.
You've probably heard about the famous Ice Hotel-in fact, now there are several in the world. The first, however, was built in a small town in northern Sweden called Jukkasakjarvi. The hotel started out as an art project, a small igloo constructed on the frozen Torne River. That igloo soon gave birth to the 5500 square meter Ice Hotel, which is made entirely out of ice and snow-it's an experience you won't forget.
In the Netherlands, visitors can head over to the Harlingen Lighthouse and stay in this charming tower. While the tower only houses two, and must be booked well in advance, it makes the perfect romantic weekend getaway. Although it doesn't come cheap, it's great for couples looking for an escape from the stress of daily life.
In Rome, visitors can stay at the Franklin Feel the Sound Hotel, located just a few steps away from the Vatican in the Prati quarter. This hotel is dedicated to good tunes-each room comes equipped with a state of the art sound system and you can borrow CDs and vinyl records in the lobby.
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Here's a Video about caribbean resorts with bungalows:
Little Cayman Island: Pirates Point Resort-Little Cayman Rev
The Caribbean is one of the most popular locations for a cruise. There are hundreds of lines that operate in this area and choosing the right one for you will depend on a few conditions. Choosing the right cruise operator can make or break your vacation.
Before you choose your Caribbean line you should consider what is important to you. Below are a number of points that you should consider.
1. Location location location. The whole point of a cruise is to travel. The destination of your cruise will be an important deciding factor. Which parts of the Caribbean do you want to see?
2. Are you a family or a couple? By families we are talking about children. Not all cruise lines cater for children and not all cruise lines are suitable as a couple's getaway. Check the brochures first and try and get as many personal recommendations as possible.
3. What is your budget? The difference in cost between one cruise and another could be astronomical. Be sure to shop around and you could be in line for a bargain.
4. Look for a good all rounder. Some offer great drinks packages and some offer cheap balcony cabins. Check all the packages to make sure you are getting the best value for your dollar.
5. Check the names. The well known names have survived for a good reason. The big, well known names often offer a much better service that the less well known companies. The big three are Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian lines.
The Caribbean is a fantastic place to visit on your vacation. Follow this advice to be sure that you get the best Caribbean cruise lines.
i am 17 (and could easily pass as 18 if not older) and i am going on a royal caribbean cruise from barcelona next week... will i be able to get into some of the 18 and older areas. I only really want to get into the adult pool and maybe the casino just to watch my family play. Will i be able to get in??
I am going on the brilliance of the seas
I cruised on the Brilliance a few years ago; its a great ship. Yes you can do adult things as long as you act and dress adult looking. No one is going to ask to see your cruise card if you go sit in the adults only solarium, with your parents or alone. Same for the casino. The casino is not like Vegas where they have floor walkers and they will not ask to see your cruise card if you walk through or stand and watch.
But you will NOT be able to drink alcoholic beverages. They will enforce that rule.
When it comes to your wedding reception, the venue is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The wedding venue should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.
Daunted by the task? Don't be. While you should approach venue selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.
1. Determine the Theme and Style of Your Event -
Different types of wedding venues set the stage for specific styles of wedding reception. Before deciding, determine the type of affair you would like to host.
Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner).
Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of wedding venue you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!
2. Decide on Geographic Location -
Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? How about a Caribbean island? With today's jet-set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your wedding will dictate the location-a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea...
3. Estimate the Number of Guests -
OK-so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great-you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring wedding venues, there is one final criteria to consider - capacity. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of wedding reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacities based on the setting with or without a dance floor.
4. Now Find Your Site! -
Find as many venues that meet these initial criteria as you can. You can search a national directory to find wedding venues and services in your area that meet your needs, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each venue and meet with the manager. After that-it's decision making time!
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September Carribean Honeymoon advice needed?
I am getting married in September; my fiancee and I want to go to a Caribbean Island or Mexico. I keep hearing horror stories about Caribbean weather for that time of year, which I was aware of. September is the best time for us to get married and we want our Honeymoon immediately after our wedding. Seems like it is truly a crap shoot (for lack of a better word) for anywhere I have researched so far weather wise. Besides for over-priced Aruba- can any seasoned Caribbean traveler console me and guide me of where I should be looking into for this much anticipated event?
As you know weather is very unpredictable. We have traveled the horror months in the Caribbean and have been lucky. Pick your island but just take out hurricane travel insurance and have a backup plan.
Usually the hurricanes pick up steam around Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic and then it travels into the gulf to the USA. Some go south or west to Mexico.
I would look at these islands for affordable packages. The ABC islands (they are out of the hurricane belt)Aruba, Bonaire,Curacao. Check out St Martin/StMaarten, Trindad/Tobago,St Kitts/Nevis,Grenada and the US Virgin islands.
In Mexico, check out the Riviera Maya. (Playa del Carmen,Tulum,Puerto Morelos)
A good site to check out previous years weather patterns is this site. They give you 10 years or more weather history.
http://www.wunderground.com
click on trip planner
enter a specific destination
dates of travel
This will give you an idea what type of weather to expect over a 10 year span.
Most storms last a day or two and then move on. Just keep a eye out for any bad weather coming your way so you can get prepared.
We were in Florida one year in October and they were forecasting a bad hurricane coming our way. Well, it stalled and we got out safely but we did make some alternate plans just in case.
Good Luck and just go for it. Congratulations and don't worry. You'll be fine)
Here's a Video about best caribbean island get married:
Get married in Punta Cana 2009. Get married in Dominican Republic 2009
Luxury European River cruises combine elegance with visits to the many small towns along the river's edge. This gives travellers the opportunity to experience the country's true culture firsthand.
Amadeus Waterways - Paris to Istanbul
With Amadeus Waterways your European vacation begins in Paris, the City of Lights, where passengers spend several days exploring the city, viewing the landmarks the city is known for. Stroll along Champs Elysées, the boutique-lined boulevards, or visit the Eiffel Tower. Travellers witness history up close as the ship glides along the Rhine and Main River.
Then onward to Nessebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe, before rejoining the cruise in Romania. The cruise ship sails along the Romanian/ Bulgarian border before continuing to Serbia. Towards the end of the journey guests can enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. The vacation concludes in historic Istanbul.
The trip includes 14 nights of deluxe accommodation in an outside stateroom. Rooms are equipped with Internet, movies and a Music Library.
Viking River cruises - 2009 Treasures of the Rhine
This 15-day voyage visits five countries along the legendary Rhine River. The journey begins in Switzerland's Basle region, and continues through the Black Forest region of Germany and France's Strasbourg.
On the banks of the Rhine the ship stops in the famous wine town of Rudesheim and lovely Cologne. A highlight of the journey is the guided tour of the city of Strasbourg. See the Place d'Austerlitz and European Parliament, and enjoy the city's famed cathedral up close.
On the fifth day guests travel in a motorcoach to Heidelberg. A guided tour includes Heidelberg Castle, a red sandstone ruin overlooking the Neckar River.
Then, onward to the Netherlands to explore Amsterdam's picturesque canals. In Amsterdam travellers are given the opportunity to enjoy a glass-topped canal cruise past merchant houses and the famed Skinny Bridge.
In Belgium travellers can discover the medieval cities of Bruges and Antwerp.
Evergreen tours - Imperial Jewels of Russia
How does an Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise sound? Guests enjoy a 12 night cruise onboard the Ms Surkov, the most luxurious river cruise ship in Russia. Explore some of the world's most fascinating yet relatively undiscovered destinations.
Uncover Russian History, the imposing Red Square and the Kremlin and encounter ancient towns along the river Volga.
Commencing in St. Petersburg guests are transferred to their luxury river cruise ship. The trip begins with a tour of this stunning city including the impressive Peter and Paul Fortress. The cathedral within the fortress houses the tombs of the last Romanov family.
The tour continues on to Nevsky Prospect, where guests can view the Cathedral of Kazan, the Winter Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral.
A highlight of the journey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Kizhi Island. One of the most ancient sites in Russia, the island is an open-air architectural museum housing significant buildings.
Upon docking in Moscow, passengers visit the famed Bolshoi Theatre and Red Square
Blue Water Holidays - Andalusian Holiday
Blue Water Holidays offers a cruise through the historic Andalusia region of Spain, the home of sherry, flamenco, mountains, and the Costa del Sol. This eight day cruise sails between Seville and Cadiz along the River Guadalquivir and the Spanish coast.
This fabulous journey includes excursions to historic sites and cities. Some optional excursions are also available to towns such as Jerez, home of sherry and the flamenco, the City of Seville and the Rock of Gibraltar.
Passengers are provided with seven nights of cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, superb dining with all meals included during, unlimited quality red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner, a Cocktail Reception and a Captain's Gala Dinner.
Luftner Cruises - Music on the Danube
Most of the world's greatest classical music has originated from a small area in central Europe. Why not take a river cruise down the Danube to explore the musical origins of the genre?
With Luftner Cruises travellers can enjoy a music cruise of the Danube River. The cruise is peppered with a variety of musical extravaganzas, from a concert at the Beethoven-house in Bonn to a tour in Strasbourg that includes a concert in the St. Thomas church.
Entertained by the singers of the London Festival Opera, the journey includes two full days in Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. Whilst in the Wachau Valley, Vienna and Budapest the itinerary includes a number of guided excursions.
A river cruise such as this is tantamount to a floating hotel that travels through the very heart of Europe.
Welcome to Play Caribbean! We have setup this website to bring our visitors everything we have learned and experienced in our 20 years of traveling throughout the Caribbean. It is our goal to be one of the premier websites with a wealth of information focusing only on the Caribbean islands. Please use the search box at the top right corner of the website to quickly search all of our news and information we've gathered over the years. Enjoy our stay!
