If you haven’t visited Cancun and the Riviera Maya in a number of years, you may not recognize it. Miles and miles of some of the softest white sand you’ll ever sink your toes into are filled with upscale resorts, thatched-roof palapas, Bali daybeds and picture-perfect beaches. But how many of Cancun’s numerous activities can travelers enjoy today? Surprisingly, a lot. In late 2020, Quintana Roo, the Mexican state Cancun is in, upgraded its COVID-19 status. This upgrade opened up a world of options for travelers, as restaurants, historic sites, theme parks, golf courses, nautical activities, shopping malls and spas could now operate at 60% of normal capacity. There are all the safety protocol in effect at the resorts. Mask are worn by all the staff, sanitizer is available as well as plenty of space. Here are just some of the exciting, unforgettable and safe activities that await you in Cancun. Explore Maya RuinsTake a day trip to the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Be sure to climb the 91 steps of The Castle, El Castillo, for one of the best views in all of Mexico. Tulum, the photogenic ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, is also easily accessible from Cancun. Dive into Cenotes Take a refreshing dip in one of the Yucatan’s most famous jungle sinkholes — Ik-Kil, a.k.a. the Sacred Blue Cenote. A grand staircase takes you down 85 feet to the surface of this pristine pool, festooned with hanging vines and waterfalls. See Art UnderwaterFor an unforgettable museum experience, don’t miss the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). Whether you visit by glass-bottomed boat or scuba dive to the bottom for close-up view of the more than 500 pieces of monumental sculpture, MUSA is absolutely surreal. Splash, Smile, RepeatCancun and the Riviera Maya are the ideal places to swim with dolphins, take an aqua dive tour, go on a whale shark excursion or simply cruise the calm sea on a beautiful yacht, sailboat, paddleboard or catamaran. However you dive in, the warm Caribbean waters will soothe your aching soul and have you smiling like a child in no time. Just Relax After the year we’ve all had, maybe the best thing to do in Cancun is simply relax. Lounge on the beach with a perfectly chilled margarita resting in your hand, watching your kids learn how to snorkel. Or transport your mind and body at one of the more than thirty Cancun spa resorts, many of which offer unique treatments that combine ancient Mayan healing rituals with modern stress-reducing techniques.
Thanks for this article go to Johnathan Herman for this great insight on Cancun. Being a part of Travel Leaders I have the opportunity to access some great information. I also had the fortune of being there just last month for my own great insight.
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Discover river cruising for Christmas. The air is crisp and the scents of spice and roasted chestnuts are in the air as you walk through the village inspired Christmas scenes. As you glance around you notice Christmas lights fill the streets with a soft warm glow where bobbles, bows, candy and special treasures await. It’s an old world style atmosphere, markets are often at the center of town squares beneath the spires of the local parish church steeples. This is European River Cruising, This is Christmas in Europe. Laughter and music fills the air as shoppers pass by snuggled in their winter coats. There is just something about Europe’s Christmas Markets that I don’t feel we have quite captured in the United States. Perhaps it’s the community aspect, the gathering together sipping mulled wine as you let go the stress of the day. Perhaps it’s people coming together and catching up as they experience the warmth of Gluhwein and nibble on delectable pastries. Europe’s Christmas Markets are simply Magical. It’s the start of Holiday Season as during the first weekend of Advent Christmas Markets begin to pop up throughout Europe. This annual tradition has been bringing happiness to locals and visitors alike for centuries. It’s almost like you have been transported back in time to a place of happy memories and the warmth of the season. Christmas carols surround you as you experience your first glance of the sparkle of snowflakes as they gently fall around the merchants selling their wares. Many of these markets can take over blocks and blocks and are filled with everything Christmas. Your taste buds will be filled with sweet, spice, and nutty flavors. The food of the Christmas markets change with the village or city and sausage rules and changes according to region. Gluhwein which is a mulled style of spice wine also changes with region, hot coco, and even non alcoholic versions are available for those who don’t imbibe. Every market also provides a mug for your journey. You can choose to turn it in after your visit for a deposit refund or take it with you as a souvenir. These make great little keepsakes and or gifts. The Markets are filled with everything from food to trinkets. Many favorites are the classic wooden Christmas ornaments. Lace and varieties of Christmas ornaments are also available and many of the items in the markets are hand crafted from local artisans. Bundle up though as winter is starting to set in and you will appreciate the warmth of the heat lamps that surround some of the merchants. If you forget something don’t worry you will find many selections of hats, mittens, scarves, and socks. I recommend a couple of cups of the local Gluhwein to spice up and warm up the day or evening. It will slowly melt away any breath of cold that sweeps the area. If you are a lover of all things Christmas I can’t recommend these enough. Once you go every year you will have a longing to re experience the magic again and again. Christmas in Europe is a memory maker. Experiences are to me more precious then things so go out and experience and build your memories. Better yet make it a River Cruise where you can see and experience these treasures as you glide along one of Europe’s historic waterways. If you would like help and more information please reach out as we would love to help you book your own Christmas River Cruise. Just hit the link below. AuthorTeresa is the owner and lead agent at Travel with Grace and Style and has been in the travel industry for over 25 years. She currently loves traveling throughout the world discovering new and old places with her husband Paul. Walk so in Rome you can walk everywhere! Especially with a great hotel. You are going to walk in Rome and then walk some more and then a little more. No worries though if you have a great hotel to come back to after a long day of walking! I never understand the oh it's just a place to sleep. NO NO NO it is not just a place to sleep. It is part of your experience in a destination. I am an over 50 woman who likes creature comforts. I have spent my life working and I am now an empty nester. I don't have small children, or college expenses I am on cruise control now. It's NOT just a place to sleep. It's part of my experience in a destination. It's part of the culture, the ambiance, and sets the tone for my travel. Yes as always the hotel matters. So I always choose an amazing hotel like the Inn at the Roman Forum which is walking distance to everything I want to see. I will definitely be walking Rome! Vatican Museum is one of Rome's iconic stops but I is always crazy busy. It's packed and you and your 1000 closest friends are all viewing the Sistine Chapel ceiling at the same time. All the while being shushed by the Vatican Museum Policia. So why? Best thing here is a private tour and even better is an off hours private tour. Trevi Fountain is free and you can stroll through Roman streets to get there. Yes, no visit to Rome is complete without tossing your coin into the Trevi Fountain and of course capturing that Instagram moment. BUT WAIT let's take it a little further and capture that moment with a professional photographer. You are in Rome at the Trevi Fountain for goodness sake. It's overflowing with memories you can capture and made 100 percent better by a professional. If you would be so kind to use my link I would definitely appreciate it. GET YOUR ROMAN HOLIDAY PICS Piazza Narvona the place for people watching. Pick one of the restaurants they are all over priced but the view's are perfecto! This is what you are paying for. Sit down have a Aperol Spritz and enjoy my favorite pass time people watching. Roman Forum history and Romans what more could you want? You can go with the peasants and do a basic tour but again why? You are in Rome and you are at the Roman Forum this has stood for century after century. Skip the line and go with a professional where you can discover the Roman Forum and walk along the path that countless others have journeyed. The Tiber River Awe the Tiber the 252 mile long river that has witnessed a 1000 lifetimes of history and intrigue. Take a stroll along the peaceful river that I say it is the bain of the Reformation in that many are still crossing over. :) St Paul Laterern outside the walls one of the 4 ancient, papal, major basilicas and not to be missed. Step into history and discover the story of the Apostle Paul. Not to be ignored and of course filled with the Papal photographs predicted to determine the end of the world. Join friends for dinner and visit to a wine cellar next to the Pantheon . We had a chance to visit in February and scheduled this. It was a great evening with friends. We joined a whole table with others to experience great food, and company and of course wine. If you happen to be in Rome and want to do this Book it here. Wine Dinner. Now for a private dinner with a local you will need to contact me and I can arrange an amazing experience for you. Visit the Pantheon at night is such a beautiful experience. So before your dinner stop in a gaze at the ceiling and imagine Roses falling from the opening. It is truly amazing. If you would like a tour at night again just follow the link Tour at night. If you would like more information or have question click the contact button below. You can also make sure you are up to date on all my little free tidbits about travel by clicking the button also. Just hit the "I want to Travel with Grace and Style"
We were headed to Europe for April and while we were going to be close we chose to take two river cruises along the Danube River. The first portion was one of a really short duration of 4 days 3 nights. It was on Avalon Waterways. They give the option of doing a cruise tour type vacation but for this we chose only the cruise portion. Meaning we opted not to do the on site stay at the hotel portion. The Danube is Europe’s second largest river and is definitely a river cruise to take if only for the picturesque beauty of the region.
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Teresa H.
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December 2023
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